AFR 255 - Approaches to African Art

This course explores the continuities between ancient and contemporary art making traditions con-cerned with performance, ritual, sexuality, and identity in Africa. Through a broad spectrum of case studies, we will outline a historical overview of key art forms and styles starting circa 40,000 BCE- with the earliest known figurative painting found in what is now South Africa. In doing so, we will consider how far from mere representation, the arts of Africa play an active role in giving form and meaning to the world we inhabit. And in the wake of an ever-expanding environmental crisis, we will pay particular attention to the models the art of Africa can offer for us to engage with an environment that is not passive but animated and brimming with agencies.

Satisfies Africana Studies major and minor requirement.
Satisfies Art major and minor requirement.
Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies Cultural Diversity requirement.