Engaging Modernities

 Engaging Modernities: Transformations of the Commonplace Standard Bank Collection of African Art (University of the Witwatersrand Art Galleries)Nettleton, Anitra C. E.;Charlton, Julia;Rankin-Smith, FionaIn this vibrant 96 page full colour catalogue of over 165 works, selected from the Standard Bank African Art Collection, the authors explore some of the different forms of modernity in African art. Objects from across the continent have been selected and include a North Sotho front apron embellished with a digital watch, a Yoruba crown in the form of a British barristers wig, an Ndebele beaded Barbie doll and a Bafana Bafana soccer player made in C*te d'Ivoire. All are powerful statements of identity by Africans who assert their place in the modern world at the same time as maintaining forms of traditional practice. Engaging Modernities explores the dynamism of Africa's art and cultural heritage..