| While many people are familiar with | | | | |
| traditional African art, the world of | | | | A fascinating theme that is prevalent in |
| contemporary African art is widely | | | | contemporary African art is the visually |
| unrecognized. Part of the problem is the | | | | abstract representation of the subjects. |
| academic world's fascination with the | | | | Instead of the more realistic techniques used |
| ancient, traditional forms of art, therefore | | | | by many artist of the Western world, African |
| making it difficult for modern artists' to | | | | artists are more likely to depict their |
| find a market for their work. When | | | | subjects in an abstract manner. |
| contemporary African art is noticed, those | | | | Representations are often made with certain |
| works tend to receive high praise and sell | | | | colors indicating specific characteristics |
| for high prices. | | | | and traits. The viewer is left to draw their |
| | | | own conclusions of the meaning and symbolism |
| Like any group of artists, African artists | | | | of the work. The greater effort required to |
| are diverse crowd that create visual art | | | | really see the artwork as its creator |
| totally unique to their personal vision. | | | | intended adds to the experience of viewing a |
| Even with that understanding, there are a few | | | | great work. |
| common artistic themes that are prevalent in | | | | |
| contemporary African art. | | | | Contemporary African art is gradually |
| | | | receiving some of the attention and acclaim |
| The first popular theme among African artists | | | | it deserves. Modern African artists have |
| is sculpture. Three dimensional works tend | | | | found a unique voice in staying true to |
| to be more widely used than two dimensional. | | | | tradition while expressing the emotions and |
| This emphasis is actually seen throughout the | | | | the experience of living in the Africa of |
| history of African art. The three | | | | today. From civil unrest to the challenges |
| dimensional can also be seen in paintings and | | | | of coping after apartheid, African artists |
| textiles. It isn't uncommon to see a design | | | | have an unlimited source of inspiration. Due |
| painted onto a house where the viewer must | | | | to the large number of different countries |
| walk around the entire work to view the total | | | | and communities on the continent, there are |
| design. Textiles become three dimensional | | | | many different cultures to explore and |
| when the cloth has been woven to display | | | | contemporary African art is a beautiful way |
| ceremonial designs or are elaborately | | | | to do it. |
| decorated. When worn, the cloth makes the | | | | |
| wearer appear to be a living work of art. | | | | Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts |
| The emphasis on sculpture is one of the | | | | degree in Fine Art from the University of |
| preferences that help make the transition | | | | Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine |
| from ancient to contemporary African art. | | | | Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger |
| | | | School of Painting, Maryland Institute |
| One of the most appealing themes of | | | | College of Art, Baltimore, USA. |
| contemporary African art is the use of | | | | |
| utilitarianism. This enters the art world in | | | | One of Africa's most celebrated and renowned |
| the creation of beautiful as well as | | | | traditional Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe |
| functional pieces. Many African artists | | | | has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe |
| specialize in pottery, textiles, and hair | | | | and the USA. His paintings have been |
| adornments, all of which are made to be used | | | | described as hypnotic, colorful and densely |
| in everyday life. Even eating utensils and | | | | patterned. |
| stools are made with beauty and function in | | | | |
| mind. Geometric patterns, bright colors, and | | | | In 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the |
| cubism are used to enhance the appeal of | | | | Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he |
| these common household items. Often the | | | | was invited to become a member of Africobra, |
| items are designed with themes that are close | | | | an organization founded in the 1960s and |
| to the African belief system, like ancestors | | | | whose membership comprises of distinguished |
| and spiritual symbols. | | | | African-American artists. |