A History of Art in Africa

by Discontinued 3PD, Robin Poynor, Herbert M. Cole

This innovative and comprehensive book approaches African Art from a historical perspective rather than an anthropological perspective. A History of Art in Africa shows how African Art has developed from beliefs, traditions, cultural and historical influences. It challenges current perceptions of African Art and presents it as intellectual and intentional in it's own right, rather than as intuitive or “primal” impulses, as it has been previously perceived. The book also covers the entire continent of Africa, including Egypt, and incorporates the creative influences of Islamic and Christian religious artistic traditions as well. A discussion of contemporary Africa Art includes the works of the Diaspora. Five part organization of the book's content allows the user to select which geographical area of the continent to explore first. Useful to anyone interested in African Art or art history.

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

Hardcover

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.