What's Happening in Wilton Manors, FL…

In a display that runs until September 1, the artists of the CoBrA movement have captured the human struggles of the World War II era in Europe in an unlikely medium - African and south Pacific inspired art.

The European artists, who had been inspired by south Pacific and African arts, named their movement after the cities in which they lived during the 1940s - Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Focusing on the primal elements of human existence, the artists are not only credited with popularizing African and south Pacific mask-making and other arts during the mid-20th century, but also with capturing the rawness of life in Europe during the war years in a uniquely poignant way.

The movement focuses on the primitive and often irrational images of African and south Pacific art so as to make deeply subtle statements about the very fibers of humanity and all that it is capable of. In effect, the artists of the CoBrA movement created an evocative and voluminous body of work, much of which may be seen now in Fort Lauderdale. The thought-provoking exhibit is one that could be inspiring for printing companies, graphic artists, or anyone interested in art and design.

The exhibition includes some 1200 distinctive CoBrA works of art in a range of mediums that include wood, stone, clay, paint ,and even music. Admission to the gallery is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.