JOSEPHINE BAKER Celebrated At The World Erotic Art Museum
"ZOU ZOU" AND "PRINCESS TAM TAM," TWO LEGENDARY FILMS STARRING Josephine Baker, INTERNATIONALLY FAMED ICON OF THE ROARING '20s AND HEROINE OF THE WORLD'S AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY, TO BE SCREENED AT ANNUAL MAJOR EXHIBIT CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH, OPENING FEBRUARY 1 AT MIAMI BEACH'S WORLD EROTIC ART MUSEUM
ALSO ON VIEW WILL BE CONTINUING EXHIBIT OF 'REMBRANDT'S EROTIC SECRETS," TWENTY AUTHENTIC ETCHINGS UNVEILED FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS PAST NOVEMBER TO BE HELD OVER THRU MARCH 31
Josephine Baker, the legendary American-born entertainer who danced at the Follies Bergere becoming the "Toast of Paris' as well as one of the world's most beloved activists in search of equal rights, will once again be in the spotlight when an extensive exhibit of her films, posters and art, launches the month-long exhibit held annually by owner-curator Naomi Wilzig to honor Black History Month and African Art Wednesday, February 1 at an 8 P.M. reception at The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM), 1205 Washington Avenue.
As unique counterpoint to the sheer abandon of Baker's performance persona, also on view will be the continuing exhibit through March of "Rembrandt's Erotic Secrets," an extraordinary grouping of twenty etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1609-69), curated by the Baron of Fulwood & Dirleton and Wilzig, assisted by David Tamargo. Titles such as "Adam and Eve," (1601) and "Woman Sitting Half Dressed Besides a Stove" (1658) showcase the work which historians, curators and collectors have for centuries declared the Dutch artist's "dirty little secrets."
Long before she was to become internationally famous via her provocative "Banana Dance" as star of the Follies Bergere, "La Baker" had experienced a dismal childhood as she fought and resisted racial bigotry and segregation. In September 1915 at 19, Baker left New York for France where her artistry and brilliant showmanship became an altar of worship from the world's most provocative artists, musicians and poets. During World War II Baker added to her world-wide mystique as a fearless opponent of oppression who risked her life for the French Resistance.
Bringing her virtuoso talents to film, Baker made her debut in "Zou Zou" (1934) which will be shown at 7 P.M. followed at 9 p.m. by "Princess Tam Tam"( 1935). A great admirer of the legendary performer, owner-curator Wilzig has consistently sought out and collecTed Baker memorabilia, including paintings, posters, photos, statues, press clippings and films. Along with Baker's most popular recordings, screened throughout the day will be Baker's biographical film tracing her life from poor ghetto girl to international star, ending with her spectacular funeral procession in Paris.
The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue. Open Monday-Thursday, 11 A.M. to 10 P.M., Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 A.M. to Midnight. Tickets are $15, no one under 18 admitted. Information, (305) 532-9336 and Tickets are sold only at the door.
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