January 8th, Reflection
Inner Journey #8, January 8th 2020
Before leaving New Orleans, I wanted to visit one of my most favorite sculptures created by Adewale S. Adenle in 2010, named the Congo Square. The sculpture depicts an African American women dancing in the center while men and children gather around her drumming, playing the tambourine, and observing beautiful art of body expression through movement. The sculpture is so detailed from head to toe. From the wrinkles in their fingers, to the hair on their eyebrows, or the 3D depiction of people over lapping and gathering in one area, the piece of art is absolutely amazing. Just by viewing the sculpture, one can conclude that it was made with delicacy and time. Walking around I could envision what Congo Square could have looked like many years ago. Many locals talk about Congo Square passionately. In almost all states besides Louisiana, African Americans were never free, American Americans never owned slaves... that is why New Orleans is so unique. Congo Square was a place of gathering, a place where one didn't have to work, didn't have to be ashamed or shunned becuase of the color of their skin. Congo Square was a place for peace, a place for happiness, and a place to join together in harmony along with coming together to create beautiful things through music and art. Below I have attached a picture of the Congo Square sculpture as well as links to videos that show different African dances performed in the Square. New Orleans is filled with rich cultural history, and i would have to say that the history of Congo Square is one of my favorites.
Before leaving New Orleans, I wanted to visit one of my most favorite sculptures created by Adewale S. Adenle in 2010, named the Congo Square. The sculpture depicts an African American women dancing in the center while men and children gather around her drumming, playing the tambourine, and observing beautiful art of body expression through movement. The sculpture is so detailed from head to toe. From the wrinkles in their fingers, to the hair on their eyebrows, or the 3D depiction of people over lapping and gathering in one area, the piece of art is absolutely amazing. Just by viewing the sculpture, one can conclude that it was made with delicacy and time. Walking around I could envision what Congo Square could have looked like many years ago. Many locals talk about Congo Square passionately. In almost all states besides Louisiana, African Americans were never free, American Americans never owned slaves... that is why New Orleans is so unique. Congo Square was a place of gathering, a place where one didn't have to work, didn't have to be ashamed or shunned becuase of the color of their skin. Congo Square was a place for peace, a place for happiness, and a place to join together in harmony along with coming together to create beautiful things through music and art. Below I have attached a picture of the Congo Square sculpture as well as links to videos that show different African dances performed in the Square. New Orleans is filled with rich cultural history, and i would have to say that the history of Congo Square is one of my favorites.
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