Art History: Contemporary African Art through the years
African born, domiciled, or of African origin?
Today, the definition of Modern African art or Contemporary African art still sparks heated debates and controversies due to the elaborate interpretations that exist.
Modern African art, also called Contemporary African art, is often described as art created in the post-independence era by African artists on the African continent and its large diaspora. Contemporary African art is associated specifically with art from Sub-Saharan Africa because of its distinct nature. They lack evident influences from European art, unlike art from other parts of Africa which draw influences from Europe and the Middle East.
An inclusive definition by MOMAA that is generally accepted, interprets Contemporary African artists to include;
Indigenous Artists who live in Africa and produce their artworks on African soil,
Africans born in Africa who live and produce Art works outside the continent of Africa,
Africans not born in Africa but have an African heritage. Practical examples of artists who fall under this category are Jean-Michel Basquait was born in America of Haitian heritage, and white African Artists such as William Kentridge, Irma Stern, and Marlene Dumas.
TIMELINES
The history of Contemporary African Art is one of socio-political intrigue, self-rediscovery and new mediums. It is the story of the old meeting the new as traditional African art and globalisation merged to create what we know as Contemporary African art.
As far back as the late 1950s and early 1960s post-colonial rule, Contemporary African art has embodied and reflected the impact of socio-politics and globalisation.
THE 1960s - 1970s
Contemporary African art dates to the political and social mayhem that plagued Africa in the 1960s. Following the end of colonial rule across the continent, independent African countries experienced a myriad of post-colonial struggles which included political instability, economic underdevelopment, and cultural tensions. As more African artists sought to contribute to the ongoing discourse, the continent saw the birth of diverse art styles and forms. Notable artworks demonstrated the use of bold and expressive forms such as abstract expressionism, figurative art, and pop art. Artists infused traditional African elements into their works such as masks and textiles.
A prominent artist from this era is Ghana’s Professor El Anatsui. Although he started to gain significant limelight from the 1990s; as far back as the 1960s and 1970s, he purposefully disregarded the limitations Western Art brought. He created large-scale sculptures using discarded materials such as bottle tops, and through them, he explored the themes of social and political change and references in Africa. In his words:
"Alcohol was one of the commodities brought with [Europeans] to exchange for goods in Africa. Eventually, alcohol became one of the items used in the transatlantic slave trade. They made rum in the West Indies, took it to Liverpool, and then it made its way back to Africa. I thought that the bottle caps had a strong reference to the history of Africa." El Anatsui. (Source: Khan Academy)
THE 1980s & 1990s
By this time, the Contemporary African art scene was witnessing a fusion of more traditional and modern art forms. This fusion was born as more artists sought to explore and understand their cultural heritage and identity. This period also saw a surge in new art forms and styles such as performance art, installation art, and mixed media.
A prominent artist during this era is the Nigerian-British artist Yinka Shonibare. His art is a fusion of African and European elements as he explores the themes of cultural identity and globalisation.
THE 2000s - 2010s
At the turn of the century, global attention focused on Contemporary African art. More African artists began to participate in major global art events such as the Venice Biennale and the Documenta exhibition in Germany.
There was a flux of Africans adopting new media and technology in their creative processes. The aim was to create immersive experiences for viewers using audio and sound, and the Afrofuturist short film "Pumzi" (2009) by Kenya’s Wanuri Kahiu is a perfect example. The film explores the issues of environmental degradation and sustainability in a dystopian future.
A prominent artist from this era is Kenya’s Wangechi Mutu, whose multimedia works often addressed issues of gender, race, and identity.
Today, Contemporary African art continues to evolve and expand, with emerging and established artists exploring old and new art styles and forms to create unique pieces that push their narratives. True to form, it continues to be influenced by both globalisation and the socio-political African experience as it remains a dynamic and exciting force in the global art world.
One can surmise that the evolution of Contemporary African art is a portrait of the African continent. Through artistic expression, African artists capture the continent’s diverse cultural heritage, the unique socio-political conversations on colonialism, globalisation, and identity, and the stories of its everyday people. As seen through the decades, they continue to produce thought-provoking and inspiring artworks that inspire and challenge their audience.
Indeed, it is a wonderful time in history to be part of this vibrant and dynamic art scene as collectors, enthusiasts, and artists.
This was quite a lengthy read, but I hope you gained some deep insights from this weekend’s digest.
Until next time,
indulge in intriguing African art history.
