The Shape of the Spirit. The Power and Beauty of African Art
from 2. 10. 2024 to 31. 12. 2026
The Slovak National Museum – Museum of History, in cooperation with Ivan Melicherčík, will open the exhibition The Shape of the Spirit: The Power and Beauty of African Art on October 1, 2024. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the tribal art of Africa and will be available for viewing from October 2, 2024, in the newly renovated spaces of the Northern Walls of Bratislava Castle.
The exhibition features mostly static objects, masks, and sculptures, often without smiles, created by anonymous artists. These works showcase the unique artistic style of the many African tribes, with hundreds of different cultures across the continent. These artifacts reflect various rituals, ceremonies, initiations, and celebrations. They come from the world of shamans, cults, and deities, as well as spirits connected to the forest, water, fields, and animals. African carvers didn’t just carve wood for beauty—they carved it to capture the spirit. This is what gives these pieces their power and importance, making them more than just art. Many of them hold a sacred meaning and serve specific functions in rituals.
The exhibition is based on collecting and presents a collection that Ivan Melicherčík, a collector and publicist, has carefully assembled over many years. Having visited Africa numerous times, Melicherčík focused on masks and sculptures with powerful forms and strong internal energy, often linked to rituals and ceremonies. He avoided mass-produced items and instead sought authentic works. Over time, his African collection has grown to include around 1,000 artifacts, with 500 pieces currently on display. These works were created by master carvers from 30 ethnic groups across 15 African countries. The collection has been shown in 11 exhibitions and documented in four books, a thesis, and several reviews.
After the exhibition The Shape of the Spirit ends, Ivan Melicherčík will donate his extensive collection to the Slovak National Museum, ensuring that it will be preserved and appreciated by future generations.
