Art History Centennial: Henry J. Drewal Lecture

"Come to Your Senses! — Sensiotics and Understandings of Arts and Culture in Africa and Beyond"

This presentation by Henry J. Drewal, Evjue-Bascom Emeritus Professor in African Art, will be a multimedia and multisensorial performance in the African and African Diaspora tradition of “Call and Response.” With images, sounds, film, and movement, we will consider Sensiotics, an approach that centers the crucial importance of the senses, our body-minds, and sense-abilities in understandings of the arts, cultures, and histories. While the focus is on the arts of Yorùbá-speaking people in Africa, the approach has global implications. in African Art, will be a multimedia and multisensorial performance in the African and African Diaspora tradition of “Call and Response.” With images, sounds, film, and movement, we will consider Sensiotics, an approach that centers the crucial importance of the senses, our body-minds, and sense-abilities in understandings of the arts, cultures, and histories. While the focus is on the arts of Yorùbá-speaking people in Africa, the approach has global implications.

This talk is the culminating event in a series celebrating the Department of Art History’s Centennial. A full list of programs can be found on the Department's website.

Supported by the University Lectures Committee and generous donors to the Department of Art History. Cosponsored by the Departments of Art, African American Studies, African Cultural Studies; the Chazen Museum of Art; and the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture.

Image (detail): Henry Drewal, "Gelede Fulani," 1975

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where should I park?

There are several parking garages within a few blocks of the museum. Limited accessible parking stalls are located in front of the building. Contact UW Transportation Services for more information: https://transportation.wisc.edu/visitor-parking/. We are also on several Madison Metro bus routes, and BCycle stations are nearby.

Where at the museum is this event?

This event will take place in the Chazen's Auditorium.

Can I call if I have questions?

Yes! You can call the welcome desk to speak with our Visitor Services team at 608-263-2246.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Avenue, Madison, United States