COLLECTING
AFRICAN ART / OCEANIC ART and AFRICAN AMERICAN


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 and African American 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:



African American Contemporary Art


African American Galleries — Black Owned

The above listing was inspired by an editorial on Artsy — see the full story:
Black-Owned Galleries to Support Across the United States



Articles About Collecting African Art



Museums Specializing in African Art


Museums Specializing in African American Art



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



Blogs and Online News About African Art





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