MOIFA | November 2024
Weaving Meanings Opens to the Public
The spectacular art of telephone wire weaving is the subject of iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa at the Museum of International Folk Art. The exhibition opens with a private donor celebration dinner on November 14, followed by a First Look for Circles Members and major donors on November 15, and then the Members Pre-View on November 16.
Foregrounding artists’ voices, Weaving Meanings shares histories of the medium of wire weaving in South Africa, from the 16th century uses as currency to the dazzling artworks of today. From beer pot lids (izimbenge) to platters and plates, from vessels to sculptural assemblages, works in the exhibition speak to the continued development and significance of this artistic tradition, both locally in KwaZulu-Natal and to global markets and audiences.
The first major exhibition of telephone wire art in any North American museum, Weaving Meanings features close to 500 pieces donated by David Arment and Jim Rimelspach, the David Arment Southern African Collection. The exhibition is guest curated by Dr. Elizabeth Perrill in collaboration with community curator and lead Indigenous knowledge expert Muziwandile Gigaba.
To view the exhibition trailer, click here.
David Arment and Jim Rimelspach
Courtney and Scott Taylor
Bruce and Cynthia Bolene
Natalie Fitz-Gerald and Casa Nova
Friends of Folk Art
Edelma and David Huntley
Kelly and Ginger Hardage
Joan and Steve Grady
International Folk Art Foundation
Mary Anne and Bruce Larsen
Lewis and Dilworth Family Fund
William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation
Trisha Wilson, in honor of David Arment
Associate Sponsors
Gwenn and Eivind Djupedal
Susan and Steven Goldstein, M.D.
Peggy and Leonard Riggs, in honor of David Arment and Jim Rimelspach
Lynn Caldwell Shearer
Margo Thoma
Supporting Sponsors
Lee Bailey
JoBeth Cash
Charles Lohrmann and Helen Thompson
Nance and Ramón José López
Marc Olivie and Marleen De Bode, in honor of David Arment
Gerald and Janet Reichert
Todd Davis and Chris Richter
General Sponsors
Catherine Campbell
Nancy Leib Knuff, in honor of David Arment and Jim Rimelspach
Jane Alexander
Anne Chognard and James Ammerman
JoAnn and Bob Balzer
Dan and Laura Boeckman
Rosalind Doherty
Rae Hoffacker and Peter Pappas
Robert Holleyman and Bill Keller
Sara and Chris Julsrud
David Nichols
Ellen Premack, Katie and David Rosenthal, in honor of Eli Hauber
Jeri and Charles Queenan
Claire and James Rhotenberry
Barbara and Ted Seeley, in honor of Laura Sullivan
Michael Silhol and Ronald Murillo
Jo Ann Ward, in honor of Natalie Fitz-Gerald
Madeleine Wright and Booker Wright, Jr., M.D.
An Enduring Spirit: Ukrainian Voices Through Art and Film
Still from “Porcelain War,” Owl in Wall.
As part of our ongoing programming for Amidst Cries from the Rubble: Art of Loss and Resilience from Ukraine, the Museum, in partnership with the Center for Contemporary Arts, presents a compelling five-part film series that explores the poignant themes presented in the exhibition. This film series offers a cinematic journey through the heart of Ukraine’s struggle, echoing the exhibition’s themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring spirit of human creativity. Each film provides a unique perspective on the lives affected by the ongoing conflict, highlighting personal stories of hope, defiance, and the quest for solace amidst destruction. The series runs Fridays through November and December. Please see website for more information.
Support MOIFA
Your generosity enables the museum to continue offering these impactful exhibitions and programs. To learn more about giving options, please contact Laura Sullivan at laura@museumfoundation.org or call 505.216.0829.
Thank you for your continued support of MOIFA!
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