Kevin Blythe Sampson b. 1954
Chiuta, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 20 in.
40.6 x 50.8 cm
40.6 x 50.8 cm
PFF486
© Kevin Blythe Sampson
Surreal figurative painting of "Chiuta," an African God of rain, plant growth, and food., Description: Literal meaning of "Chiuta" – "great bow in the heavens'. The supreme deity of the Tumbuka in Malawi; sometimes he is referred to as Mulengi, "creator'. Chiuta is a powerful god, self-created, and omniscient. Moreover, he is Mwenco, "owner of all things,' and Wamtatakuya, "eternal'. Above all else, Chiuta is a rain god, the succor of a people often afflicted by drought.The central figure of this surrealist figurative painting appears to loom over a village on a lush hill and is flanked by two trees and two small bodies of water. A multicolored bird sits atop his head, facing an eye in the sky in place of the sun.
Provenance
Danny Simmons of Rush Arts PhiladelphiaExhibitions
"Queens, Gods, and Devotees", Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross. Dates: Aug 25, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026."Queens, Gods, and Devotees", Maguire Art Museum. Dates: Sep 23, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024.
