This time I will like to talk about art in Africa. The stereotypical response when one is asked about Africa is usually centered on either poverty or civil war. It is most remembered not for its great resources, richness in art, culture or beauty but often keeps the title of ‘the dark continent’. Africa is home to not only diverse tribes, cultures, languages but also it is also the unlikely home of dynamic fine art. Historically, African schools did not place strong emphasis on art whether it was painting, drawing or sculpturing. Therefore most African artists’ skill was drawn from pure and raw talent. This talent is now being nurtured and there is a new emerging market and high demand for African art all over the world and there is no doubt that Africa has the next generation of legendary fine artists.
Aside from great international attention on African Fine Art are great schools that produce these artists such as the Michaelis School of Fine Art in South Africa, University of Botswana, and the School of Fine Arts in Tétouan, Morocco which is most associated with the famous Moroccan artist, Kim Bennani. The world is slowly opening its eyes to the gem that is Africa and it is not only an emerging economic superpower but also one of great artistic potential. It is clear that the world reveres African art and displays it for the world to see in their treasured museums, so fine art is synonymous to a prosperous Africa. This continent will no longer be plagued with images of poverty, suffering and civil war but it will be filled with the beautiful imagery by African’s own artists. Art is the light the Dark Continent has been waiting for.
letslookatartincanada 