Glance of Contemporary African Art

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