Igbo Art Exhibition
Presently, the walls in the Lewis stairway are blank. They remain the same sterile shade of white they were the last time they were repainted. Despite their current dull state, they were host to paintings belonging to the Igbo (Ihe Ncheta) art exhibition over the summer. These walls were adorned with dynamic and colorful paint strokes on frayed canvases. Each piece was unique in its style, from realism to surrealism, and even abstraction.
On September 17, 2025, a reception was held in the Reflection Room to commemorate the creation, display, and eventual transfer of these pieces of art. This exhibition was brought to fruition through various Dominican University departments, including the Black World Studies program, and featured selected works from contemporary Igbo artists.
The reception was opened by Dr. Nkuzi Nnam, Director of Black World Studies, who quickly introduced Provost Mia Hardy. During her speech, she expressed her gratitude in regard to the impact of this exhibition, “It speaks to the dedication of the Black World Studies Program, and it speaks to the contributions of the [African] continent to this continent.”
In the corner of the room, there was a brightly colored masquerade. It stood tall, and it nearly draped to the ground. The top portion was embellished with dolls and national flags. Despite its beauty and significance in Igbo tradition, Dr. Chad Rhoman, Dean of Rosary College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, says it is a symbol of unity. “It is a moving city of symbols. It’s a political actor, a spirit, a God,” he said. “It is not only the performer who moves. It is the whole community, fast and present in motion.”
The reception closed with the presentation of various paintings to Dr. Glenna Temple, President of Dominican University. The paintings all mimicked one of the paintings from the exhibition and were presented by students majoring in Black World Studies.
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