Material differences. Art and identity in Africa.

Why are certain materials chosen to create specific works of art? Material Differences is an exhibition that proposes answers to that question. This exhibition examines the extensive range of materials used in the creation of African art and reveals the inherent relationships between the materials, their significance as media, artistic techniques, and the role of artists. \nThe use of a wide range of different materials plays a major role in the creation of African art works. The choice may be religious, economic or socially motivated. Some materials are ephemeral, while others are chosen to last for generations. The exhibition walkthrough is organized according to the type of materials used, technique, and artistic processes. Starting with the ephemeral, visitors discover artworks created from materials such as fibers, mud and feathers, which literally disintegrate or are purposefully destroyed after their ritual use. \nThe next section introduces materials such as wood, ivory and stone, distinguished by the subtractive process of sculptors. Wood carving techniques are explored through the inclusion of various tools, finished and unfinished objects, and the treatment of the surface through patination and paint. The significance of ivory will also be examined. Ivory, derived from hippopotami and elephants, and therefore associated with physical and emotional strength, is associated with royalty or leadership of an elevated social level. Kings and chiefs associate character traits, such as physical and mental strength, with animals, like hippos and elephants, from which the ivory is obtained.

Afrikaanse kunsten arts africains african sculpture materials identiteit materialen sculpturen