Exhibition program

Film Screening and Talk: Some Bright Morning: The Art of Melvin Edwards (2016)

Thursday, Oct 10, 2024, 7 pm – 8.30 pm

On the occasion of Melvin Edwards’s exhibition Some Bright Morning, the Fridericianum invited director and curator Lydie Diakathé to present her documentary Some Bright Morning: The Art of Melvin Edwards (2016). The film delves into the notorious career of visionary artist Melvin Edwards, known for his profound global Black consciousness and exceptional artistic language. He is a pioneer in contemporary African American art, especially in sculpture. His work bears witness to a unique bond with Africa, transcending his origins, revealing the powerful connection between his art and global Black identity.
Based on a large collection of archival footage, among other material, the film follows the artist from his New York gallery to both Ghana and Senegal, and places his life and work in an international context. In extensive interviews, he discusses the cultural and political values that have enabled him to establish his own artistic language over the past six decades.

Throughout her career, French-Senegalese director Lydie Diakhaté has prioritized the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through her dedicated advocacy for African and African descendant arts and cultures. Her creative journey encompasses film directing and production, curating art exhibitions and cultural programs, and compelling writing. She frequently travels and spends extended periods in Africa, organized and ran a film festival in Ghana for six years, and lived in France and the U.S. for significant periods.

Film length: 50 minutes. Film language: English with German subtitles.
Talk language: English.
Admission is free. No registration required.