African Aesthetic

How can you define the African aesthetic? A continent made up of 54 countries — each with their own culture, their own traditions and their own social structures – no doubt produces stylistically varied African artists.

The literary movement Négritude was led by the writers Aimé Césaire, Léon Damas and Léopold Sédar Senghor and played a huge part in the development of modern African art. Founded in 1937 by a group of African student artists in Paris, a city with a tolerant and diverse art scene, the movement grew globally. The movement aimed to critique colonialism and cultivate an appreciation for Black and African culture, the effects of which no doubt is imperative to the contemporary African art scene.

According to Léopold Sédar Senghor, in order for African art to progress it had to reflect the modernity of the present by responding to contemporary social issues and artistic styles, while celebrating traditional culture. By also drawing from other Modernist movements such as the Harlem Renaissance and Surrealism, the African aesthetic of visual art focuses on these principles and is today conveyed by the likes of Angu Walters who focuses on everyday life in African villages. Whilst Faie Davis seeks to use her lens to capture an appreciation for those who retain tradition.

Search by Image

Save your search and find it in your favorites

8/16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Categories

Subcategories

African Aesthetic

After the rains

Gele 2

In love (6)

Madina

Lerrin

Lemarleni

Acuan

Behind the Great Mosque in Djenne

Cowboy of Wamba

Ramji Bhagu

The lady in blue jacket

I got my eyes on you

I know myself, I think I do

Sans titre

Sisterhood 2 (Love and Strength)

Tranquility

Calm Within

Ubuntu

Resilience in Blooms

Peace Begins With A Smile

Têtes couronnées - Mona sortant du salon de coiffure

Waiting to leave

Soft Murmur

Nothing to be Ashamed of (Body Positivity) 2

Expansive Potential

Bridegroom 2

Peace and Tranquility 2

Living in the Moment of Peace 2

Living in the Moment of Peace

Bridegroom 1

In Her Space

Sisters in Yellow

Mystery of Freedom

Omidan (Maiden) 3

Omidan (Maiden) 4

Omidan (Maiden) 5

Omidan (Maiden) 6

Omoge Awelewa (The Beauty Maiden)

Omidan 2

Lion in the bushes

Music is Love VII

The Happy Family VI

Radio waves and dreams

Himba children teenager

Himba children look right

Himba children tree master

Karo waiting game

Karo people from Ethiopia

Himba Beauty

Father and Son

Portrait sur fond jaune

Couple endormi

Hybrides 2

Stone Unturned

In White Sleeve

For Tomorrow's Festival

Ojú ìwé (Page)

Reflection

Market models

Into myself

La bonne graine

Raha manina 2

Ravintsara

Malkia (Queen)

ua langu (my flower)

kijana shujaa (young warrior)