Emory Biko Mixed Media Adinkra Painting "Bese Saka"

Item Details

Emory Biko (Pittsburgh; born 1958)
Untitled (Bese Saka Adkinkra), 21st century
Acrylic painting with molded paper relief on wood panel with twisted rope trim
Unsigned
The West African Adinkra symbol bese saka, or “sack of cola beans”, symbolizes affluence and abundance

Based in Pittsburgh, Emory Biko is a Homewood artist who creates mixed media compositions often featuring imagery related to Afrocentric culture and the black American experience. He is the founder and President of The Museum of the African’s Experience in America, a collection of over 13,000 objects chronicling the history of African Americans. Biko describes himself as a “junkie”, having spent years rummaging through antique sales, flea markets, and dumpsters in search of African American memorabilia and artifacts to add to his expanding collection. His artwork and collection have been exhibited in various venues throughout Pittsburgh, including the Foreland Street Gallery, the Homewood Library, the Homewood YWCA, Point Park University, and the Alma Illery Medical Center, among others.

Condition

- minor wear and fraying throughout edges of board and twisted rope trim; minor areas of cracking and surface scratches throughout the composition; some nicks to paper relief surface.

Dimensions

Item #

ITMG274557