Five Differences That African Artwork Has Over Other Art Forms

by: David Anders

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Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 Time: 3:27 PM - 0 comments

African art in itself presents extremely diverse cultural differences. Every corner of Africa seems to have their own art form which is showcased through sculpture, paintings and even through the art of dance. There are clear differences in artwork from region to region in Africa but there are also clear similarities. In comparison to the rest of the world it would seem that African art is from another planet and we will discuss the five most visible differences that African art presents in the art world today.

1) African tribal art

African tribal art is an integral part of African culture and history. In connection with art of a tribal nature which West Africa is reknown for. A lot of tribal art is inspired by religious beliefs and are built specifically as offerings to spirits or as an addition to a shrine.

2) Abstracted art

African artwork seems to favour visual abstractions over other art forms. Presented mostly in paintings, for a while now African artists have continued to produce a number of artwork in which paintings of the human body have been abstracted. A collaboration of bright colours conversing on a canvas yet not showing a visibly clear object or person. Andy Isong has created a name for himself by making a number of Abstract paintings, he is one of many African artists who have decided to present his pictures in this way.

3) Sculptures

West African sculptures tend to be of figures with stretched bodies that have elongated limbs. The facial features of sculptures that come from this region of Africa represent more of a concept or an ideal instead of an individual or human.

4) Emphasis on performance art

A lot of African art is made to be used with or in a performance. Masks and costumes are commonly used in ceremonies where they are worn in special dances. These dances are along with the masks or costumes are all considered to be one. For example a mask named "wisdom of an old man" will have a specific costume and mask with the same name which are used together in correlation during a ceremony.

5) Traditional techniques to make art pieces.

There is still a majority of art in particular West African, which is still made using the same or similar techniques of past ancestors. It may seem like old practice but you could also call it a skill passed down from generation to generation to preserve a family craft. A lot of artwork such as pottery and carvings are skills that have been passed from a father to a son.

These differences make African art completely unique and stand out even though it may not be the most celebrated of artwork in the art world.