I really enjoyed this lunchtime lecture and I actually learned a lot that I didn't previously know. For example, all of the different jobs and fields that go into running the VMFA: communications, marketing, working in the library, HR, and other non-art related things. Additionally, hearing the history of the representation of African art in the U.S. was astonishing - I never would have guessed that it wasn't until the 60s/70s that museums started showing any art from this continent. I'm glad to know though that the VMFA has such a comprehensive collection and extremely experienced and knowledgeable curators. The thought it takes to put a collection together is so interesting and I enjoyed hearing about the behind-the-scenes aspect of this. Like how they tied together the Dikenga into the display. The dikenga is a representation of the cycle of life that is central to many African cultures and peoples. It is a diamond shape thar represents the sun's path and how it also symbolizes the life cycle of men: dawn-birth, noon-king, dusk-death, midnight-spirit realm (generally speaking).
I also really enjoyed the discussion at the end about repatriation and I think that it is extremely relevant today. For the VMFA it seems like they have already repatriated at least one piece and for the African art collection specifically, there might be one or two pieces that need to be repatriated but the vast majority were bought directly from people who were selling these items after they were no longer in use.
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