D’ArtAwakened

Art-Awake: Igniting Passion for African Art Worldwide.

Welcome to the “Art-Awake” Column, the ultimate community for
contemporary African art enthusiasts! We are a new breed of people whose common interest is to promote, preserve, and protect contemporary African art. We are from all walks of life and we share a common passion for the love of art in general and the love of African art in particular.

As a member of this vibrant and dynamic community, you’ll have the opportunity to engage fellow artists, sponsors, patrons, students, historians, freelancers, advisors, and other stakeholders who are dedicated to advancing the cause of African art. Whether you’re an established or up-and-coming artist or just starting out, “ArtAwake” is the perfect platform to connect, collaborate, and create. Join us today and be a part of the revolution!

As a collective, we strive to promote, preserve, and protect contemporary African art and owing to the noble ideals we have set for ourselves, there are numerous, pertinent subject matters that concern us. Issues of gender and how it affects African art?  Why don’t we start by exploring how gender and sexuality intersect with African art, for instance, highlighting the works of female and LGBTQ+ (sorry, I lost track after the ‘Q’) artists? Let’s explore a theme such as “Gender, Sexuality, and Contemporary African Art: An Intersectional Experience!” I’m sure those would make for an interesting discussion.

Then there is the issue of Africa’s colonial legacy- how does that affect contemporary African art? How does that affect Africans, as a people? How has it affected the intrinsic or rather, the aesthetic value of African art over the last century and half? The last five decades? I tell you, “Decolonizing African Art: Examining the Effects of Colonialism in the Digita Era” is a theme we are considering. Exploring ways to reclaim and redefine African art within today’s realities is a very big subject matter and a major priority!

Some of these subject matters are controversial, some others are thought-provoking, and still quite a few can be seen as awe-striking. Regardless of what category these talking points or issues belong to, we endeavour to raise or bring them into the public domain. Information is key and ideas for improvement or solving sociocultural issues are pivotal, hence we take a critical and sometimes empirical look at the situation or what obtains, in a candid debate.

We shed light on each matter we address, with a view to gaining insights. At other times we entertain opinionated views because, as stakeholders, we believe that the court of public opinion matters, at the end of the day, all we can do is perform an in-depth analysis after which deductions may be made and lines of action drawn or formulated. The decision so reached can be in the form of an event, a product or service, or advocacy. As a non-government advisory group, we are permitted to weigh in on socio-cultural issues that have political underpinnings or ramifications.

The more time I spend around art and in the art world, the more enamelled or attached I get. I am irrevocably and irredeemably undetachable from it, and unapologetically so too! It is such a fundamental and all-embracing discipline. Since it imitates and interprets our way of life, I guess it touches everything that pertains to humans- it’s so complex and deep, yet so simple and innocent, and unabashedly so again. The foregoing brings me to the other two subject matters of Environmental Impact (Preservatism) and Corporate Social Justice – what relationship do these global issues have with Art in general and African art in particular?

As a Social Justice Advocate, I often wondered about concepts such as Environmental Preservation, The Climate Agenda, Sustainability Development Goals and Africa in general and African Art in particular. How do we examine the relationship between African art and the case for environmentalism or climate control, and relate it to artworks that address environmental issues – another possible theme for an event? Also, African Art and Social Justice: Examining how African art can be used as a tool for social justice, global peace, and political advocacy, wow I just coined a topic befitting of my first public podcast or blog post here. Don’t even get me started on Technology and African Art – our forte. Please read my blog titled: “How Digital Art & NFTs are Reshaping The Contemporary Art Landscape” It makes for an interesting read, I kid you not.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary African art, ArtAwake remains a vital platform for artists, enthusiasts, and visionaries. Our commitment to promoting, preserving, and protecting African art knows no bounds. We recognize that the journey is as important as the destination, and that’s why we continue to delve into pressing issues – from gender representation and sexual identity to global advocacy and environmentalism. Together, we embark on a journey of artistic awakening, unearthing hidden narratives, and igniting meaningful discussions. By nurturing this vibrant community, we not only advance the cause of African art but also engage with the socio-cultural intricacies that give it life. We welcome you to join us on this exhilarating journey and explore the world of contemporary African art with a fresh perspective. Together, we awaken the power of art to shape our world.