Arts of Global Africa

“African art” does not adequately describe the creative expression, past and present, of a vast continent. The arts of Africa are as varied as the continent itself, which encompasses over fifty independent countries and thousands of languages. This diversity is reflected in the exceptional works of art on view, most of which are on long-term loan from the Newark Museum’s extensive African art collection. Bringing together historic and contemporary works in a range of different media, the selection of works presents an expansive vision of Africa’s artistry.

Arts of Global Africa seeks to broaden conventional ideas about African art while encouraging dialogue about its constantly evolving definition. In the exhibition, works are presented variously as art of the everyday, portraiture, dress, the spiritual world, performance, power, and the public. Together, they suggest the multiple ways we can appreciate and understand Africa’s arts.