IJELE: ART EJOURNAL OF THE AFRICAN WORLD ISSN: 1525-447X Issue 5 (2002)

"Landscape Art" or "Art in Landscape" is an experimental work that Khalid Kodi created during a summer residency. He utilized a vast expanse of field as his canvas. The project places great emphasis on process which is why fire was the tool of choice. Adopting a controlled burning process, Kodi reproduced decorative motifs and forms he derived from the artistic traditions of various African cultures. He traced out and scorched large expansive shapes, creating bold, black designs that covered the field. The project process is reminiscent of the bush burning technique that subsistence African farmers utilize in refertilizing their farms. Although the burning of the field may appear destructive, it actualizes re-energized the farms because of the nitrogen the fire introduced into the soil.

Born in the city of Wadmadni, Jazira, Sudan, Khalid Kodi presently lives in Boston. In 1997- 2001, he was Adjunct Professor of art at Brown University in Providence. He continues to teach at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Over the years, Khalid Kodi he has had a number of art residencies at the Art Omi International Arts Center, Ghent, NY 2002; and with the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program, Northeastern University, Boston 1995-present. His work has been exhibited in Kufa Gallery, London; Skoto Gallery, New York; Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Boston; Fuller Museum, Brockton, Massachusetts; Brush Art Gallery, Lowell, Massachusetts; and through the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program, Northeastern University, Boston.

His works are in the following collections: Skoto Gallery, New York; African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program, Northeastern University, Boston; Kufa Gallery, London; Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Boston.

Nkiru Nzegwu

Citation Format:

Nkiru Nzegwu. “Landscape Art,” IJELE: Art eJournal of the African World: Issue 5, 2002.

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