Contemporary African Art- Another Conversation

Contemporary African Art finds itself in a unique point in history. The continent having recovered from imperialism just over five decades ago (for many of the African countries), grapples with how its arts and cultural expressions are situated within the confine of contemporary definitions and expectations. Many questions arise in the process. Does contemporariness invoke a relegation of traditional forms? Does the context of time in the postulation of what is contemporary relieve African artists of cultural attachments? Who is contemporary, the artist or his art? These questions, question the definition and delineation of Contemporariness, Artmaking, Categorization, and Identity of African art since 1960.

The event will feature three panelists all of whom are practicing artists and professors of art history, to discuss African arts and art making within the context of the emerging questions. The panelists will be open to take questions from both students and faculty present onsite and online after the opening presentations.