Africa: The Art of a Continent - Softcover

Tom Phillips; Royal Academy Of Arts (Great Britain)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3791320041 ISBN 13: 9783791320045

Publisher: Prestel Pub, 1999

Synopsis

This magnificent celebration of the world’s oldest and most diverse artistic traditions is considered the definitive book on African art.

Ranging from the oldest known human artifact, circa 1.6 million BC, to pieces made within living memory, the objects collected in this extraordinary volume reflect a continent of enormous cultural and historical scope. Arranged chronologically within seven geographical sections, it offers an astonishing array of sculptures in wood, bronze, stone, and gold, as well as mural paintings, ceremonial pieces, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles culled from private and public collections around the world. Commentary by renowned scholars illuminates the cultural and historical significance of these pieces, and in-depth authoritative texts highlight critical aspects of each region. Together these words and images take readers on an artistic grand tour through a continent of unparalleled diversity, and towards the thrilling discovery of not one Africa, but many.

About this title

From the Publisher:

The contents are arranged geographically in a 'grand tour' that divides the continent into seven areas. Beginning with Ancient Egypt and Nubia, the tour proceeds through Ethiopia and the Sudan to the eastern coast and southern Africa, then moves up through central Africa to the coastal areas of west Africa and the countries of the sub-Saharan region. The survey ends in northern Africa, coming full circle with a discussion of Egypt in its Christian and Islamic periods.

Within each of these seven sections objects are arranged in broadly chronological order. They demonstrate the wide range of styles in African art, inspired by different religions and cultures, and the equally astonishing variety of materials, from dung to gold and including bronze, ivory and terracotta, as well as superb wood-carvings from all over the continent. Works of art from major public and private collections in Europe and the USA are juxtaposed with the finest from Africa itself.

About the Author:

The Editor

Tom Phillips is an internationally established artist and Royal Acamedician as well as being a writer on art and contributor to "Anthropology Today". He has been an active collector of African art for 25 years and in 1976 co-curated the exhibition "African Art from London Collections" at the South London Art Gallery.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prestel Pub
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 3791320041
• ISBN 13: 9783791320045
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 615