DA GOODIE MONSTA in Roxbury
The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists announces the opening of Da Goodie Monsta, an exhibition of the original illustrations for the children’s book of the same name by Afro-Waumponaug artist Robert Peters.
Da Goodie Monsta was part dragon, part bird and part lion.
The ones who did not dream woke up feeling empty.
There was one boy who had no dreams . . .
He went . . . to the top of the mountain.
Sadly, he gave up . . . and went home.
And Da Goodie Monsta was there
Da Goodie Monsta tells the story of a monster—part lion, part bird and part dragon—that comes to sleeping youngsters and chases away nightmares. It was inspired by a dream told to the author/illustrator by his son. Since its release by Cambridge-based Wiggles Press in late 2009, the book has drawn excellent reviews and comments. Mel King said of the book, “Wow! A story for children with a message for all . . . read this story and you will learn what steps to take to make your dreams come true.”
Da Goodie Monsta features twenty-six original drawings in graphite on buff paper, and one related painting. In the book, Roberts creates in the character Shaka the impression of a lanky kid with an agile mind and an inquisitive nature. He places Shaka in a world that alternates between the surreal and the ordinary, between his room and the outdoors. The Monsta recalls Assyrian lions and medieval dragons; although he wears contemporary roller skates, and feels both modern and benevolent.
The works will be of interest to both children and adults. Robert Peters is a largely self-taught artist who embodies and expresses oral traditions from his Mashpee Wampanoag and African American lineage. A member of the prominent Peters family of Cape Cod, he is committed to the cultural, social and political life of the Wampanoag community. Deeply interested in the oral heritage of both traditions, he works with youth and elders to preserve their history, energy and authenticity through art that is refreshingly captivating and visually powerful. Working closely with other cultural figures in spoken word arts as well as visual arts, he has drawn the admiration of elders while inspiring a new generation of youth.
We are very pleased to make his work better known. In association with the exhibition, Peters has been appointed Artist-in-Residence for 2010. Working in concert, Peters and the museum will present a series of public programs over the next several months exploring Native and African American traditions through words, music, dance and visual arts.