Author Description

Narrative Wisdom and African Arts considers ways in which historical and contemporary African arts make visible narratives rooted in collective and individual memory and knowledge. In acknowledgment of the convergence between certain historical arts and oral traditions, the points of departure for this exploration are forms that intersect at the visual and the verbal as well as pictorial works that feature figurative scenes suggesting part of or an entire narrative. Historical works made by artists across sub-Saharan Africa from the 13th to the 20th century dialogue with contemporary works created by African artists practicing around the globe. Narrative Wisdom and African Arts offers a rich variety of sculpture, textiles, works on paper, photography, painting, and time-based media created for diverse patrons. These arts facilitate, document, reinforce, or critique narratives concerning the legitimacy of leaders, memory of place, prescriptions for healing and destiny, and enduring ancestral wisdoms.