ARTH 156 African Art & Architecture: An Introduction

This introductory course focuses on the art and architecture of the vast African continent from prehistory to the present day, including the art of the global African diaspora. It addresses the wide range of African arts from the many diverse African peoples and regions and the complex historical, cultural and religious overlay with the introduction of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and colonial rule. Particular aspects of African art featured will include visual abstraction, innovation of form and assemblage of materials, the primacy of sculpture and adornment of the human body, and the linkage of art to ritual and performance. Students will also critically evaluate problematic and discrepant interpretations of African art and changing perceptions. This course operates on the theory that “less is more” and we will focus on a few select monuments from each area and period of Africa to study in depth