African Art Now

Course Title: African Art Now

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 20

Session Titles

1. Representing Africa, Modernity and the Contemporary

2. Négritude and Natural Synthesis in the Formation of Modernism in West Africa

3. Beyond Négritude and the École de Dakar

4. Modernism in Sudan: Ibrahim El-Salahi

5. Photography in Mali

6. Malangatana & Modernism in Mozambique

7. Cheri Samba and Popular Painting in the Democratic Republic of Congo

8. South African Artists in the Struggle against Apartheid

9. South African Artists after the Apartheid

10. Modern Art in North Africa

Course Overview

Africa is a huge continent with over 50 different countries and thousands of different ethnic groups. The cultures of each of these differ dramatically, making Africa a rich and fertile ground for the creative arts.

As well as seeing some astonishingly beautiful works of art made over the past 100 years, the course will challenge the assumption often made by Western art historians that African art belongs under categories such as 'folk' or so-called 'tribal' art.

As we will see, Africa has an exciting art history and a vibrant art present, with artists producing work that expresses the unique African experience.

The course is taught in an open and inclusive way, so your thoughts, experiences and opinions will be welcome as part of the discussion.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None specified

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Recognise and identify the stylistic qualities of a number of African artists and their work.
• Discuss African art in relation to its formal qualities, symbolism and social context.
• Identify some of the issues African artists have faced in terms of access to training, patronage and status, and the developments in African art since the process of decolonisation began.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted in a face-to-face online setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, group discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.