The Meaning of
the Sculpture Program in
Our Mother of Africa Chapel
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Nguzo Saba - The
Pillars of African American Society (cont.)
N ew
additions to the altar area are the iron gates showing the Acacia Tree
insignia, which is an icon of the Black Catholics in the United States.
The gates are designed and fabricated by Jean Wiart, Master Artisaan.
Also, solid marble candleholders designed and carved by Giancarlo Biagi
and Jill Burkee have been installed on the altar.
Over the doorways, the
altar area, and the alcove containing the statue of Our Mother of
Africa, a consistent theme is designed and caved by Giancarlo Biagi and
Jill Burkee. The grape leaves and sheaves of wheat etched in these areas
symbolize the wine and bread of Holy Communion, and further integrate
these different areas into the whole of the sacred conversation
The Sculptors
Juvenal Kaliki is the
principal wood carver in the town of Morogaro in Tanzania. He works with
a school of wood carvers in this ancient village, which is part of the
Entebene tribe. Ed Dwight studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute
and the University of Denver. He served as a pilot and engineer in the
United States Air Force for thirteen years, then worked in aeronautical
and construction engineering before turning to sculpture full-time in
1978. He maintains a studio and foundry in Denver, Colorado. Jeffrey Brosk earned a master’s degree in architecture from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology studied painting and sculpture there, and has
combined the sister arts of painting, sculpture, and architecture ever
since in his wall sculpture and in his outdoor constructions. He
maintains a studio in New York City.
Giancarlo Biagi,
born in Pietrasanta, Italy, is a graduate of the Stagio Stagi art school
and apprenticed at the Tommasi Foundry. He moved to the United States in
1974 and maintains studios in New York and Italy. Since 1976, he has
collaborated on many projects with the artist Jill Burkee, working
exclusively on commissions. On occasions, he participates in
exhibitions, and has had several solo exhibitions. Commissions over the
last ten years include projects for the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, The Human Services
Center of Denver, Colorado, and Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine in
Orlando, Florida.
Jill Burkee, a
native of Colorado, attended the University of Washington, and in 1975
received a travel grant to Italy. In 1976, she formed a working
partnership with Giancarlo Biagi, and they have worked exclusively on
commissions, both private and public. The most recent commissions
include marble sculpture of Our Mother of Africa Chapel at the National
Shrine in Washington, DC. a bronze relief mural for the Human Service
Center of Denver, and the mosaic and bronze portals for Mary, Queen of
the Universe Shrine in Orlando, Florida.
Jean Wiart is
founder of the United States subsidiary in Paterson, New Jersey, of Les
Metalliers Champenois, S.A., of Reims, France. LMC specializes in fine
architectural metalwork and historic restoration. Wiart is a Master
Artisan and member of Les Compagnons du Duvoir, whose origins lie in the
medieval guild tradition in France. Born in Cambria, he studied with the
guild and in his family's black smith workshop. The recipient of several
prestigious awards in France, he also distinguished himself in New York
with such projects as the fabrication of the torch for Liberty
Enlightening the World (the Statue of Liberty) in 1984, restoration of
the dome of the Old Police Building, creation of the copper dome for
Brooklyn's City Hall, and restoration and gilding of the General William
Tecumseh Sherman Monument in Central Park.
Our Mother of Africa
Chapel is located at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave, NW, Washington, DC. 20017.
(202) 526-8300
Visit:
http://www.nationalshrine.com/site/pp.asp?c=etITK6OTG&b=106948
Text by: Donald
Martin Reynolds, Ph.D.; New York City, 1997
Donald Martin Reynolds, Ph.D., art historian, author and lecture, is
Adjunct Professor of Art History at Columbia University and Director of
The Monuments Conservancy. Dr Reynolds served as consultant on the
sculpture program for Our Mother of Africa Chapel.
Our Mother of Africa Chapel
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