COLLECTING AFRICAN ART
The importance of African Art in the twentieth century and today cannot be overemphasized. Prominent "western" artists such as Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse, and Modigliani were influenced by it throughout the twentieth century. The numerous regions of Africa have many variations of art ranging from traditional Muslim art in the north to animist traditions and an emphasis on the human form to the south.
Fascinating in its scope, African art includes a huge variety of items, including paintings, statuary, masks and headdresses, beadwork, baskets, metalwork and currency, weapons, textiles, musical instruments, furniture, and pipes. The field of African art is distinct from African American art. The term "tribal art" is also often used to describe African art.
The large variety of African art is reflected not only in the different items that comprise it, but in its geographic reach: the continent of Africa includes many different states and countries. As one private collector of African art noted, African art is so varied that it is as difficult to summarize the field as it would be to make general statements about "American" art. All in all, the field of African art continues to grow and excite.
Below is a list of galleries and dealers that specialize in African art. They all carry artworks for sale and are operated by experts in the field of African art. You'll also find museums specializing in the art of Africa and other online resources to assist you in collecting African art.
Galleries Specializing in African Art
Here's a selection of well-informed art galleries:
- Joseph Clark Gallery — Cincinnati, OH
- Africa & Beyond — La Jolla, CA
- Bruce Frank Primitive Art — New York, NY
- Galerie Walu — Zurich, Switzerland
- Michael Hamson Oceanic Art — Palos Verdes Estates, CA
- Pace African & Oceanic Art — New York, NY
- 2R Ritual Gallery — Brussels, Belgium
- Skoto Gallery — New York, NY
- Throckmorton Fine Art — New York, NY
Articles About Collecting African Art
Museums Specializing in African Art
- The Africa Center — New York, NY
- African Art Museum of Maryland — Columbia, MD
- National Museum of African Art — Washington, DC
- Fowler Museum at UCLA — Los Angeles, CA
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — New York, NY
Books on African Art
For the most recent books, check with a local bookstore or one of the Art Bookstores around the country. Powell's Books in Portland, OR is an excellent source for new and used art books. Your local library is also a valuable resource for art research.
African Art Magazines
African Art Resources
- African Art Museum — Reference to artistic styles of Africa
- Center for Africana Studies / University of Pennsylvania
- Rand African Art — Extensive information
- Bonhams — African, Oceanic & Pre-Columbian Art
Blogs and Online News About African Art
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