On African Art

If I had to describe African art, I would say it is art created by Africans, simple as that. As a form expression of African people, I believe that African art is a viable means for us to reclaim and maintain autonomy when it comes to how our stories are told, which is of utmost importance. African art can also serve to reconcile us back to ourselves, as a continent that has undergone a great deal of loss and trauma both from within and outside the continent’s borders. However, I don’t think the purpose of African art should be relegated to just a reactionary one. It shouldn’t have to have political undertones or address issues like slavery and colonization and war. On the other hand, African art doesn’t have to be overly optimistic, the kind of optimism that is also reactionary. I believe African art is simply an expression of African people, and that is enough.

~ Davida Enara