A History of Art In Africa

by Monica Blackmun Visona, Robin Poynor, Herbert M. Cole

Discusses the arts of the African continent, including Egypt, exploring the continent's artistic, as opposed to purely cultural traditions.

Genres: Art, Art History, Africa, Academic, History, Nonfiction

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[SassieMolassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information was great, but found the pictures small and not nearly enough of them were in color.

[Nukunu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visona's book is prolific and a much needed eye-opener to the richness of Afrikan cultures. Presenting a historical survey that spans the continent and the ages, Visona gives readers a survey of the function and evolution of different styles of Afrikan art, along with historical context and their significance in the relative society. This isn't a stereotypical or patronizing work that rehashes the same old information- Egyptian art, etc., for instance- and the level of detail and attention placed in the accuracy of each section lends the much needed scholarly attention that this subject demands.

The Humanistic purpose and nature of Afrikan art is deeply emphasized, and readers will have tons of beautiful pictures and information to not only explain these various styles, from nyama to jeyan, but make the reader feel like they truly understand it. This is a much needed book that shatters countless myths regarding one of the most patronized forms of Afrikan cultures, and its increasing social relevance as the book covers contemporary Afrikan artists of note. From trickster costumes and masks to the Great Zimbabwe, to Akan stools, this book is exhaustive and will leave readers with a new appreciation for both the social and aesthetic contributions of Afrikans.

If you're an art history major, or a person whose hobby is art, this is a must.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not have much in the way of experience with the study of art. In fact, my only experience is that I have been reading the course material for two art history courses out loud to my auditory learner. I also have not had a longitudinal interest in the art of Africa, but this book really changed that. The breadth and depth of the art in Western Africa, which is largely wood carving and painting, but included bead work and textiles, is both fascinating and beautiful, The color reproductions in the book are well done, and the text is understandable to a non-art history reader. Through the reading, I gained a better understanding of the cultural context and meaning of art from Africa.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its amazing the things you never learn about Africa in your world history classes. Talk about poor education in America. This is an extremely stimulating and informative read. Of course I'm an art history student so I might be biased toward the subject.