Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Michelle Thomas - Solo Art Show @ Canton's Gallery on the Green - "Know Thyself : Sankofa"



Michelle Thomas – Solo Art Show
Gallery on the Green
5 Canton Green Rd. (on Rt. 44)
Canton, CT 06019
860-693-4102

Opening Reception:
Upstairs Gallery
Saturday, September 3, 2016
6pm - 9pm

KNOW THYSELF :  SANKOFA                                                                                           
-Ancient African Proverb
  

THE MEANING OF  SANKOFA

“You must reach back to reclaim that which is lost in order to move forward”

The “Sankofa” is a word in the Twi language by the Akan people of Ghana, which translates as "Go back and get it." Sankofa also refers to the metaphorical Asante Adinkra symbol depicted either as a bird with its head turned backward taking an egg from its back or as a stylized heart shape. It expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress.



The body of work in this art show represents my personal journey of looking back upon my life, retracing past lives and experiences to glean knowledge of self.   No matter how painful looking at our past is, there exists an extreme benefit to learning from ones mistakes and misfortunes in order to change the course of the future.  The human story may at times be wrought with injustice, discontent and outright hatred, yet our resilient spirit and resolve rises above and overcomes all obstacles.  My mission is to encourage healing in this hurting world.  As we journey back, we can reunite with spirit, taking us to the very Source of existence where all knowledge and wisdom reside, shifting energy to manifest action that changes the world and ourselves.