Description
A concise, accessible and up-to-date overview of the arts of Africa from prehistoric times to the present day.
This indispensable introductory guide explores the art of the African continent from its early origins over 150,000 years ago to the contemporary, set in the context of post-colonial debates, the restitution of cultural objects and artefacts, and the challenges of the present. This enormous and complex field of study, once under-appreciated by the Western art world, is now of global importance and an essential subject of education in art history.
For ease of reference and analysis, this indispensable guide is structured chronologically into manageable and meaningful chapters covering ancient art, the Middle Ages, travel and trade, encounters with Europe in the age of exploration, the colonial era, the rebuilding of the continent in recent times, and contemporary art. It addresses core, continent-wide themes in African visual and cultural expression, from the life-cycle (motherhood, children, initiation, religion) to the body and representations of power dynamics. Important regional artistic expressions are also explored, such as the cultures of Mali (the Western Sudan), Nigeria (the lower Niger and Benue area), the Congo Basin and various nomadic populations across the continent.
Written from an inclusive modern perspective, focusing not only on royal traditions but also the broader global history of the continent and its artistic practices, this is an excellent introduction for students, museum visitors and anyone with an interest in fine art, African history and cultural studies.
A concise, accessible and up-to-date overview of the arts of Africa from prehistoric times to the present day
About the Author
Suzanne Blier is Professor of Fine Arts and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, and a leading expert on African art, architecture and culture. Her many books include A History of Art in Africa (co-author, 2000), Royal Arts of Africa (2012), Art and Risk in Ancient Yoruba (2015) and The Image of the Black in African and Asian Art (with David Bindman and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., 2017).
Reviews
'Highly engaging, entertaining, and delightfully instructive ... a must read for any of us seeking to explore the unique ways of seeing emerging from the continent to which each of us can trace our ancestry' - Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
'A visually stunning and long-overdue global historical treatment of African art from the entire continent. Its carefully curated images and daring insights take us into comparative realms that encourage greater familiarity with the many themes and changing character of African artistic expression over time. Brava!' - Dr. Candice Goucher, Professor Emerita of History, Washington State University
'Suzanne Preston Blier highlights the extraordinary richness of Africa's visual culture ... I applaud the extraordinary artists and creativity featured here' - King Aderemi Adedapo (Yoruba, Nigeria); Convener General, Council of Traditional African Leaders
'Blier's breadth and depth of knowledge affords a timely introduction ... at its heart are highpoints of the dazzling artistry that reflect unparalleled cultural dynamism that has flourished across the continent' - Alisa LaGamma, Pulitzer curator for Arts of Africa and Curator in Charge of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Book Information
ISBN 9780500296257
Author Suzanne Preston Blier
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 420g
This indispensable introductory guide explores the art of the African continent from its early origins over 150,000 years ago to the contemporary, set in the context of post-colonial debates, the restitution of cultural objects and artefacts, and the challenges of the present. This enormous and complex field of study, once under-appreciated by the Western art world, is now of global importance and an essential subject of education in art history.
For ease of reference and analysis, this indispensable guide is structured chronologically into manageable and meaningful chapters covering ancient art, the Middle Ages, travel and trade, encounters with Europe in the age of exploration, the colonial era, the rebuilding of the continent in recent times, and contemporary art. It addresses core, continent-wide themes in African visual and cultural expression, from the life-cycle (motherhood, children, initiation, religion) to the body and representations of power dynamics. Important regional artistic expressions are also explored, such as the cultures of Mali (the Western Sudan), Nigeria (the lower Niger and Benue area), the Congo Basin and various nomadic populations across the continent.
Written from an inclusive modern perspective, focusing not only on royal traditions but also the broader global history of the continent and its artistic practices, this is an excellent introduction for students, museum visitors and anyone with an interest in fine art, African history and cultural studies.
A concise, accessible and up-to-date overview of the arts of Africa from prehistoric times to the present day
About the Author
Suzanne Blier is Professor of Fine Arts and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, and a leading expert on African art, architecture and culture. Her many books include A History of Art in Africa (co-author, 2000), Royal Arts of Africa (2012), Art and Risk in Ancient Yoruba (2015) and The Image of the Black in African and Asian Art (with David Bindman and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., 2017).
Reviews
'Highly engaging, entertaining, and delightfully instructive ... a must read for any of us seeking to explore the unique ways of seeing emerging from the continent to which each of us can trace our ancestry' - Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
'A visually stunning and long-overdue global historical treatment of African art from the entire continent. Its carefully curated images and daring insights take us into comparative realms that encourage greater familiarity with the many themes and changing character of African artistic expression over time. Brava!' - Dr. Candice Goucher, Professor Emerita of History, Washington State University
'Suzanne Preston Blier highlights the extraordinary richness of Africa's visual culture ... I applaud the extraordinary artists and creativity featured here' - King Aderemi Adedapo (Yoruba, Nigeria); Convener General, Council of Traditional African Leaders
'Blier's breadth and depth of knowledge affords a timely introduction ... at its heart are highpoints of the dazzling artistry that reflect unparalleled cultural dynamism that has flourished across the continent' - Alisa LaGamma, Pulitzer curator for Arts of Africa and Curator in Charge of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Book Information
ISBN 9780500296257
Author Suzanne Preston Blier
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 420g
