Central African Art – Invocation of an Unseen World

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) presents a new exhibition titled Central African Art – Invocation of an Unseen World, showcasing nearly 200 artifacts from Central Africa, spanning the 19th to early 20th centuries.

This exhibition highlights the Golden Age of Central African artistic traditions. By integrating cutting-edge new media technology from CityUHK, the exhibition reveals the aesthetic value and cultural significance of these works to Hong Kong audiences. The exhibits are organized into three main categories: ritual sculptures, masks, and weapons. They illustrate how African ethnic groups communicate with ancestors and establish social order through artistic treasures, all while safeguarding cultural identity amid the impacts of colonialism.

The exhibition is divided into three sections: (1) Ritual Sculpture – Invocation; (2) Masks – Transfiguration; and (3) Weapons – Social & Symbolic Action—as well as a section on Geographical Zones. It features new media installations that incorporate documentary research, including 3D animation movies, motion tracking, interactive animations, and RFID detection. This engaging journey invites visitors to perceive art through multi-sensory channels while encouraging them to interact within the boundaries of sacred, spiritual experience.