Anchored in a respect for the strength of the Gullah-Geechee people, Amiri Geuka Farris carries forward their centuries-old traditions in art and culture.
His work features a series of large paintings and installations celebrating the traditions of the Gullah-Geechee culture and its historical impact on the Sea Islands.
Amiri’s work displays a greater focus on what he calls “a celebration of history.”
You will see elements like dance and rejoicing with references to important cultural elements like the land, storytelling and artistic traditions. According to Amiri, he “tried to illustrate what life would be like on an island consisting of just Gullah- Geechee, sea island people.”
In the paintings and installations you will see a layering of objects. These design elements Adinkra symbols, paint drips and paint embellishments represent the passing of time and the movement into the future. Amiri makes reference to specific Gullah traditions and historic elements. He blurs the boundaries between traditional and contemporary modes of representation.
Biography:
Amiri Geuka Farris received his Masters of Fine Art in Painting, with his B.F.A in Illustration and graphic design, from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Amiri’s academic appointments include:
- Professor of Fine Arts Foundations and Graphic Design at Georgia Southern University
- The Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art
- Professor of Fine Arts, at Savannah State University
His deep and engaging layers invite you to look deeper into the painting. The images and colors dance across the canvas in an energetic display of expression. Amiri’s work has been featured in one-person gallery shows and juried museum exhibitions.
These include:
- the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
- the York W. Bailey Museum
The the Penn Center named him the 2008 Artist-of-the-Year. His work is eagerly sought after by in private collectors throughout the world.
Source:
Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Dr., Hilton Head Island SC 29926
(843) 689-6767 ext 224 or Fax: (843) 689-3035
