African Art and Culture

African art is deeply embedded in African societies, past and present. Artistic practices are integral to politics, religion, social status, economics, and self-expression. The course explores masquerades, sculpture, architecture, dress, rural and urban arts, and contemporary practices to understand how art functions as a dynamic social and cultural force. We will view artworks at the Ackland Art Museum, and we will invite artists and scholars to visit our class in person and/or via zoom.