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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African Aesthetic

Loiyangalani

Fula Nomad at Golondi

Fulani Bapteme Ceremony

Konbaki

Overseeing Merille

Kedeyne

Rendille Mother and Child

Learnesi

Nyangatom boy

Beads of the Omo Valley

Lady of the Arbore

Lines that lead to perfection

The pure Wodaabe

Korohan

When dreams fall in place

The flowers of a daffodil never fall far from it

Fragments of the living

The gift of life

Two cards playing

In love with a broken heart

Bunt offering on the alter of fear

No white flag: On pugnacity and resilience in human struggles

Afar woman of Assaita

After the rains

Madina

Lerrin

Lemarleni

Acuan

Behind the Great Mosque in Djenne

Cowboy of Wamba

Ramji Bhagu

Sisterhood 2 (Love and Strength)

Tranquility

Calm Within

Ubuntu

Resilience in Blooms

Peace Begins With A Smile

Sans titre

Radio waves and dreams

La Vielle Ame (The Old Soul) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Modern

Gentleman

Nothing to be Ashamed of (Body Positivity) 2

Têtes couronnées - Mona sortant du salon de coiffure

Expansive Potential

This is One not Two

Bridegroom 2

Peace and Tranquility 2

Living in the Moment of Peace 2

Living in the Moment of Peace

Bridegroom 1

In Her Space

Soft Murmur

Sisters in Yellow

Ojú ìwé (Page)

Reflection

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

Himba children teenager

Himba children look right

Himba children tree master