ARTS CORNER: A homecoming exhibit at Amelia Douglas Gallery
When Nyla Sunga left Africa 25 years ago, the painter, illustrator and writer had a hard time readjusting to Canada.
Having taught in Lesotho and travelled extensively in Kenya and Tanzania, she felt a dearth of culture and connectedness when she returned to her native soil.
Until, that is, she discovered the local music scene in Vancouver.
She found the spark and warmth she’d been missing from Africa pocketed in the bars and tucked-away venues of Rain City.
It was through music that she found her way back into Canadian life.
The paintings in Sunga’s current exhibit, at the Amelia Douglas Gallery at Douglas College, reflect the story of her journey.
Rhythm Stories includes both paintings of people and scenes in Africa and of musicians performing on small stages right here at home.
For Sunga, a singer herself, music has woven its way into her visual art, and vice versa.
“I see music in my art so much,” she says.
“And when I listen to music, I’m so impressed with the visuality of it. I actually see the music, just as I hear music in my visual work.”
Rhythm Stories runs until Nov. 2 at the Amelia Douglas Gallery at Douglas College, 4th floor, 700 Royal Ave.
See douglascollege.ca/artsevents for more.
Tamara Letkeman is a writer/media specialist with the marketing and communications office at Douglas College.
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