Catherine Carilli – Abstract Painter

Rwanda Photographs and Installation Art

Broomfield Auditorium Gallery

3 Community Park Road, Broomfield CO 303-464-5835

Reception for the Artist – July 22, 4-6 PM

Show runs  July 12-August 6, 2010

The eyes of the world are on Africa this millennium.   The countries of Africa are coming into their own as global powers with varied governments that are often changing, while the rich cultural traditions of the people remain the same.  The continent of Africa, the seed bed of civilization, is erupting with promise and rapid change. The global economy is deeply impacted by Africa’s strong economic growth, and by the intense political, religious, and social variety within African countries.

This summer, the entire world comes together to celebrate and view the World Cup in South Africa. The event highlights the splendor of all African nations and emphasizes global union through sports, the media and travel.

The verdant nation of Rwanda, in East Central Africa, is indicative of so many growing countries on the continent. It has rich jungle and savanna resources. It is an independent country with a multi-tribal, and European population, haunted by a colonial past. The Country recently emerged from a terrible genocide, ending in 1994 that was based on tribal differences fueled by past colonialism.  The country has re-grouped. Rwanda has forged ahead as a united people in the modern world. Yet the course of Rwanda is still fragile.

New tensions have developed this spring, under President Kagame, as the country approaches August elections.  News of corruption and murder have surfaced threatening the united front that Rwanda has enjoyed since 1995.The photographs and art in this exhibition display the Rwandan people at work, in the city, the countryside, at school. The country is small yet beautiful and visually rich. The exhibition also documents in photography and with an installation, the tragic genocide.

The artist, Catherine Carilli, has photographed the Living Memorials to the dead and re-created a memorial as a reminder of human frailty and of Rwanda’s past.

Check out Catherine’s video below regarding the show.

PRESS: Read the Broomfield Enterprise’s online REVIEW (or download PDF).  Also see Boulder’s Camera’s TO DO LIST (PDF)