The Art & History Museums of Maitland welcomes “(Un)Common Form: Works by Kendra Frorup,” a solo exhibition of work by Bahamian sculptor Kendra Frorup debuting February 3 and running through April 2, 2023. Her work speaks of the influence of the culture of the Bahamas on her identity, of her travels, of her deep understanding of material processes and of how common everyday objects can be liberated from their original constraints to speak of higher things.
“The progressive concept of repetition in my work implies that repeated effort may be necessary to accomplish things, but that the accomplishment is worth the struggle,” Kendra Frorup says of her artmaking. “The objects used within the artwork maintain their integrity to reflect where they have been, and the artwork I create is reflective of who I am.”
Kendra Frorup was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, and traveled extensively throughout Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania. She embodies her memories of these times and places in her work.
Gil DeMeza, one of her former professors at the University of Tampa, describes Frorup as “the collector,” stating that her “unique ability to take the old, used, and discarded and turn them into other-worldly, exquisite moments in time is like a magical talent.”
“(Un)common Form” is the first in a series of five exhibitions in 2023: a diverse season of artists, mediums, conversations, and voices, all revolving around the theme of (Un)common Conversations curated by A&H Chief Curator Dan L. Hess.
The Museums will be hosting an opening reception for the Kendra Frorup exhibition Friday, February 3rd from 6:30-9pm, featuring music by DJ Monegro, food by Burgers & Booch, and a cash bar.
About the Artist
Artist Kendra Frorup earned her BFA in Sculpture at the University of Tampa and her MFA at Syracuse University. She is currently an assistant professor of sculpture at the University of Tampa.
She moved to the United States in 1989.
About the Museum
Art & History Museums of Maitland (A&H) is a premier Central Florida cultural destination and community gathering place, combining the best of both art and history. A&H caretakes greater Orlando’s only National Historic Landmark, the Maitland Art Center, with its popular contemporary art galleries, as well as the Maitland History Museum, the Telephone Museum, the Waterhouse Residence & Carpentry Shop Museum, and Art School with a wide variety of classes and workshops. A&H also provides free art studios for up to 9 artists annually through the Artists in Action and Artists in Residence programs.
By Chadd Scott
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