DIASPORA ART

           Contemporary art in Africa still holds on especially in Nigeria as they incorporate art in their academic studies. Some Factors that serves as the compounds for motivating new trends in present-day Nigerian artistic growth is the Nigerian heritage and western training. Workshop programs in Nigeria compromises possibilities in art training which enables artists who are unable to afford or lack suitable credentials to enroll in the university program to better their talent. Oshogbo workshop for example invites mentors from abroad who come and critique the artist and make suggestions through which they can make an improvement. Unfortunately in the late 60’s, Oshogbo workshop lacked funds to support work leaving them hanging; but this workshop still produced prominent artists—Jacob Afolabi, Rufus Ogundele, Twins seven, etc.

            African American arts are more rampant in music, drama, dance, and literature than pictorial art. Slaves in the Americas offered some artistic links to the Africa’s traditional custom as it occurred in textiles, wood designs, musical instruments, etc. Being forced into a new land—the Americas—Africans adopted the Americas slave codes; this caused the absence of African American traditional in their lifestyle. They soon gained gratitude from white abolitionists who supported their profession. Today, they have grown within this profession and they continue to produce good work. For example, “Lawrence style has maintained it basic components’ but has become more sophisticated. His painting style reflects background of artistic exposure which is varied, including experiences such as: teaching, during the summer of 1964 at Black Mountain College where he was the African American teacher…”( Azevedo 318). Currently, African American artists cover a range of styles; they incorporate reality, intellectual, etc. Some artists produce their work and make it available for purchase whiles others make it for enjoyment and for the fun of it; either way contemporary African American artists are ample and need to be acknowledged for years to come.

            Caribbean art is filled of liveliness and potency. Each region may have different art based on their surroundings and environment. Taking Haiti for example they have their religion, oral history, etc. therefore their art is concomitant into the belief system of vodum which reflects their religion. Haitian art dominates within the region; but even so few periodicals depict the life of an individual Caribbean artist, particularly those who are not from Haiti.