Seeing art through other people's eyes

By Tanya Reese, Reporter

Published Jan. 25, 2000

William Reed has never been to Senegal, but that hasn't stopped him from forming works of art based on the small African nation. Instead of observing the country for himself, he draws through other people's eyes.

His series "Impressions of Senegal" is on display at the Black Culture Center through January 31.

His impressions are colorful ones, too, from the bright pastels to the simple line drawings in cont&eacute" crayon. The inspiration for these works has been derived from Reed's exposures to the land and people of western Africa, he said.

"My wife is from Senegal," Reed said, "so I've had that influence, and I've been involved with the St. Louis African Corps."

He has also been influenced through exposure to the Senegalese culture and people while in France and England. Reed was born in England and lived in Europe until he was 15 years old.

Reed said his exhibit is a tribute to women, elders and music, especially percussion. He has a special interest in percussion and feels that it is the "music of life," he said.

The works vary in content from scenes of village life to portraits of musicians and women. Most of the works were done within the last year and reflect a variety of mediums, including cont&eacute" crayon, pastels, pen and ink and clayboard.

He said he focused heavily on caricatures and paints while in high school. His mother also owned a ceramics shop, where he taught himself to make molds and enjoyed making various types of masks. He also has an interest in graphic novels.

Although he wanted to pursue his interest in art while he attended Truman State University, Reed said he switched from ceramics to drawing, finding it a less messy environment in which to work.

"I majored in French," he said, "and was interested in becoming an illustrator."

Reed has long had an interest in African culture, particularly that of western Africa, which has carried over into his artwork. Senegal's history has been heavily influenced by the French, and that influence has carried over into Senegal's modern society, Reed said.

"Western Africa often gets overlooked, as opposed to places like Kenya," he said.

The Columbia-based artist currently works in the advertising department of the Columbia Missourian and hopes to enter MU's French graduate program. He is also a cartoonist for The Maneater.

"Impressions of Africa" may be seen from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For further information, contact the Black Culture Center, 813 Virginia Ave., at 882-2664 or e-mail the artist at artwarren@yahoo.com.