Beyond aesthetics
Subtitle: use, abuse, and dissonance in African art traditions
By: Wole Soyinka
Publisher: Bookcraft
Published: 2020
Place of publication: Ibadan
Language: eng
Number of pages: 203
ISBN-13: 9789785732504; 9789785732511
Subjects: African Art; Social aspects; Civilization; Influence; Art; Collectors and collecting
Description: "The playwright, poet, essayist, activist, and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka is also a longtime art collector. In this book of essaysmoffers a glimpse into the motivations of the collector, as well as a highly personal look at the politics of aesthetics and collecting. Detailing moments of first encounter with objects that drew him in and continue to affect him, Soyinka describes a world of mortals, muses, and deities that imbue the artworks with history and meaning. Beyond Aesthetics is a passionate discussion of the role of identity, tradition, and originality in making, collecting, and exhibiting African art today. Soyinka considers objects that have stirred controversy, and he decries dogmatic efforts-whether colonial or religious-to suppress Africa's artistic traditions. By turns poetic, provocative, and humorous, Soyinka affirms the power of collecting to reclaim tradition. He urges African artists, filmmakers, collectors, and curators to engage with their aesthetic and cultural histories" Page 4 of cover.
Notes: Includes index.
Table of contents: title: Oga, na original fake, I swear!; title: Procreative deities : the Orisa's triumphal march; title: From Aso-Ebi to N****wood.