Art in Focus: “Indian Ocean Current” with Professors Mara Willard and Andrew Grant

The McMullen Student Ambassadors are pleased to present Art in Focus, featuring an informal discussion between professors from various academic departments at Boston College. With each new episode, we aim to uncover a unique perspective on the works on display, informed by research and methodologies in areas of study across the University. Each conversation will bring the exhibition’s works “into focus” to highlight art’s expansive reach and interdisciplinary nature.

The following podcast is the second of four episodes in the Art in Focus series, where we explore different themes and artwork from the “Indian Ocean Current: Six Artistic Narratives” exhibition.  For this episode, we have invited Professors Mara Willard and Andrew Grant of the International Studies Program to speak on art created by Shiraz Bayjoo, Nicholas Hlobo, and Hajra Waheed. They discuss how religion and geography meet at a crossroad within this exhibit’s artwork.

Madagascar, 2017 acrylic on board, resin, metal, 9.4 x 6.7 x 6.1 in. Copyright Shiraz Bayjoo, courtesy of the artist and Ed Cross Fine Art, London.

Extraordinary Quarantines #15, 2014, giclée print, 20 x 20 in./24 x 24 in. (with border). Copyright Shiraz Bayjoo, courtesy of the artist and Ed Cross Fine Art, London.

Untitled (MAP), 2016 (edition 1/6) infographic print on vellum, 304 x 25 in. (unfolded)/191.9 x 25 in. (folded). Copyright Hajra Waheed, courtesy of the artist.

Untitled (MAP), 2016 (edition 1/6) infographic print on vellum, 304 x 25 in. (unfolded)/191.9 x 25 in. (folded). Copyright Hajra Waheed, courtesy of the artist.

Ngumgudu Nemizano, 2008 rubber inner tube, ribbon, rubber boots, and vinyl, c. 47.2 x 39.4 x 47.2 in. Collection of Midori Yamamura and Luis H. Francia. Copyright Nicholas Hlobo, courtesy of the artist and Lehmann Maupin, New York, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Photo: Matthew Herrmann.