6.3 Modernist Movements in West, East, and Southern Africa
3 min read•july 29, 2024
African modernism emerged as a powerful artistic movement across West, East, and Southern Africa. Artists blended traditional aesthetics with European techniques, creating unique styles that celebrated African identity and challenged Western cultural dominance.
The in Nigeria, in Uganda, and in South Africa became hubs for modernist artists. They developed distinct regional styles, addressing themes of cultural heritage, spirituality, and political resistance against colonialism and apartheid.
Modernist Art Movements in Africa
Regional Developments
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- West African modernism emerged in the early 20th century, influenced by the École des Beaux-Arts and the Harlem Renaissance
- Artists such as and led the movement in Nigeria
- East African modernism gained prominence in the mid-20th century
- Artists like and in Kenya and in Tanzania blended traditional African aesthetics with European modernist techniques
- Southern African modernism developed in the context of apartheid
- Artists such as and challenged racial segregation and asserted their cultural identity through their work
Thematic Focus
- West African modernism often focused on depicting everyday life and cultural traditions
- East African modernism tended to explore themes of nature and spirituality
- Southern African modernism frequently addressed political and social issues
Colonialism's Impact on African Modernism
Colonial Education and African Adaptation
- Colonial education systems introduced African artists to European artistic traditions and techniques
- African artists often adapted and reinterpreted these techniques to suit their own cultural contexts
- The rise of anti-colonial movements and the push for independence inspired artists to create works that celebrated African identity and challenged Western cultural dominance
Regional Responses
- In West Africa, the Zaria Art Society in Nigeria, founded in 1958, promoted a distinctly African modernist aesthetic
- Drew from traditional Yoruba and Islamic art forms
- East African artists, such as Elimo Njau and the Makerere Art School in Uganda, sought to develop a pan-African aesthetic
- Aimed to transcend regional and ethnic boundaries
- In Southern Africa, the Polly Street Art Centre in Johannesburg became a hub for black artists
- Developed skills and created works that resisted the oppressive apartheid regime
Key Artists of African Modernism
West Africa
- The Zaria Art Society, founded by Uche Okeke and other Nigerian artists, promoted the concept of ""
- Combined African and Western artistic traditions
- , a Sudanese artist, developed a unique style
- Fused Islamic calligraphy with modernist abstraction, influencing the development of modernism in North and East Africa
East Africa
- The Makerere Art School, led by , nurtured a generation of artists
- Explored themes of African identity and cultural heritage
- , a Kenyan sculptor, pioneered the use of cement as a medium for public art
- Created monumental works that celebrated African independence and unity
Southern Africa
- The Amadlozi Group, founded by and , promoted the work of black artists
- Challenged the apartheid government's cultural policies
- , a South African sculptor, drew inspiration from African mythology and spirituality
- Created powerful, expressive works that asserted black cultural identity
African Modernism on the Global Stage
International Exhibitions and Festivals
- The , held in Dakar, Senegal, in 1966, showcased the work of African and African diaspora artists, including modernists, to a global audience
- The , first held in 1995, provided a platform for African modernist artists to exhibit their work alongside international contemporaries
- Challenged Western-centric views of modern art
Cultural Institutions
- The in Washington, D.C., has played a significant role in collecting, preserving, and exhibiting African modernist art
- Helped to increase its visibility and recognition in the United States
- The Centre for Contemporary Art in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2007, has become a leading institution for the promotion and study of African modernist art
- Organizes exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs
Growing Global Recognition
- The increased presence of African modernist art in international exhibitions (Venice Biennale, Documenta) has contributed to its growing recognition and appreciation within the global art world
Key Terms to Review (37)
African Cinema: African cinema refers to the film and media produced in Africa that reflects the continent's diverse cultures, histories, and social issues. It encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, showcasing both traditional storytelling methods and modern cinematic techniques, often influenced by colonial history and contemporary realities. This form of cinema plays a crucial role in articulating African identities and experiences, particularly within the context of modernist movements across different regions of the continent.
African Independence Movements: African independence movements were political and social campaigns aimed at ending colonial rule in Africa and establishing sovereign nations during the mid-20th century. These movements were marked by a push for self-determination, cultural revival, and the rejection of colonial impositions, often leading to significant changes in political structures and artistic expressions across the continent.
Afrocentrism: Afrocentrism is an intellectual and cultural movement that centers African people, history, and culture as foundational to the world narrative, challenging Eurocentric perspectives. It emphasizes the importance of African contributions to global civilization and seeks to reclaim and celebrate African identity, history, and aesthetics in various forms of expression.
Aina onabolu: Aina onabolu is a term that refers to the art movement initiated by Nigerian artist Aina Onabolu in the early 20th century, emphasizing the integration of traditional African artistic elements with modernist techniques. This movement sought to redefine African identity through a blend of indigenous aesthetics and Western influences, showcasing the richness of African culture within the context of modern art.
Art for social change: Art for social change refers to the practice of creating art with the intention of addressing social issues and inspiring action towards change. This form of art serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and fostering dialogue about important topics such as inequality, human rights, and environmental issues. In various modernist movements across different regions, artists harness this approach to reflect their cultural identity and advocate for social justice.
Ben Enwonwu: Ben Enwonwu was a prominent Nigerian artist known for his pioneering contributions to modern art in Africa, especially through his unique blending of traditional African themes with Western artistic techniques. His works often celebrated African culture and identity, making him a key figure in the modernist movements in West Africa, which sought to redefine African art in the post-colonial era.
Cecil Skotnes: Cecil Skotnes was a prominent South African artist known for his unique contributions to modernist art in the context of African identity and culture. His work is characterized by a blend of traditional African motifs and modernist techniques, reflecting the socio-political climate of South Africa during the apartheid era. Skotnes played a significant role in the development of a distinctly African modernism that sought to challenge colonial narratives and celebrate indigenous heritage.
Chinua Achebe: Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian writer, professor, and critic known for his influential works that explore the complexities of African identity and culture during the colonial and post-colonial eras. His novel 'Things Fall Apart' is a landmark in African literature, addressing the clash between traditional Igbo society and European colonialism, and it significantly shaped modernist movements in Africa.
Cultural Hybridity: Cultural hybridity refers to the blending and merging of different cultural influences, resulting in new, mixed forms of expression and identity. This concept is especially important in understanding how various modernist movements adapt and reinterpret local traditions while simultaneously engaging with global ideas, leading to dynamic and multifaceted artistic practices.
Decolonization: Decolonization is the process through which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, leading to a reassertion of cultural identity and autonomy. This significant movement reshaped the political and cultural landscapes of nations, as former colonies sought to define their identities outside the influence of their colonizers.
Egon Guenther: Egon Guenther was a prominent figure in the development of modernist art and literature, particularly known for his contributions to the understanding of modernism within the African context. He emphasized the unique characteristics of African modernism, which often blended traditional cultural elements with contemporary artistic expressions, highlighting the complexity and richness of African identities in a rapidly changing world.
Elimo njau: Elimo njau refers to a philosophical and aesthetic framework originating from East Africa that emphasizes the importance of cultural identity, community, and the interconnectedness of art and life. This concept has been pivotal in the development of modernist movements in the region, showcasing how local traditions and narratives can coexist with contemporary artistic expressions.
Ernest Mancoba: Ernest Mancoba was a South African artist and painter known for his innovative work that fused traditional African aesthetics with modernist techniques. His contributions to modernism reflect a broader movement within Southern Africa, where artists sought to redefine their identities and express their cultural heritage through new forms of artistic expression.
First World Festival of Negro Arts: The First World Festival of Negro Arts, held in Dakar, Senegal in 1966, was a landmark cultural event that celebrated African and diasporic contributions to the arts. It aimed to showcase the richness of African cultural heritage while promoting solidarity among peoples of African descent worldwide, marking a significant moment in the context of modernist movements across Africa.
Fusion: Fusion refers to the process of combining different elements, styles, or cultural influences to create something new and unique. This concept is essential in understanding how various artistic and architectural movements integrate traditional and modern practices, leading to innovative forms that reflect both local heritage and contemporary influences.
Gerard Sekoto: Gerard Sekoto was a pioneering South African painter and musician, recognized for his powerful and emotive depictions of life in the township of Sophiatown during the apartheid era. His work is celebrated for its vibrant colors and expressive style, which reflect the struggles and resilience of black South Africans amid socio-political challenges. Sekoto's contributions are significant in the context of modernist movements across Africa, as he blended traditional African themes with European modernist techniques, creating a unique artistic voice.
Gregory Maloba: Gregory Maloba is a significant figure in the literary landscape of East Africa, known for his contributions to modernist movements that emerged in the region during the late 20th century. His works often explore themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the complexities of post-colonial existence, making him an important voice in understanding the evolution of modernism in East Africa.
Ibrahim el-salahi: Ibrahim El-Salahi is a prominent Sudanese painter and one of the leading figures in African modernism. His work is noted for its fusion of traditional African themes with modern artistic styles, making him a key contributor to the development of visual arts in Africa. El-Salahi's artistic expression reflects his cultural heritage while also engaging with broader global art movements, showcasing the complexities of identity and cultural hybridity.
Johannesburg Biennale: The Johannesburg Biennale is a contemporary art exhibition held in Johannesburg, South Africa, established in 1995. It is known for showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions from both African and international artists, highlighting the complexities of identity, culture, and politics in a post-apartheid context. This event has played a crucial role in promoting modernist movements across Southern Africa, influencing how contemporary art reflects social issues and engages with global narratives.
Louis Mwaniki: Louis Mwaniki is a significant figure in the modernist movements across Africa, known for his contributions to literature and visual arts that reflect contemporary social issues and cultural identity. His work embodies the themes of post-colonialism and the quest for a unique African voice in artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of local narratives and experiences in the broader context of African modernism.
Makerere Art School: Makerere Art School, founded in 1937 in Kampala, Uganda, is one of the oldest art institutions in Africa and has played a pivotal role in shaping modern African art. It became a center for the development of contemporary African visual culture and influenced the rise of modernist movements throughout the continent, particularly in East Africa. The school not only promoted traditional techniques but also encouraged innovation and experimentation among its artists.
Margaret Trowell: Margaret Trowell was a significant figure in African art and education, particularly known for her contributions to the promotion of modernist movements in East Africa. Her work emphasized the importance of indigenous artistic practices and sought to blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of African art during the 20th century.
Modernist literature: Modernist literature refers to a broad literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and conventions to explore new narrative techniques, fragmented structures, and themes of alienation and disillusionment. This movement often reflects the complexities of modern life, questioning established norms and offering innovative perspectives, particularly in the context of national identities and cultural transformations.
Natural synthesis: Natural synthesis refers to the blending of traditional artistic practices with modern techniques and concepts, creating a unique fusion that reflects both local cultural heritage and contemporary influences. This approach is significant in various art movements where artists seek to redefine their identities while engaging with global narratives, balancing authenticity and innovation.
Oral Tradition: Oral tradition refers to the practice of passing down cultural stories, histories, and knowledge through spoken word rather than written texts. This form of communication is vital in many cultures, especially those without a written language, as it preserves and transmits collective memory, beliefs, and values across generations.
Pan-Africanism: Pan-Africanism is a political and cultural movement that seeks to unite African people and people of African descent worldwide in solidarity against colonialism, oppression, and racial discrimination. It promotes the idea of a shared identity and collective interests among Africans and the African diaspora, emphasizing cultural heritage, economic empowerment, and political autonomy.
Polly Street Art Centre: The Polly Street Art Centre, established in the 1950s in Johannesburg, South Africa, served as a hub for black artists during the apartheid era. It played a significant role in fostering creativity and providing opportunities for artistic expression among marginalized communities, contributing to the broader modernist movements across Southern Africa.
Postcolonial identity: Postcolonial identity refers to the complex sense of self that emerges in individuals and communities as a result of the cultural, political, and social changes following the end of colonial rule. This identity is often shaped by a blend of indigenous traditions and the influences of colonialism, creating a dynamic interplay of cultures, languages, and perspectives. It highlights themes of hybridity, resistance, and the ongoing effects of colonial histories.
Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory is a critical framework that examines the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism on formerly colonized nations and peoples. It seeks to analyze and challenge the lasting effects of colonial power dynamics, including issues of identity, representation, and resistance in a global context.
Sam ntiro: Sam ntiro is a key concept in modernist movements in Africa, particularly reflecting a blend of local traditions and global modernity. It emphasizes the importance of cultural authenticity and indigenous knowledge while simultaneously engaging with contemporary artistic expressions. This term highlights the unique identity and creative evolution of African artists during a time of significant social, political, and economic change across the continent.
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art: The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is a prominent museum in Washington, D.C., dedicated to showcasing and preserving African art and culture. Established in 1964, it holds an extensive collection of artworks from various regions of Africa, which provides insights into the diverse cultural expressions and historical contexts of the continent, connecting to the broader narratives of modernist movements across Africa.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that aims to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings that pass through a character's mind. This method often eschews traditional structure and punctuation to create a more organic representation of internal experiences, allowing readers to feel closer to the characters' psychological states and emotional truths.
Sydney Kumalo: Sydney Kumalo was a prominent South African artist and sculptor known for his significant contributions to modernist movements in Southern Africa. His work is characterized by a blend of traditional African themes with modern artistic techniques, reflecting the complexities of identity and culture during a time of profound social change. Kumalo's art plays a crucial role in articulating the experiences of black South Africans in the context of apartheid and colonialism.
Syncretism: Syncretism is the blending of different cultural, religious, or philosophical beliefs and practices into a cohesive whole. This concept is important as it demonstrates how diverse influences can coexist and interact, leading to new forms of expression and identity. In various contexts, syncretism reflects how local traditions can incorporate external elements, creating unique modern identities and artistic movements.
The Black Arts Movement: The Black Arts Movement was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s, primarily among African American artists, writers, and musicians. It sought to create a distinctive black aesthetic and promote political consciousness through art, addressing issues of identity, race, and social justice. This movement was closely linked to the civil rights movement and had a significant impact on various forms of artistic expression across different regions, including West, East, and Southern Africa.
Wole Soyinka: Wole Soyinka is a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist who became the first African laureate to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. His works often address the complexities of post-colonial identity, politics, and cultural heritage in Africa, making him a significant figure within modernist movements across the continent.
Zaria Art Society: The Zaria Art Society was a collective of Nigerian artists formed in the late 1950s that sought to challenge the traditional art forms and advocate for modernist expressions rooted in African culture. This group emphasized the importance of blending indigenous art practices with contemporary techniques, leading to a unique artistic movement that resonated across Africa and beyond.