In the heart of Germantown, a century-old house stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and spirituality. This is the Colored Girls Museum, a place where the past, present, and future converge in a captivating installation by Pittsburgh-based artist Vanessa German. The museum, housed in a three-story, 140-year-old twin home, is dedicated to celebrating Black art, and its proprietor, Vashti Dubois, has transformed her home into an ongoing art project. For the museum's 10-year anniversary, Dubois commissioned German to install her work, resulting in three sculptural pieces that evoke the spirituality of the house itself: 'The Table', 'The Oracle', and 'The House'.
What makes this installation particularly fascinating is the way German has transformed the living and dining rooms into a talismanic temple. By removing everything from the rooms and painting the walls black, German has created a black box theater, a space where the audience can immerse themselves in the art and the spirituality of the house. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that theater is an integral part of the house's organization, even if most people don't see it. In my opinion, this installation is a testament to the way art can be used to create a sense of community and shared experience.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the installation is the use of found objects to create the sculptural pieces. For example, the chandelier crystal used as a teardrop in 'The Table' and the hole in the forehead of a beadwork bust filled with amethyst crystals in 'The Oracle' are both whimsical and serious, representing wisdom and spirituality. This use of found objects adds a layer of depth and meaning to the installation, as it suggests that the art is not just about the objects themselves, but also about the stories and experiences that they represent.
The installation also raises a deeper question about the role of art in society. As German says, 'The house is everything', and this installation seems to suggest that the house is not just a physical structure, but also a spiritual and cultural one. This is particularly interesting in the context of the Colored Girls Museum, which has outsized importance in Philadelphia history. As German notes, the museum locks into an unbroken chain of power, and the installation seems to suggest that art can be used to create a sense of safety and community in the midst of unsafety.
In my opinion, this installation is a powerful statement about the role of art in society. It suggests that art can be used to create a sense of community and shared experience, and that it can be used to explore the spiritual and cultural dimensions of a place. It also raises important questions about the role of art in society and the way it can be used to create a sense of safety and community. Overall, this installation is a must-see for anyone interested in art, spirituality, and the role of art in society.
