Kemi Bennings’ photo art exhibition, Ministers of Sound, which drew comparisons to deejays and ministers, was a cathartic cleansing of the soul to Kemi Bennings as well as an inspirational undertaking. While creating a two-dimensional shrine that paid homage to the unsung heroes, the deejays who are the “Ministers of Sound,” the renowned artist was able to massage her psyche and bathe her being in artistic healing.
The exhibit, five years in the making, was inspired by the February 2008 passing of her father, Rev. Hardy S. Benning Jr., who was a respected Baptist minister in Augusta, Ga. The purpose for “Ministers Of Sound” was to create an installation of art fusion that celebrates and identifies with DJs and DJ culture. Bennings believes unequivocally that the two influential entities – the deejay booth and preachers’ pulpit – are not diametrically opposed concepts, and she set out to draw those parallels.
“After my father passed the analogy became crystal clear. If DJs are the ministers, then the pulpit is the DJ booth, the playlist is the message or sermon and the DJ following is the congregation,” Bennings said.
The “Ministers of Sound” exhibition took place at The Sound Table in Atlanta, attracting a full, eclectic house of deejays, artists, art aficionados, music enthusiasts, dancers and others. The photos were taken by Annette Brown who helped breathe life into curator Bennings’ provocative vision by showing how the deejays’ and ministers’ vast platforms is used to steer their respective audiences down a particular path with how they tend to their ministries.
“I envisioned a community project that would move, touch and inspire others; salute a group of unsung heroes, while at the same time pay tribute to my late father.”
The evening concluded when the DJ featured in the exhibition honored by Bennings received a special memorabilia in recognition for their impact in the community. The guests were able to receive artistic nourishment, and Bennings was able to continue her healing.
See below for more photos of the exhibit.
Photos by John Crooms
