The Joseph Gazzuolo Art Gallery is now hosting a new, larger-than-life exhibit! Nana Aforo: Selected Paintings will be on display at NHCC until November 9. Nana Aforo is a Minneapolis-based painter who started his educational journey at Anoka Ramsey Community College. His parents previously immigrated to Minnesota from Ghana. Aforo graduated from the University of Minnesota, and continued to follow his passion for painting at Mills College in Oakland California, where he received his Master of Fine Art.
Nana Aforo: Selected Paintings Exhibit Schedule
- Monday, October 7-Saturday, November 9, 2024.
- Located in the Joseph Gazzuolo Gallery at NHCC in the Fine Arts Center (FAC 135)
- Join us for the Exhibit Receptions + Artist Talk in the Gallery!
Lunchtime Reception, Thursday, October 24, noon-1pm.
Artist Talk & Evening Reception, Thursday, 6-7:30. Nana will speak about his paintings at 6:30. - Art Gallery Hours: Open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday, Saturday 8am-4pm. Closed on Sunday.
Get a sneak peek of the art, below!
Titled: The Bringers of Peace. 2019. Oil paint on canvas. 84” X 63.5”
(Truly larger than life at 7 FEET tall!)
Titled: Consolation. 2023. Oil paint on panel. 23.3” X 22 1/2"
Titled: Black Death. Oil paint on canvas.
Aforo's larger than life portraits are compelling, stunning, and timely. As he notes in his artist statement, "What unifies my work are existential themes of nature, persistence, survival, love, empathy, and interpersonal connection. I borrow from a broad swath of spiritual traditions, especially Buddhism and Christianity, to create narratives that are based on my experiences and observations, and our smallness in the face of nature." Themes of West African matriarchal culture are represented through symbolism and circles, while referencing art history, memory, and family.
As an artist committed to lifelong learning, Aforo works to teach himself one new technical skill in every painting and artwork. Don't miss this outstanding and inspirational exhibition where the artist combines photo-realism with impressionistic elements so you can experience how "A photograph is what happened, and a painting is how it felt".
We invite you to stop by the gallery to view the full exhibit!