Embassy Events
Artist Discusses Murals Celebrating African Americans with Students in Bratislava, Kosice and Banska Bystrica
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| Detail of "Tribute to Pullman Porters" Mural in Chicago courtesy of the Chicago Public Art Group |
Bernard Williams, a renowned Chicago artist, spoke to Slovak students interested in art and U.S. culture via digital video conference from the Embassy on February 26. Mr. Williams discussed his collaboration with the Chicago Public Art Group, which commissioned him to paint "Tribute to the Pullman Porters" In 1995. The two murals that make up "Tribute to the Pullman Porters" form part of the exhibit "Celebrate! Commemorate! Communicate!" currently on display in the Embassy to commemorate Black History Month. The murals pay tribute to the African American porters who played a vital and important role in the history of American rail travel. Not only were the porters the backbone of the customer service on trains in the early part of the 20th century in America, but they were also one of the first African American groups to form a union.
Former Fulbright Professor Janeil Engelstad curated this exhibit of never-before-seen murals from the United States. The exhibit provides a window on the African-American experience and that community's contribution to the cultural life of the United States. The exhibit consists of murals from several U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles, painted by African-American artists. Each mural depicts a point of pride, a moment in history or enduring theme for this community. Along with the murals, the Embassy will commemorate Black History Month with a series of a film screenings. The first will be at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava on March 6, and the second will be at the embassy on March 13. The exhibit is open to the public from January 23 to March 14. To see the exhibit, please call +421 2 5443 0861 or e-mail: contact_bratislava@state.gov for an appointment.
