Sarankara Collage: A Retrospective is a broad spectrum collective look at the creative body of work of Madonna Lavon Camel. Inspired by the colors, fabrics, people and culture of the people of the African diaspora, Madonna has created a dynamic series of works that combine image, fabric and passion in a way that powerfully speaks to the soul.
During the pandemic, she started using the creative side of her brain and unfolded both a love and talent for working with vibrant African fabric in a collage motif. Madonna's first solo exhibition involved upcycled serving trays and Ankara fabric and centered on the individual stories of slaves who were freed from Servitude in 1865. Her second show utilized upcycled vintage placemats and Ankara fabric with the theme 'Celebration of Liberation and Majesty' for Black History month 2022. Her next collection focused on the music of African Americans. This collection uses upcycled album covers of little known Rhythm and Blues singers. The title of the exhibition is 'Reclaiming our Rhythm and Embracing our Blues'. At present, Madonna is upcycling old coffee table books, removing the pages and replacing them with pages of fabric, pictures and facts about Black history that are seldom discussed. Given the current circumstances where teaching Black History is literary a crime in some states, this collection, while not included in this book, will serve as a reminder that Black History Matters. Thus, this is the title and theme of the show.
From the author, Madonna Camel:
"The purpose of my art is ALWAYS to educate people on our history and to recall, with reverence, the sacrifices made by those who came before us and made it possible for us to be here. It is always about uplifting our legacy as a people and broadening our knowledge of our past, so that we are better prepared for and in control of our destiny. At the end of each day, we are all artists and there are plenty of things that can be re used to make new things. Art is all around us, just waiting to be born. I am blessed to be able to see and give birth to new creations everyday. I hope you enjoy my work as much as enjoyed creating it."