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.

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Subcategories

African Aesthetic

The Happy Family XIX

Civilisation bête : Digbeu. Le mortier traditionnel

The stereotyped

At Peace 2

Sun-Kissed - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Nature, Women, Landscape

Sitting Pretty

Unique (African Allure) 2

Soul gazing

Onídìrí (Hair Dresser)

Happiness - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Children Art, African Fabric

Never Say Die

Woman in Green

Clarity Amidst Chaos

Still Want You - 21st Century

Sisi Eko

Men After Flowers

Faces XXII

Three Women and Infants

The Happy Family VIII

Home Sweet Home

Innocence

Agony of a Betrayed Heart

Lady With A Parrot - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Oil, Women

Sisterhood of Grace (We Thrive)

More Than This 2

More Than This

Soft and Tidy

Shades of Love

Abondance

Blooming

While you get to sleep at night

Glamour girl

Girl With A Pearl Earring

Soulmate

Peace from Within

Magic Life

Imagine Not

Maiden from the southwest

Crowning Glory (Beauty Within Us)

Lost in thought

Qualities of an African Lady

Difference

Big mama 2

What Black Love Looks Like 2

What Black Love Looks Like 1

Life Surprises

Black Man Stereotype 2 (Mandingo)

Bond 1

The lemon seller

Faces in Love

Red Elephant

Sunset

Three Glasses of Wine

Sans titre

De l'autre coté

Ce soir je serai la plus belle pour aller danser

Double Six

At Rest

Behind the Scene

Pathfinder

Your dreams are valid

Good News

Courage

Deborah

Deep Thought

The Flutist V