how is african art different from western art

African Art is much different in use from its Western Art

counterparts. Western Art, is used to decorate walls and can be studied for its perspective, lines, symmetry and many other artistic forms. African Art was used as an integral part of the societies rituals, dances and ceremonies.

Full Answer

What is African art like in Africa?

Masks and figurative statuary are more commonly found in western and central Africa. The legacy of early Western taste, with its emphasis on sculptural forms such as masks and figures, continues to inform most museum collections of African art.

What is the legacy of Western influence on African art?

The legacy of early Western taste, with its emphasis on sculptural forms such as masks and figures, continues to inform most museum collections of African art. As African art became more widely appreciated in the West, scholars began to study both its stylistic diversity and the meanings that African artifacts hold for their makers.

What was the purpose of West African art?

Art work was created to decorate shrines, to control supernatural forces, for divination, and to celebrate an abundant harvest and other events within the tribe. West African Art included ceramics and metalworking that date back as early as two thousand years ago.

What is the difference between Precolonial Africa and Western art?

Another misapprehension is that in the West art is created for art’s sake, while in precolonial Africa art was solely functional.

What makes African art different from other arts?

African Art has many characteristics, some of which include creative expressionism over realism, the prevalence of images and sculpture of the human figure, larger focus on sculpture rather than painting, abstract themes and representations, melding visual and performance arts (such as in the case of masks), and non- ...

What makes African art unique?

Visual abstraction is one of the most prominent characteristics of African art. Most traditional African artworks are abstract. The African proclivity towards abstraction has its roots in the need of the artist to express an idea, rather than simply portray a subject.

How did African art influence Western art?

African art has had an important influence on European Modernist art, which was inspired by their interest in abstract depiction. It was this appreciation of African sculpture that has been attributed to the very concept of "African art", as seen by European and American artists and art historians.

How did the Western world view the art of Africa?

African sculpture, in particular, served as a catalyst for the innovations of modernist artists. Seeking alternatives to realistic representation, Western artists admired African sculpture for its abstract conceptual approach to the human form.

What are 5 facts about African art?

Here are seven (7) of the most intriguing facts about the history of African art.Rock art is the earliest form of African art. ... Much of African sculpture was historically in wood. ... Traditional religions are extremely influential on historical African art forms.More items...•

What is the main reason of African art?

Traditional African art served a purpose (and does still in some cultures) as an agent of religion, social stability, and social control. Art that has a purpose is not unique to African or other non-Western cultures but occurs in Western ones as well.

What makes Western Art different?

Aesthetic Differences Realistic depiction of the human body has been important in Western art for centuries. The illusion of three-dimensional space being created on a two-dimensional painting is also a central part of Western art. Non-Western art may or may not focus on the human form, however.

What is different about Western Art?

'Western Art' is the portrayal, in two or three dimensions, of the history, people, landscape and wildlife of the area confined to the western regions of North America, in a highly realistic or realistic impressionist style and is inextricably linked to the culture of the American West.

What is Western style in art?

Western American Art includes artistic work which depicts the subjects related to the Western American region, and was treated as impoverished, unwanted and unworthy art before the twentieth century, during which period it achieved respectability as a rewarding region for studying.

Why is Africa so different from the rest of the world?

The most important thing to know is that Africa is not a country; it's a continent of 54 countries that are diverse culturally and geographically. It's so diverse because Africa is really, really big — about as big as the combined landmasses of China, the United States, India, Japan and much of Europe.

What makes Western Africa unique?

West Africa has a rich ecology, with strong biodiversity and several distinct regions. The climate and ecology are heavily influenced by the dry Sahara to the North and East, which provides dry winds during the Harmattan, and the west and humid climate to the south and of the Atlantic which provides seasonal monsoons.

What is the most unique thing about Africa?

AFRICA IS THE SECOND LARGEST CONTINENT ON EARTH. ... BETWEEN 1500-2000 LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN AFRICA. ... AFRICA IS THE SOURCE OF THE WORLD'S LONGEST RIVER. ... AFRICA IS HOME TO THE WORLD'S OLDEST UNIVERSITY. ... THE RICHEST MAN EVER IS AFRICAN. ... THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTTEST DESERT IS IN AFRICA.More items...•

What's something unique about Africa?

One of the most interesting facts about Africa is that the length and breadth of this continent are about the same. It measures around 4,660 from north to south and from east to west. Africa is not only the second largest but the second most populated continent as well and houses about 12% of the world population.

What makes African literature unique?

Language of the African novel is highly enriched with some aspects of oral literature such as songs, proverbs and narratives. The other aspect which makes African novel unique from other novels is characterization. In the novel, characterization is achieved by reporting the thoughts of the characters.

What are the characteristics of African art?

That being said, some general characteristics of African art may be identified. Among these are innovation of form— i.e., the concern on the part of the African artist with innovation and creativity; visual abstraction and conventionalization; a visual combination of balanced composition and asymmetry; the primacy of sculpture; the transformation and adornment of the human body; and a general multiplicity of meaning. It should also be noted that a primary component of traditional African art is performance and assemblage. The combination of music, dance, dress, and bodily ornamentation—as well as sculpture and masks—is frequently what imparts both significance and dynamism to individual art objects.

What are the components of African art?

It should also be noted that a primary component of traditional African art is performance and assemblage. The combination of music, dance, dress, and bodily ornamentation—as well as sculpture and masks—is frequently what imparts both significance and dynamism to individual art objects.

What was the separation of fine art from the lowlier craft?

The Western separation of fine art from the lowlier craft (i.e., useful skill) came out of a sequence of social, economic, and intellectual changes in Europe that did not occur in Africa before the colonial period at the very earliest. This separation, therefore, cannot be applied without qualification to African traditions of precolonial origin.

What is the meaning of the term "tribe" in art criticism?

A commonplace of African art criticism has been to identify particular styles according to supposedly tribal names—for example, Asante, Kuba, or Nuba. The concept of tribe is problematic, however, and has generally been discarded. “Tribal” names, in fact, sometimes refer to the language spoken, sometimes to political entities, and sometimes to other kinds of groupings, yet the boundaries between peoples speaking different languages or acknowledging different chiefs do not necessarily coincide with their respective tribal boundaries. Moreover, the very idea of tribe is an attempt to impose identity from the outside. That this happened is understandable, given the demands of colonial administration, but this historical contingency cannot help in understanding the dynamic of stylistic variation in Africa. The sense of identity that individuals and groups undoubtedly have with others, which was misunderstood as “tribe” but which is better referred to as “ethnic identity,” is something that derives from the relationship built up through many different networks: whom one can marry, one’s language and religious affiliations, the chief whose authority one acknowledges, who one’s ancestors are, the kind of work one does, and so forth. Sometimes African art plays a part in this, as when a religious cult or a chief or a guild employs distinctive artifacts as a mark of uniqueness. Sometimes boundaries are based on linguistic differences, but this may be coincidental.

Why is painting not available in Africa?

Painting in Africa was long presumed not to exist to any significant extent, largely because it was to be found on the skins of human bodies, on the walls of houses, and on rock faces —none of which were collectible. Clearly, the aesthetic field in Africa is not so limited.

Can artifacts be traded?

But artifacts can be traded and then copied; artists themselves can travel; institutions, complete with associated artifacts, can move or spread from one area to another, sometimes because they are copied by a neighbouring people, sometimes because they are purchased, and sometimes as a result of conquest.

Is pan-African art contentious?

Claims of an underlying pan-African aesthetic must be viewed as highly contentious. Some further general points can be made, however, in regard to the status of precolonial sub-Saharan art. First, in any African language, a concept of art as meaning something other than skill would be the exception rather than the rule.

What is the Western appreciation of African art?

The appreciation of African art in the Western world has had an enormous impact not only on the development of modern art in Europe and the United States, but also on the way African art is presented in a Western museum setting. Although objects from Africa were brought to Europe as early as ...

How did African art impact the world?

The appreciation of African art in the Western world has had an enormous impact not only on the development of modern art in Europe and the United States, but also on the way African art is presented in a Western museum setting. Although objects from Africa were brought to Europe as early as the fifteenth century, it was during the colonial period that a greater awareness of African art developed. The cultural and aesthetic milieu of late-nineteenth-century Europe fostered an atmosphere in which African artifacts, once regarded as mere curios, became admired for their artistic qualities.

Why is African sculpture important?

African sculpture, in particular, served as a catalyst for the innovations of modernist artists. Seeking alternatives to realistic representation, Western artists admired African sculpture for its abstract conceptual approach to the human form.

What are African scholars doing?

African scholars are also undertaking research into their own heritage. Their sustained commentaries have led to new information and insights, providing a better understanding of the complex cultural meanings embodied in art.

When did contemporary African art start?

Contemporary African art and the concept of this is a widely debated topic, with some sources suggesting that contemporary art in Africa started around the mid-1900s by various artists like Walter Battiss, Irma Stern, and many others. African tribal art has been an influence on many contemporary African artists.

Why are human figures important in African art?

The human figure was an important feature in African art and sculptures would often resemble human figures, and through these figures, ideals about life or the spirit world would be expressed. If the sculptures were of animals, the animals would have some relation back to the human. They were utilized as symbols for humans or their traits; for example, an animal that represented strength or power would indicate the chief or king.

What is frican art?

A frican art is a continental and diasporic art. From east to west, north to south, the African cultures have been one of the most diverse in the world, considerably impacting the Western art world. Africa has long been considered the Cradle of Humankind, and it has seemingly been the heart of the world out of which emerged beautiful, diverse art. Many of us do not know where to begin with African art – this article will give an overview of African art, social and religious contexts, characteristics, and some of the prominent types of artworks and African artifacts.

What are the countries that make up Southern Africa?

The countries that comprise Southern Africa include South Africa at the tip of the continent, with surrounding countries like Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zambia, among others. Some of the artwork in Southern Africa includes the rock art we explored above.

What countries are in North Africa?

Some of the countries that comprise North Africa are Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Sudan. Some of the art in Algeria includes the rock art in the region called Tassili n’Ajjer, housing thousands of rock art paintings. The paintings include depictions of animals and humans, as well as the famous “Round Head” figures.

What were the traditions of African cultures before Christianity?

Before Christianity and Islamic religions came to Africa, traditional religious practices and rituals were especially important aspects of many African cultures. The spirit or ancestral worlds played large roles and were accessed and venerated through “artistic” objects like sculptures, masks, statues, and various other objects.

Is African art continental?

African art is certainly continental, and its reach has gone far beyond the African continent, inspiring many other modern artists from the Western world. There have been many concepts underpinning what African art is and is not, not only in the microcosm of Africa but also in the macrocosm of the world.

What is West African art?

Sophisticated West African Art is an exotic concoction of traditional customs and modern influences. From the Atlantic coasts of Senegal to Cameron and further inland to the Savanna, each society contributes its own interpretations and representations of art to create some interesting parallels. One of the many things that make art ...

Why was art created in Africa?

Art work was created to decorate shrines, to control supernatural forces, for divination, and to celebrate an abundant harvest and other events within the tribe. West African Art included ceramics and metalworking that date back as early as two thousand years ago.

What was the influence of the Western colonization?

The Western colonization, in the 19th and 20th centuries, have brought forth the commercialization and the trade of traditional African Art. This also led to the development of colleges that have exposed African artists to the designs of the west which they are slowly incorporating in their works. However, even with the influences of the European colonizers, this type of art still thrives and the tribes have retained and continue to live the rich tradition and culture they have inherited from their ancestors .

What were the natural resources that dictated the art of the various geographical regions?

The art of the various geographical regions were largely dictated by the natural resources that flourish within their territories. Having a huge amount of gold and bronze readily accessible, the major ethnic group of Ashanti, in Ghana abounds with artistry of these material.

What makes art from the tribe enchanting?

One of the many things that make art from this region enchanting is their association with magic and witchcraft. Most things that are crafted are essentially meant for magical practices or symbolizes this powerful belief. Art work was created to decorate shrines, to control supernatural forces, for divination, and to celebrate an abundant harvest and other events within the tribe.

When was ornamental sculpture invented?

The earliest known models of ornamental sculpture, that dates back from approximately 500 B.C. To 200 A.D . are the ceramic sculptures of the Nok Culture of Nigeria. Iron tools have also simplified and furthered wood carving and sculpture.

Where did metal sculpture originate?

Within the tenth century, the practice of casting metal sculpture, in different compositions of copper alloys, started in the eastern area of Nigeria, known as the Igbo-Ukwu. This innovation was soon introduced and flourished in Benin.

What is the difference between Western and non-Western art?

Western and non-Western art are different in terms of techniques and mediums used, culture, aesthetic ideals, religion and philosophy. Non-Western art refers to art that is not derived from European or North American art history and ideals.

How does culture affect art?

Art can be effected by everything from food, language, social customs, music and literature and geographic location. Many non-Western cultures focus on the family and the society, and art is often seen as communal.

What are the mediums of plastic arts?

In many societies in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East, however, bead-work, textiles and woodwork are very important mediums.

What are some examples of artistic works?

Artistic works are created using a variety of mediums. For example, many Western paintings are done on canvas, while many traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese paintings have been done on thinner rice paper. The plastic arts in Western society often focus on sculpture, with sculptors often using stone and metal.

Is geometric art a Western art?

The illusion of three-dimensional space being created on a two-dimensional painting is also a central part of Western art. Non-Western art may or may not focus on the human form, however. For example, geometric patterns are much more important than the human form in some forms of Islamic art. Western art often places a premium on the use ...