More Real...Less Normal

Upon first glance of the exhibit by Edouard Duval-Carrie, the only opinion that came to mind was, “this is a beautiful chaos.” Sounds crazy I know, but that was how I felt because I knew what I was looking at was beautiful, however, the message a bit unclear or chaotic. I knew and felt that I needed a more in depth and observational glance. I think I started with the title itself even though you can not SEE it in the exhibit (because it is just the title). “Decolonizing Refinement” was an interesting way to give a “heads up” to what was going on and personify the art pieces that would be included in the exhibit. When you hear refinement, other words and actions involved may be purification, improvement, elegance, etc. That right there implies the “sublime” that Longinus talks to us about. Sublime deals with excellence and elevation of morale and spirit. Furthermore, if you are following the 5 sources of sublimity that Longinus gives us, the exhibit pretty much hits on all of them. "Great thoughts, strong emotions, certain figures of thought and speech, noble diction, and dignified word arrangement" all play a role in the exhibit.

Now, some may think that dignified word arrangement can apply to an exhibit of pictures/paintings/drawings but I pose you this question. Does the exhibit not get a conversation going? That right there is arranging words in the mouths of those that witness it. Another key part of the exhibit that jumps out is the presentation itself. Even though we are talking about a sensitive topic that would enrage some, not many violent or bold colors. Everything keeps interest without provoking specific emotions allowing the viewer to be free in their thoughts. The graphic imagery mixed with the symmetry and color schemes. Use of royal colors in the times of African Kings and Queens. It takes a certain understanding of the peoples history that are portrayed in the images to understand exactly what is going on. If it makes you uncomfortable then I think that is the whole point. Nothing like this really done before which pushes against any one genre or the other. Overall though a great exhibit that pushes away from what is normal and pushes closer to what is real. Which is proof in itself that people would rather deal with societal norms than the realities that it takes us from.