Inscribing meaning
Subtitle: writing and graphic systems in African art
By: Christine Mullen Kreamer ... [et al.] ; contributors, Sarah Adams ... [et al.].
Contributors: Kreamer, Christine Mullen.; Adams, Sarah.; National Museum of African Art (U.S.); Fowler Museum at UCLA.
Publisher: Smithsonian, National Museum of African Art; 5 Continents
Published: 2007
Place of publication: [Washington, D.C.]; [Milan?]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 255
ISBN-13: 9788874393770
Subjects: Art, African -- Exhibitions.; Writing in art -- Exhibitions.; Writing -- Africa -- Exhibitions.; Ethnology -- Africa -- Exhibitions.
Genres: Exhibitions.
Other titles: Writing and graphic systems in African art
Description: Inscribing Meaning explores the relationships between African art and the communicative powers of language, graphic systems and the written word. For thousands of years, African artists have incorporated writing and graphic symbols into their art with great ingenuity and creativity. Scripts communicate in many ways - through their appearance, their placement and the very act of writing. Objects dating from ancient times to the present illustrate how African artists have used diverse forms of letters, words and symbols as well as their meanings to create beautiful, empowered works of art. Inscribing Meaning recognizes that Africa's long engagement with written and graphic systems is part of the broader, global history of writing and literacy. The works of art featured in this catalogue reveal the richness of Africa's artistic traditions and emphasize that objects are aesthetically powerful communicators of history, knowledge, identity and values. -- From back cover.
Notes: Catalog of the exhibition held at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, May 9-Aug. 26, 2007 and the Fowler Museum at UCLA, Oct. 14, 2007-Feb. 17, 2008.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-255).