Contemporary African art is creative work from the recent past and present day. Its sources are rooted in precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial history. It is important to take into account the precursors of the 1930s, as they introduced openness towards traditional ‘tribal’ arts. The term ‘contemporary art’ emerged in the 1960s and encompasses the diversity of the continent’s artistic output. Contemporary African artists use various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and video. They may be self-taught, trained in collective workshops, or academically trained at an art school or a national or international university. They address social and political issues and are committed to community values. Their work is characterized by freedom of expression, means of production, and hybridization.