Dissolving Stereotypes Concerning Contemporary African Art

One positive facet of globalisation is the fusion of creative elements from various cultures of the world. The essence of this global shift has drastically changed the contemporary African art market, rendering post modern representations of this great continent, its people and creatures in new and enlightening contexts. Modern African artists work to explore new concepts by interpreting them within their indigenous traditions or by reflecting their authentic African situation or experience in their art work.

However, maybe it is less the content or style of the works than the origin, location or structure of the artist that exhibit them. If you talk about the contemporary art world today you are really referring to a world of art. Modern art cites from Sao Paolo to London, from Kassel to Cape Town all embrace an array of artists and cultures from the four corners of the globe, many of whom were born in Africa. Who are these global artists? And when they make art, do they make African Art? Or do they make modern African art? Contemporary Art from Africa or Postmodern African Art? Are these descriptions only applicable for artists that are from Africa? Or who live in Africa?

Postmodern African Artists Endure a Mixed Blessing

Defining the contemporary artists’ identity based on cultural or geographical boundaries has always been applied, especially in the African case. Unfortunately for many postmodern African artists this is a mixed blessing. Possessing African roots can be seen as a source of pride, an irrelevant fact, or a perpetual curse. Western stereotypes are steadfast and hard to eliminate. Western cultural presuppositions have negatively affected the presentation and interpretation of contemporary African art. In the Washington Post the Tanzanian artist Kiure Msangi quoted the reaction of a journalist: “Do you use acrylic paint? But that is not African!” Kiure Msangi proceeded: “If I would have used in some canvases acrylic paint with cow dung, I am sure the critics would have loved it”.

Can the World’s Contemporary Art Culture Benefit from the African Experience?

Although the stereotypes still exist, there is a growing upward trend in the sale and exhibition of contemporary “African Art”. Both collectors and the general public are investing in exciting vibrant paintings, sculptures, installations and digital art. These contemporary art collections bring delight and financial reward, while enriching many homes with modern form and colour.

The 21st century has been with us for some time and “African Art” is beginning to solidify the respect it has gained in recent years. This contemporary art should not be discarded as a strange sub-category, but be recognised for its sophistication and quality. These modern works of art are being produced by a professional and ethnically diverse art community that spans the globe.