Mayor Zimmer to Open “Passport to Understanding” Exhibit at hob’art

Of her contributions to the exhibit, Liz Cohen says, “For years, I’ve been fascinated by the art forms of the indigenous people of the earth, in particular, the Aboriginal people of Australia amongst whom I lived and worked for many years. The colors and symbol system I have created in my works are directly influenced by the art of the Aboriginal culture and other traditional artists I have met in Central and South America, the Caribbean and, Ghana and Nigeria.”Regarding his work, Ibou Ndoye states, “I am a story teller who uses the visual imagery of my life in Senegal and my new life in America to tell the idea that art is universal and that art is for everyone. I like to mix up the traditional African perspective with what I experience here in America to make fresh new images.”

The artists express pride in the fact that their works are interpretations of the human condition that is understandable for all. The idea that they are able to bridge the often insurmountable divides of culture, language, and religion, proves to them that art is indeed the universal language.The public is invited to come and determine for themselves if Ndoye’s and Cohen’s art does bring further undertanding and appreciation of the “other.”