Exhibition - “Pilgrimage” by Aliou Diack – hosted by OH Gallery  at Maison Ousmane Sow "I felt in need of a great pilgrimage, so I sat still for three days." - Hafiz c. 1320-1389 While the mystical and lyrical Persian poet felt that the best way for him to set out on pilgrimage was to “sit still for three days,” I felt a need to journey back to my roots, in order to reorient, renew and restore. Having grown up in Senegal, West

"African Renaissance Monument" There is a fresh wind of hope blowing throughout the country of Senegal following their recent presidential election. The new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye (known simply as “Diomaye”), had been imprisoned by the previous government under trumped up charges, was released just 10 days before the election date, and won 54% of the vote. He is only 44 years of age! One of his first actions as the new president was to meet with the previous preside

Kehinde Wiley's "Maze of Power" exhibition It is deeply inspiring to be here in Dakar, Senegal…the Land of “Teranga,” meaning the Land of “Hospitality” in the local language of Wolof. “Teranga” is certainly a word that beautifully explains much of the magic one experiences here. It was a real privilege to visit artist Kehinde Wiley’s new exhibition at the Museum of Black Civilizations here in Dakar. Wiley is often known as the artist commissioned to create the official portra

By Paul G. Chandler - May 18, 2024 Yasser Rostom, The Coming Supper, Ink and watercolor. This weekend the feast of Pentecost is being celebrated by many Western Christian religious traditions. I have always loved this feast day, as it represents to me the transformational power of what I like to refer to as the “divine mosaic” of our world. The Scriptures that are usually read on Pentecost tell of the early days of those desiring to continue following the teachings and exampl

By Paul G. Chandler At the beginning of every new year, I have a tradition of releasing a list of recommended books that have significantly influenced, inspired and/or entertained me over the prior year. Reading is one of my deepest pleasures. I resonate with the words of C.S. Lewis, that 20th century British author, when he wrote, “You can never get. . . a book long enough to suit me.” This is especially true during long winter months - perhaps the best season to release suc

By Paul G. Chandler - October 29, 2023. James Tissot, "Moses Sees From Afar," c. 1896-1902, Gouache on board The very end of the book of Deuteronomy, says; Then the LORD said to [Moses], : "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.’ " This is how the the life of Moses (or Musa) ends. The last chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, w