Visions of Ghana

Visions of Ghana

Photography by Dr. Marcus Lorenzo Penn, original Ghana artifacts complements of the African Outlet.

Artist reception:
Saturday September 25^th, 2010, 6pm to 9pm
Exhibit runs September 20^th through October 30^th 

About Dr. Marcus Lorenzo Penn:

Dr. Marcus Lorenzo Penn is a native Bay Area physician by training, but a photographer by passion.  He has trav­eled throughout the world—visiting six of the seven continents—gathering photos of his experiences.  Medically, he trained to diagnose and treat through medication.  Artistically, he evolved to share and discover through photography.  His work aims to reveal the natural, elemental, environmental, social and cultural intricacies of the sometimes unseen, so that clarity and wisdom can be gained.  His photos will be featured in the exhibition, “Visions of Ghana”, at the FLOAT Gallery of Oakland.  The primary intention of his photography is, “sharing the world with the world, one photo and one face at a time,” says Dr. Penn.  People will see images of grandmothers, uncles, sisters, cousins and more in the work showcased in the exhibition.  The photo series reveals the happiness that many Americans do not see of Africa as well as the paradox of visual beauty and historical brutality felt at the remnant castles of the West African slave trade.  The FLOAT Gallery was chosen to host this exhibition because of its location on the West Coast of the United States—providing a symbolic connection with the West Coast of Africa and creating a place “where the Diaspora meets the domestic” and where the two worlds can be shared, one photo at a time. Dr. Penn has exhibited his photography in galleries and public institutions throughout the Bay Area and his work was most recently showcased at the San Francisco Main Public Library.

About the African Outlet:

In 1994, proprietors Horgan Edet and Judah Dwyer moved The African Outlet to its current location in Hayes Valley at 524 Octavia Street, San Francisco, after five years of doing business in a tiny African stall on Divisadero Street. They have been collecting and showcasing African art, artifacts, adornments and culture for over 20 years. Nigerian born Edet personally selects and purchases the collection’s pieces locally and abroad. His eye for quality is readily apparent. 

Each May, Edet and Dwyer produce an exhilarating African contingent for Carnaval - San Francisco, including masquerade, native doctors, spirited drummers, women performers, and a fine village float. Through recognition by the Sunday San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, Evening Magazine of Channel 5/Suvivor – Africa, various complimentary hotel magazines, gallery exhibits such as FLOAT, and an ever widening customer base, an awareness and appreciation has evolved of the wealth of culture that The African Outlet provides.