ART on view 72 traditional art from the nineteenth or early twentieth century. One reason for this is that contemporary African artists do not wish to be perceived in the same context as their predecessors, since their works are intended to be viewed from an artistic rather than an anthropological perspective. Added to this is the break in tradition that occurred between the generations, although it should be borne in mind that the so-called classical masters experienced firsthand the invasions, waves of migration, and global economic upheavals that came with the colonization of West Africa. Even the “traditional” artists of the late nineteenth century were not isolated from the outside world. Many of today’s African artists nevertheless take an interest in the art of earlier generations. The difference is that their creativity is no longer inspired by traditional beliefs, and their works are not intended as intermediaries to the spirit world. Instead, they show a new kind of selfawareness (fig. 25). The research subject at the heart of this exhibition is one in which fascinating developments are taking place. In his introductory text for the catalog, Eberhard Fischer emphasizes that “the scientific exploration of the ‘Ivory Coast artistic region’ is only in its beginnings. Research is more advanced in Nigeria, and especially in the southern area, where the production of workshops has been recorded in the Yoruba, Bini, Ibo, and Ijo areas. Research on sculptors from Cameroon, Gabon, and several parts of the Congo is also just getting underway and is already yielding exciting results. The history of African art has yet to be written, but it is proving to be a fertile area of research.” This is no longer just about seeing African objects better or of being able to attribute them to their authors, but of once and for all putting to rest the erroneous notion of the anonymous African sculptor. The time has come to associate major works with particular individuals, whose creative genius
CoverT71_FR.qxd_CoverF Vuvi
To see the actual publication please follow the link above