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MUSEUM OF INTERNATIONAL FOLK ART
News
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS, AFRICAN STYLE
POWER DRESSING: MEN'S FASHION AND PRESTIGE IN AFRICA
DECEMBER 17, 2006 - FEBRUARY 18, 2007
 Santa Fe, NM-The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, Power Dressing: Men's Fashion and Prestige in Africa, opens at The Museum of International Folk Art on December 17 and runs through February 18, 2007. An unprecedented survey of African men's dress brings together over forty spectacular examples spanning the continent from Morocco to South Africa and representing over a century of fashion.
Drawn from the collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey and curated by Christa Clarke, Ph.D., the works on view explore the artistry of men's dress as it relates to and embodies social, political, and spiritual power on an ever-changing continent. The exhibit will open with a reception, free to the public, on Sunday, December 17 from 2-4 P.M. with African music and a lecture by Clarke.
"Dress has always been one of the most important markers of power and status in Africa and remains so today," commented Clarke. "Men in Africa generally occupy more visible spaces of power than do women, and dress is central to their self presentation in these public contexts. Men's dress often functions as a kind of a visual language, an aesthetic code expressing ideas about status. As such, a man's clothing is an important medium through which power may be defined, sustained, or reinforced."
 The range of works in Power Dressing demonstrates not only the aesthetic diversity of African men's fashion, but also its ongoing cultural relevance. Four intersecting themes-"Style and Status", "Fit for a King", "Divine Dress", and "Innovation and Identity"-provide rich insights into the meanings of men's fashions within Africa's diverse and changing cultural and political landscape.
The tremendous variety of style, form, material, and technique is evident throughout the exhibition, with works made of porcupine quills, elephant tails, cowries, glass beads, leather, seed pods, gold leaf, copper, leopard fur, and feathers. From the unique ensembles worn by Nigerian royals in the latter part of the twentieth century to contemporary tunics worn by Malian migrants known as "Ghana boys," the works that comprise Power Dressing are impressive for their aesthetic and symbolic power.
"We're very excited to be bringing this exhibit to Santa Fe-the only stop west of the Mississippi-and to the people of New Mexico," commented Bobbie Sumberg, Ph.D., curator at the Museum of International Folk Art. "Each piece on display is a powerful example of how clothes do make the man, especially in Africa. Power Dressing will be on display for only two months. We hope to draw many new and repeat visitors to the museum with this exhibit and the exciting programs that will accompany it."
Many engaging programs are planned in conjunction with the exhibition including hands-on adinkra stamping-a fabric printing technique from Ghana-on January 14, 2007. On February 3 and 4, the Museum of International Folk Art will celebrate Africa in Santa Fe-a weekend of African music, dance, and fashion. A teen program featuring a fashion show and hip hop music will also take place on February 16. Details are forthcoming.
A forty page catalogue with full-color images and an essay written by Clarke will accompany the exhibit and be available for purchase in the museum gift shop.
Photographs are available upon request.
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The Museum of International Folk Art houses the world's largest collection of international folk art, with permanent exhibitions Multiple Visions: A Common Bond in the Girard Wing and Familia y Fe in the Hispanic Heritage Wing. Changing and traveling exhibitions are offered in the Bartlett wing and exhibitions highlighting textiles are featured the Neutrogena Wing. Lloyd's treasure chest offers visitors interactive displays about collections and how Museums care for collections.
The Museum of International Folk Art is a Division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Information for the Public: The Museum of International Folk Art is located on Museum Hill, Camino Lejo off Old Santa Fe Trail. For more information call 505-476-1200 or visit http://www.internationalfolkart.org
**Please note: New Summer Hours Memorial Day through Labor Day:
Monday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
During all other seasons, the museum is closed on Mondays.
Admission Prices: School groups free. Children 11 and under free. New Mexico residents with I.D. free on Sundays. New Mexico resident Senior Citizens (age 60+) with I.D. free Wednesdays. Museum Foundation members free. Students with I.D. $1 discount. Single visit to one museum: $8.00 for non-state residents; $6.00 for New Mexico residents. Four day pass to five museums including state-run museums in Santa Fe plus The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art $18.00. One day pass for two museums (Museum of International Folk Art and Museum of Indian Arts and Culture OR Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of the Governors) $12.00. Group rate for ten or more people: single visit $6.00, four day pass $16.00.
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