Ambassador

Address of Ambassador Aubrey Hooks to the First Vernisage

December 9, 2005

Honorable Ministers,

Distinguished Ambassadors and Diplomats,

Distinguished guests,

Dear artists,

Dear colleagues,

Akwaba.  Welcome to the David Durtschi Atrium, and welcome to the launch of the Ambassador’s Art in the Atrium projest.  I think this project is the very first of its kind.  All American embassies around the world include American artwork, so that diplomats can bring a little bit of America to their contacts and friends.  This is the first program that I know of to bring local art into the embassy – allowing Ivoirians to bring a little bit of their country to Americans.  This exceptional exhibit thus represents the other half of the artistic partnership that our two countries are forging.

I personally feel that it is extremely important to promote these kinds of partnerships, and to promote and celebrate the arts – be they traditional, contemporary, modern, abstract or a delightful mixtureation of the two. 

Since moving to the new embassy, I have dreamed of making this large and spacious atrium a showcase of culture and beauty.  I have wanted to give my colleagues at the embassy exposure to the varied artistic traditions and beautiful arts of Côte d’Ivoire.  To celebrate and pay tribute to the diverse and glorious cultures of Côte d’Ivoire by inviting traditional and modern artists from all around the country to display their works.  Throughout the year, showcasing different artists, art forms, and artistic expressions.  Tonight, I am so happy to see such an exciting idea become reality.

The Ambassador’s Art in the Atrium project is yet another way of linking our two peoples.  Through paintings and sculptures, through artists’ talent and skill, we, at the Embassy of the United States, can improve our knowledge of and admiration for Ivoirian culture.  We can offer our distinguished visitors from the United States and our Ivorian friends a golden opportunity to learn more about the country.  Moreover, it is another  way for us to strengthen and enhance the warm friendship and high regard Americans have with the Ivoirian people.

This evening is only the beginning.  Every five or six weeks, we will invite new artists – sketch artists, painters, sculptors, weavers, metal workers, and other visual artists – to display their works in the embassy.  These rotating exhibits will make this atrium an ever-changing, diverse, and beautiful cultural center.

Tonight, though, I would like to thank the gallerist, Mr. Dia; the Exhibit Commissioner, Mr. Errol, and the eight dynamic and creative artists who contributed their time and talents to this exhibit.  I would especially like to thank and salute those who created pieces expressly for this show especially. 

I invite you now to join me in a guided tour of discovery and delight as the artists display and explain their works and the inspiration for them.

And let us remember the old latin adage, “Ars longa, vita brevis, “ that is to say “Life is brief, but art is forever.”

 

Vive le Cote d’Ivoire, vive l’Amerique, vive la amite entre les peoples Ivorians et americains.