Paper

Definition

In the context of African art, paper refers to a medium that was introduced through mission schools during the colonial period, allowing artists to create new forms of expression and styles. This innovation enabled the production of drawings, paintings, and printed works, which blended traditional African motifs with Western techniques. The introduction of paper facilitated a shift in artistic practices and helped preserve cultural narratives through visual art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The introduction of paper in mission schools allowed students to experiment with drawing and painting, leading to unique artistic expressions that reflected both African traditions and Western influences.
2. Many mission school artworks served not only as educational tools but also as a means to communicate cultural identity and resistance against colonial narratives.
3. Artists who trained in mission schools often used paper to create pieces that documented daily life, folklore, and historical events within their communities.
4. The use of paper paved the way for the growth of printmaking in Africa, enabling artists to produce multiple copies of their works and share their ideas more widely.
5. Through the medium of paper, African artists began to establish a visual language that challenged colonial perceptions and celebrated their heritage.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of paper through mission schools influence artistic practices among African artists?
  • The introduction of paper allowed African artists to adopt new techniques and styles that combined traditional African themes with Western art forms. This shift provided a platform for experimentation, leading to the creation of unique artworks that could express personal and collective identities. The ability to work with paper also facilitated the documentation of cultural stories and practices, enriching the artistic landscape.
• Evaluate the role of mission schools in shaping the artistic landscape of Africa during the colonial period.
  • Mission schools played a crucial role in shaping Africa's artistic landscape by introducing new mediums like paper and teaching Western techniques. These institutions were not just centers for education but also places where cultural exchange occurred. While they often imposed Western ideals, they also provided African artists with tools to reinterpret their heritage, resulting in a synthesis of styles that reflected both local traditions and colonial influences.
• Assess the impact of cultural synthesis in art created on paper by African artists educated in mission schools.
  • Cultural synthesis in art created on paper had a significant impact on how African artists expressed their identities amidst colonial pressures. By merging traditional motifs with Western techniques, these artists challenged dominant narratives and asserted their cultural relevance. This blending resulted in innovative artworks that not only preserved local stories but also communicated resistance to colonialism. As such, these pieces became important symbols of cultural resilience and adaptation.

Related terms

Mission Schools: Educational institutions established by missionaries that aimed to educate African children in Western knowledge, languages, and cultural practices.

Western Techniques: Artistic methods and styles originating from Europe that emphasize perspective, realism, and various painting techniques, which influenced African artists after the introduction of paper.

Cultural Synthesis: The blending of different cultural elements, in this case, traditional African art forms with Western influences introduced through education and missionary activities.