Africa boasts a myriad of vibrant
cultures, of which art is a key highlight. Defining the relationship between
culture and art would require a complex, well-investigated explanation. Nonetheless,
we can agree that these two social elements are interconnected and
interdependent. As creative pan-Africanists, understanding the relationship
between culture and art can enable us in our efforts to rebuild our continent. Digital
art, film, and photography are three influential art mediums that are being
used by artists to spark dialogue about African cultures.
Digital Art
The quantity and quality of the talent
within the digital art field is remarkable. Two interesting works of art are
the African
Madonna by Studio Muti, and an Occupy
Nigeria series by David Osagie. African Madonna is the product of a
combination of elements from South African tribal culture and references of
religious icons. David Osagie’s series of artwork was inspired shortly after Nigeria’s
membership in the Occupy movement, which is reported to have begun soon after
Nigerian political leaders defied reforms designed to distribute Nigeria’s oil
rich economy to citizens. Both works are great examples of the how art can be
used to communicate social values and ideas.
Film, Graphic Novels, & Documentaries
Growing up in Ghana, my childhood
television routine was a combination of low-budget Ghanaian movies, local tv
programs and imported cartoons. The only animations featuring boys and girls
like me were the public service announcements about good citizenship, which I
watched intently. It is very encouraging to see the work of growing number of
graphic designers and illustrators. Aya de Yopougon is a graphic novel series by
Marguerite Abouet which chronicles her childhood memories in Abidjan. The
series has earned a strong international audience and as a result, Aya de
Yopougon will be available in an upcoming animated film. Using animation
and graphic novels, writers and illustrators can reach a large young audience, by
communicating inspiring messages embedded in the narratives.
Similarly, documentaries are an effective
way of sharing the stories of everyday Africans. Kinshasa Symphony is an award-winning
film, which documented the journey of the people in Kinshasa on their quest to
create a symphony orchestra. The orchestra consisted of 200 musicians, most
them self-taught amateurs. For the viewer, the documentary provided a study of
an impressive group of people on an endeavor to maintain the complex system of
a symphony orchestra. It proved to be inspiring and a reflection of some of the
potential awaiting development in our communities.
Photography
Due to many benefits such as the
versatility and precision of the photograph, photography is quickly growing on
the continent as a medium of artistic expression. Many photographers are using
photographs to offer alternative narratives, which more accurately portray
their respective environments. Supported by the accessibility of a wide online
audience, many photographers share their work and gain exposure using social
media tools like Tumblr.
In Kenya, The Daily Struggle documents daily
life in Nairobi with images of children playing in Uhuru Park and others of the
city in its hustle-and-bustle. One popular trio from Soweto, South Africa named
I See A Different You,
combines fashion and photography to portray their city as the beautifully
complex setting for their fashion inspiration.
Some excellent photo
essays include Kibera (Kenya)
by Abby Ross, Window
to Ghana by Nana Kofi Acquah, and Life in
Eritrea by Swiatoslaw Wojtkowiak. Much like the development of other art
mediums, the increase in the use of photography by Africans to document their
lives is very exciting. It means that as Africans, we are directed to take a
closer look at our environments through the creatively focused work of
photographers.
The growing involvement in film,
photography, and digital art among other mediums of art is a promising sign of
social progress. As we produce more artwork that reflects our perceptions and true
lifestyles, we can critically analyze what we see. Art is a powerful tool of
communication that transcends language barriers and national borders. Much like
art is created from different colours and materials, our continent is a collage
of unique nations and cultures. By interacting with artwork and artists, we can
set the ball rolling to understanding our challenges and creating much-needed
solutions. The next time you see the work of an artist - and an African one in
particular – I encourage you to ask yourself what new perspective you gain from
it, and how you can use it to positively impact your community.
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