Contextualization

Africa is a continent of immense cultural diversity. Each region and community within Africa has its unique art forms that serve as an expression of their history, beliefs, and way of life. These art forms include sculpture, painting, textiles, pottery, music, dance, and more. In this project, we will focus on the visual arts of Africa, particularly the art of West Africa, Central Africa, and the Swahili Coast.

Art in Africa is not just about aesthetics; it is also a means of communication. The symbols and patterns used in African art often carry deep cultural and religious meanings. For instance, in West African art, the use of geometric patterns and repetitive shapes symbolizes the balance and harmony of the universe, while the use of elongated figures in Central African art represents the importance of ancestors and spiritual beings.

Moreover, African art is closely tied to rituals and ceremonies. Many African artworks are created for specific events or occasions, such as birth, marriage, initiation, and death. They are not just decorative objects but are actively used in these rituals to invoke spiritual powers or to communicate with the ancestors.

Importance and Real-World Application

The study of African art is not only a window into the rich cultural heritage of the continent but also offers valuable insights into broader themes such as colonialism, identity, and resistance. The impact of European colonization on African art, for example, can be seen in the adoption of new materials and techniques, as well as in the emergence of new themes and styles.

Furthermore, African art has had a significant influence on modern and contemporary art around the world. Many Western artists, such as Picasso and Matisse, were inspired by the simplicity and boldness of African art. Today, African artists are making their mark in the global art scene, using their artworks to comment on social and political issues, and to assert their own narratives and identities.

In the real world, the knowledge of African art can be applied in various fields. For instance, in the field of anthropology, the study of African art can provide insights into the social, religious, and economic systems of African societies. In the field of history, it can help us understand the interactions between Africa and the rest of the world throughout history. In the field of art and design, it can serve as a source of inspiration for new creative ideas and approaches.

Resources

To help you in your exploration of African art, the following resources are recommended:

1. "African Art: A Century at the Brooklyn Museum" - An online exhibition that provides an overview of the history and diversity of African art. Link
2. "African Art: An Introduction" by Frank Willett - A comprehensive book that covers various aspects of African art, including its history, styles, and symbolism.
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Collection of African Art - An online collection that features artworks from different regions and time periods in Africa.
4. The British Museum's Collection of African Art - Another online collection that offers a wide range of African artworks.
5. The Khan Academy's Course on African Art - A series of educational videos and articles that delve into the various forms and functions of African art.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Exploring African Art: A Cultural Journey

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to promote collaborative learning and creative thinking while deepening the students' understanding of African Art. The students will research, analyze, and create an art piece inspired by a specific African culture, fostering their appreciation for the richness and diversity of African art.

Detailed Description of the Project

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5. Each group will be assigned one of the three regions of Africa: West Africa, Central Africa, or the Swahili Coast. The group's task will be to research and study the art forms (such as sculpture, painting, textiles, pottery, etc.) of their assigned region, paying special attention to the materials used, the techniques employed, the symbolism and meaning behind the artworks, and their role in the culture and society. The students will then create an original artwork inspired by their research, using materials and techniques that are characteristic of the chosen region.

Necessary Materials

• Internet access for research
• Books or other resources on African Art
• Art supplies (depending on the chosen art form)

Detailed Step-by-step for Carrying out the Activity

1. Research: Each group will start by conducting research on the art forms of their assigned region. They can use the recommended resources provided in the project brief as a starting point, but they are encouraged to explore other resources as well. The research should cover the history, styles, materials, techniques, symbolism, and functions of the artworks.

2. Analysis: After the research, the group should discuss and analyze their findings. They should identify common themes and patterns in the artworks of their region and try to understand their cultural and historical significance. The group should also brainstorm ideas for their own artwork, keeping in mind the materials and techniques used in their assigned region.

3. Creation: Based on their research and analysis, the group should create an original artwork that is inspired by their assigned region. The artwork should reflect the style, themes, and symbolism of the chosen region. The students are encouraged to be creative and innovative in their interpretation and use of the traditional art forms.

4. Documentation: Throughout the project, the group should document their process and progress. This can include photographs of their research and artwork, notes from their discussions, sketches, etc.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group will submit a written report and a finished artwork.

1. Written Report: The report should be organized into the following sections:

   • Introduction: The group should provide an overview of their assigned region and the art forms they studied. They should also explain the objective of their project and the relevance of their chosen theme.

   • Development: In this section, the group should detail their research process, the findings of their research, and their analysis and interpretation of the artworks. They should also describe the process of creating their own artwork, including the materials and techniques they used and the reasons behind their artistic choices.

   • Conclusion: The group should summarize their main findings and learnings from the project. They should reflect on how the project deepened their understanding of African art and its cultural significance.

   • Bibliography: The group should list all the sources they consulted for their research.

2. Artwork: The finished artwork should be accompanied by a brief description that explains its connection to the art forms of the assigned region and the symbolism and meaning behind its design.

The total time for the completion of this project is one month. Each student should expect to spend 10 to 15 hours on this project, depending on the group size and the complexity of the chosen art form.