By Julissa Treviño/south news editor
With metals, wire and creativity, artist Augie N’Kele develops a scene of realism.
The South Campus Carillon Gallery is now exhibiting Motion, works from N’Kele, the Congo-born local sculptor.
N’Kele, since his days as a NE Campus student, has become a well-respected artist worldwide.
After his first exhibition in Texas in 1992, N’Kele’s career blossomed, and he exhibited his works throughout Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Iowa, Nevada, Oklahoma and Norway.
Ithaca University in New York recently included N’Kele on a list of 20th century African-Americans who have made important contributions to the humanities. N’Kele’s contribution is Forgotten Heritage, a series of sculptures with a historical theme.
Even with his success, the artist remains local, still living in Texas.
He frequently exhibits his work at the TCC art galleries.
For the South Campus exhibit, Motion, the artist created sculptures of twisted metals and mesh wire that embody human figures, all in movement.
The constant color throughout his work is silver.
Some copper and beads are added to a few pieces.
All the figures vary in size. Some are no more than 10 inches tall while one in particular stands more than three feet tall.
“Watusi Warrior” is the most elaborately decorated sculpture.
With a body of black metal wire and black wire hair, the figure leans back, wearing beaded necklaces and holding a shield and arrow.
Although all figures are similar in that they exhibit movement, each has individualistic traits, setting themselves apart in some way.
From golfers and baseball players to warriors, the exhibit displays the work of an accomplished and inspired artist.
The exhibit is open Monday-Thursday, noon-3 p.m., in the Carillon Gallery of the Performing Arts Center.
