African Masks ‘An Integral Part of Human’s Story’
Masks are a staple of human art. For thousands of years, humans have created art to transform their appearance for a variety of reasons. For many it was theatrical, such as the plays of Ancient Greece. Others, spiritual and reflective, such as the dragon masks of Ancient China used to ring in the new year. Across the world, it is clear that masks hold deep meaning. Nowhere is this practice so strong as in Africa, where the tradition of mask making is integral to the continent’s art. Cave paintings from several thousand years ago show that this is the fact.
These paintings, found from Algeria and Libya, to South Africa, depict people in masks, showing that this practice is a deep part of Africa’s cultural history. It has truly stood the test of time. Brewing the question have masks stood the test of time?
Starting from the 18th of June, a new exhibition will bring the true endurance of this art form to light. ‘Disguise: Masks and Global African Art’ is being held at the Seattle Art Museum, and promises to showcase the best African art has to offer. With a glowing roster of contemporary artists, the exhibit will show how the art of mask making has lasted through the generations, and still provokes emotions to this day. The exhibition will run until September, and will feature 12 artists from Africa and of African descent. The aim of the exhibition is to promote a new understanding of masks and African art in general. The exhibit will be much more than simply hanging up masks to be shown.
Bringing together the African tradition of ritualistic and spiritual mask making with the European tradition of the masquerade, the Disguise exhibit will breathe new life into an ancient art.
African Masks: In Context
Masks were created for both ritual and theatre, and both functions will come to life in a rich panoply of performance art. Masks are only a piece of the equation. The exhibit seeks to immerse visitors in the spirit of African art, to live it through vibrant performances and installations. The organisers state that while African masks were seen all over Europe in the 20th century, the traditions were left behind. It is this missing spirit that the artists wish to invoke with the exhibition. Through lighting, performance, and visual imagery, the artists intend to give a modern voice to the face of Old Africa, and reawaken its spirit.
