This exhibition is comprised of objects with layered and potentially uncomfortable histories. Specifically, these works are from a group of incised metal bracelets and neckpieces from West Africa that span the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. Objects like this were used as currency, often within a trade or barter network, in exchange for local agricultural and luxury products. However, they were also often used in transatlantic slave trade negotiations.
Collected by someone interested in coinage and currency and donated to RAM, these pieces connect to concepts of value and social status but in a way that is different from the art jewelry in the rest of the collection. Recognizing the complexity of this kind of work and sensitive to its compelling history, RAM staff wanted to find an informed and authentic context to share it. To that end, RAM engaged contemporary jeweler Tanya Crane, who addresses historical connections and layers of existence in her own work, to respond to what she sees within these pieces. Crane’s exhibition in a nearby gallery features neckpieces, brooches, and bracelets that she created, reflecting both her aesthetic style and the influence of the African metalwork as well as other patterns connected to global Indigenous communities. Her response serves to ground the work in a continuum of making and provides a context that can empower the voices that are speaking (of makers or wearers), even over time and distance.
Platinum Partners—Anonymous, The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd, Ron and Judith Isaacs, Racine Community Foundation, The Estate of Marilyn Rothschild, Windgate Foundation; Diamond Partners—David Charak, Ruffo Family Foundation, Ruth Arts Foundation, Travel Wisconsin, Diane Zebell; Gold Partners—Judith and David Flegel Fund, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, Reliance Controls Community Fund, W.T. Walker Group, Inc.; Silver Partners—Anonymous, Anonymous, Bader Philanthropies, Baird, A.C. Buhler Family, Dave’s Wine Garage, Paula and E.L. Donovitz Memorial Endowment Fund, Ben and Dawn Flegel, Tom Harty, Horizon Retail Construction, Inc., Johnson Financial Group, Robert E. Kohler Jr. Fund, Luanne Frey and Mark Lukow, Sheri and Frank Sullivan, Visit Racine County, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Partners—Sandy and Gus Antonneau, Carol Baylon, Susan Boland, Rose and Peter Christensen, Educators Credit Union, Julia Ann Oas and Don Gloo, Carol Griseto, Hitters Baseball, Debbie and Chuck Hoffman, Susan and Dan Horton, Gary Van Wert and Ronald Jacquart, SC Johnson, Paula Kalke, Bill and Debbie Keland, Nancy Kurten, Susan Manalli, Norbell Foundation, O&H Danish Bakery, Rita Petretti, Rasmussen Diamonds, Harold and Lois Solberg, E.C. Styberg Foundation, Twin Disc, Marc J. Wollman, Amy and Robb Woulfe; Media Sponsor—Radio Milwaukee
