African Art: An Introduction

It is well known that Picasso was heavily influenced by African Art. And before him, the French cubism school with its leader Georges Braque borrowed its forms and shapes from drawings on African caves walls. However a major distinction in the artistic expression of French cubism and ethnic African primitive art remained self-explanatory and a dividing screen between an ornamental European art and a pure rudimentary African art so true to its nature. African art does not embellish a theme. It evolves around it and expresses it in honest naïveté. A polished European art is an ornamental expression. African art is traditions and raw feelings expressed in utmost honesty. You will understand its importance in the galleries of breathtaking illustrations in the book. The teacher will widen his knowledge, and the student will expand his appreciation of African arts by reading this book. The book is a mosaic of colors, the birth of unspoiled art expression, and a legacy of uncorrupted primitive beauty that transcended the dark caves of Africa.

A very British take on the African culture. Detailed Oriented and exceptional information followed by great illustrations and a realm of photographs to break up the text. A careful read is recommended to fully understand the text due to the fact that it is a higher level read.

This book includes an impressive description of all the african arts with some examples quite dificult to find in other books. For me is a must for all lovers of african art.

This is one of the best and highly extensive books on African Art. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The content describing the motifs, dewellings, statues, sculptures and costumes of the African People are quite impressive. Frank Willett has done his homework but more importantly he has filled every page full of roaring images that speak to the traditions and the images of the African people. This book serves to give us a rapid, excellerated peek into the past. It was very revealing in the geometric structure of the objects, the color, rhythums, shapes, forms and symbolisim. Whether you are a history teacher, student, business person or artist you'll find this book very handy and informing. Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE