African Photos On Exhibit At Black Rock Art Center

BRIDGEPORT — The Black Rock Art Center’s newest exhibition is photographic images by Barbara Paul of Westport. “Voodoo, Villages, Festivals: Ghana, Benin and Togo” will remain on view until June 7.

Ms Paul has traveled through some of the most remote regions of Asia and Africa, as well as other parts of the world, with the goal of capturing and sharing the region’s customs, dress, festivals and way of life. Evident in the vibrancy of her work is Paul’s special interest in the fabrics and textiles of the countries she visits. These three countries in West Africa have a wide variety of religious and tribal customs, making this photographic exhibit an important educational tool for the community.

“Traveling through Ghana, Benin and Togo overwhelmed me with its diverse panorama of culture and religion,” said Ms Paul. “Meeting people in these remote regions provided rich insights that I am fortunate to be able to transmit to neighbors here.”

Black Rock Art Center General Manager Melissa A. Bernstein said of the exhibit: “This is an incredibly ambitious show to produce because Ms Paul has a vast collection of work. We will be displaying approximately 130 pieces, taken in three countries. The pieces are bright and full of spirit, and you can tell from each one that she loves sharing her adventures and lessons with the public.”

Educated at Wellesley College and NYU School of Business Administration, Barbara Paul has been taking photos around the world for many years. Her work has been shown locally at such galleries as the Darien Library, Earthplace of Westport, and Thomas J. Walsh Gallery at the Quick Center at Fairfield University; in Westchester at Rye Library; and in New York City at Tibet House and Gallery Vietnam. Exhibits have included photographs taken in such diverse countries as Laos, Tibet, Ethiopia and Mali.

Black Rock Art Center, at 2838 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, is open from 1 to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and upon request. Call 203-367-7917 for additional information.