Created for DanceAfrica 2023, Cecilia Lamptey-Botchway’s “Spirit and Rhythm of African Dance” takes inspiration from the celebrated dancer, educator, and choreographer Cherie Hill. “The more I perform African dance, the more I discover and enjoy euphoria,” Hill has written. “When the drums are beating and the body is dancing everything fits in sync and I feel limitless and powerful.” Lamptey-Botchway’s painting reaffirms that African dance is not homogenous; it is as diverse and multifaceted as the various countries that make up the continent. Rooted in the rhythm that unites the diaspora’s many different movements, the artist captures the essence of BAM’s annual celebration of African dance.

Lamptey-Botchway (@cecilia_lamptey_botchway) will participate in an Instagram Live event moderated by Larry Ossei-Mensah, BAM Guest Curator-at-Large, on his Instagram (@LarryOsseiMensah) on Tuesday, May 23 at 12pm. This conversation will offer insights into the Accra-based artist’s interdisciplinary approach, which utilizes a variety of media, from cloth stamping and batik tradition to mopping wool.

Scene from the Cecilia Lamptey-Botchway Exhibit “Spirit and Rhythm of African Dance” During DanceAfrica, BAM Spring, 2022

Date
June 15, 2023

Photographer
Tony Turner

Contributor
Cecilia Lamptey-Botchway

Season
Spring 2023

Related Event Series
DanceAfrica 2023

Related Installation
Spirit and Rhythm of African Dance

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Available at: https://levyarchive.bam.org/Detail/objects/113471