Art schools

Definition

Art schools are educational institutions specifically designed to teach various forms of visual art, including painting, sculpture, and design. They emerged as a response to the need for formalized training in artistic disciplines, influencing both traditional and contemporary art practices. Art schools often blend technical skills with creative expression, preparing students for careers in the arts and contributing to the evolution of artistic styles and movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mission schools played a significant role in introducing Western art styles and techniques to Africa, blending them with local traditions.
2. Many art schools established during the colonial era focused on training artists to produce works that would appeal to Western tastes, often sidelining indigenous practices.
3. The curriculum in these art schools typically included European art history, drawing, painting techniques, and occasionally local craftsmanship.
4. Students from these schools often faced tension between embracing Western styles and maintaining their cultural identity in their artworks.
5. The legacy of mission schools is seen today in contemporary African art, where artists blend traditional elements with new forms introduced through these institutions.

Review Questions

• How did mission schools influence the development of new art forms in Africa?
  • Mission schools were pivotal in introducing Western artistic techniques and concepts to African artists, shaping the evolution of new art forms. By providing training in drawing, painting, and other Western methods, these institutions allowed students to experiment with styles that differed from traditional practices. This blending of influences led to unique artistic expressions that reflected both African heritage and European aesthetics.
• Discuss the impact of colonial art schools on the preservation of indigenous artistic traditions.
  • Colonial art schools often prioritized Western art styles, which created a complex relationship with indigenous artistic traditions. While some artists were trained in European techniques, many struggled to balance these new skills with their cultural heritage. The focus on Western aesthetics sometimes overshadowed local forms, but it also led to innovative fusions that allowed certain traditional practices to survive by evolving within a contemporary framework.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the training provided by mission schools on contemporary African artists.
  • The training provided by mission schools has had lasting effects on contemporary African artists, influencing their techniques and thematic choices. Many artists today incorporate both traditional African elements and Western styles into their work, reflecting a dynamic cultural dialogue. This blend not only highlights individual artistic identities but also enriches the global art scene by showcasing diverse perspectives rooted in a shared history of colonialism and adaptation.

Related terms

Fine Arts: A category of visual arts that includes disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking, emphasizing the creation of artworks for aesthetic value rather than functional purposes.

Curriculum: The structured set of courses and content offered at an educational institution, outlining what students will learn and how they will be assessed.

Art Movements: Distinct styles or trends in art that share common philosophy or goals, often emerging as a reaction against previous styles or societal changes.