African Art

Unit 1 – African Art: Key Themes and Perspectives

Unit 2 – African Art: Geography, Cultures, and Regions

Unit 3 – Traditional Art Materials and Techniques

Unit 4 – Art and Spirituality in Africa

Unit 5 – Aesthetics and Styles of African Art

Unit 6 – Ancient African Civilizations and Their Arts

Unit 7 – West African Art Traditions

Unit 8 – Central African Art Traditions

Unit 9 – Eastern and Southern African Art Traditions

Unit 10 – African Art and the Atlantic Slave Trade

Unit 11 – African Art in the Colonial Era

Unit 12 – Modern and Contemporary African Art

Unit 13 – African Art and the Diaspora

Unit 14 – African Art: Western Collection & Display

Unit 15 – African Art's Influence on Western Modernism

## What do you learn in African Art

African Art covers the diverse artistic traditions of the African continent, from ancient times to the present. You'll explore sculpture, masks, textiles, and contemporary art forms, examining their cultural significance and historical context. The course delves into the impact of colonialism, the role of art in African societies, and how African art has influenced global artistic movements.

## Is African Art hard?

African Art isn't typically considered one of the tougher art history courses, but it does have its challenges. The sheer diversity of cultures and artistic traditions can be overwhelming at first. You'll need to memorize a lot of names, dates, and cultural contexts, which can be tricky. But if you're interested in the subject, you'll find it's more engaging than difficult.

## Tips for taking African Art in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a visual timeline of African art periods and styles
3. Watch documentaries on African cultures to better understand context
4. Visit local museums with African art collections for hands-on learning
5. Join study groups to discuss and analyze artworks together
6. Make flashcards for key terms, artists, and cultural groups
7. Read "The Art of Africa: A Resource for Educators" by Christa Clarke

## Common pre-requisites for African Art

1. Introduction to Art History: This course provides a broad overview of art from various cultures and time periods. It helps build a foundation for understanding artistic styles and movements.

2. World History: This class offers context for the historical events that shaped African cultures and their art. It covers major civilizations, trade routes, and global interactions.

## Classes similar to African Art

1. Asian Art: Explores artistic traditions from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Covers painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from ancient times to the present.

2. Pre-Columbian Art: Focuses on the art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerican and Andean cultures. Examines ceramics, textiles, and monumental structures of civilizations like the Maya and Inca.

3. Oceanic Art: Studies the diverse artistic traditions of Pacific Island cultures. Covers sculpture, body art, architecture, and ritual objects from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia.

4. Islamic Art: Examines the art and architecture of Islamic cultures from Spain to India. Explores calligraphy, miniature painting, textiles, and architectural monuments like mosques and palaces.

## Majors related to African Art

1. Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts across cultures and time periods. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and contextualize artworks within their historical and cultural frameworks.

2. Anthropology: Explores human cultures, societies, and behaviors. Students study cultural practices, beliefs, and material culture, including art and artifacts from various societies.

3. African Studies: Concentrates on the history, politics, cultures, and societies of Africa. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the continent's diverse peoples, languages, and artistic traditions.

4. Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and cultural institutions. Covers topics like collection management, exhibition design, and public education related to art and artifacts.

## What can you do with a degree in African Art?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions, manages collections, and conducts research on artworks. Curators specializing in African art work with museums to showcase and interpret African artistic traditions.

2. Art Conservator: Preserves and restores artworks and cultural artifacts. Conservators working with African art need specialized knowledge of materials and techniques used in various African cultures.

3. Cultural Consultant: Advises organizations on cultural sensitivity and representation. Consultants with expertise in African art can work with film studios, fashion brands, or international businesses to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals of African cultures.

4. Gallery Owner: Manages an art gallery, selects artists to represent, and sells artwork. Gallery owners specializing in African art promote and sell works by African artists or pieces inspired by African traditions.

## African Art FAQs

1. How does African art differ from Western art? African art often emphasizes functionality and spiritual significance, with many pieces created for specific rituals or ceremonies. Western art tends to focus more on aesthetics and individual expression.

2. Are there contemporary African artists I should know about? Yes, there are many notable contemporary African artists like El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare, and Julie Mehretu. The course will likely cover some modern and contemporary African artists alongside traditional art forms.

3. How has African art influenced modern Western art? African art had a significant impact on early 20th-century Western artists like Picasso and Matisse. The course will explore how African aesthetics inspired movements like Cubism and influenced modern art globally.

Art History

Visual Arts

1.2 Key Themes in African Art

1.1 Overview of African Art: History and Significance

1.3 Methodologies and Approaches to Studying African Art

1.4 Challenges and Debates in African Art Scholarship

2.1 Major Geographical Regions and Their Cultural Characteristics

2.2 Linguistic and Ethnic Diversity in Africa

2.3 Artistic Regions and Their Distinctive Features

3.1 Wood Carving and Sculpture

3.2 Metalworking and Jewelry Making

3.3 Textile Arts: Weaving, Dyeing, and Embroidery

3.4 Ceramics and Pottery

3.5 Painting and Body Art

4.1 Role of Art in African Religious Practices

4.2 Masks and Masquerades in Ritual and Performance

4.3 Sacred Objects and Power Figures

4.4 Art in Ancestor Veneration and Funerary Practices

5.1 Principles of African Aesthetics

5.4 Regional Styles and Artistic Conventions

5.2 Abstraction and Representation in African Art

5.3 Symbolism and Visual Language

6.1 Ancient Egyptian Art and Architecture

6.2 Nubian Art and Culture

6.3 Art of the Nok and Ife Civilizations

7.2 Akan Gold Weights and Adinkra Symbols

7.3 Benin Kingdom Art: Bronze Casting and Ivory Carving

7.4 Dogon and Bambara Art

7.1 Yoruba Art and Culture

8.2 Fang and Kota Reliquary Figures

8.3 Pende and Chokwe Masks and Sculptures

8.1 Kongo and Luba Art

9.2 Swahili Coast Art and Architecture

9.4 San Rock Art and Contemporary San Art

9.1 Ethiopian Christian Art and Manuscripts

9.3 Makonde Sculpture and Body Modification

10.1 Changes in Art Production and Patronage

10.2 Artistic Exchanges Between Africa and the Americas

10.3 Retention and Transformation of African Artistic Traditions in the Diaspora

Browse all African Art Key Terms

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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