African Art
African art from Cedarartworld. Yes, Cedarartworld offers a full range of African art. Our products include African paintings, sculptures, African jewelry, home decor accents, pictures, masks and a whole lot more.
We have personal relationships with the African artists, and so chose to see African art from the eyes of the designer, from the eyes of the artist. To appreciate the complex mix of economic situation, inspiration, social inequality, weather and availability of materials on the final work of art, we have to see "African art through African eyes".
With your African eyes, you can see how African art has metamorphosed over the years. You can feel global influence on the style and appearance of artworks from tribal to contemporary African art.
What we do
While in the business of offering unique African art for sale, we strive to promote the works of the African artist in the best ways we can. Participation in exhibitions, representation in other African galleries and shops, placement of exceptional artworks in museums, are part of our publicity routine.
What we do not do
We do not claim to know all about African art. That is why we request for your comments and suggestions in getting a balanced understanding of African art.
We currently do not deal with antique tribal African art. We specialize in contemporary African art. While there is considerable debate on antique vs contemporary African art, we feel both are no less important and all boils down to individual art taste. If you are interested in African antiques, we can recommend trusted antique dealers who offer authentic African art and collectors who can acquaint you with the tribal world.
African art history. Why?People may not appreciate the value of an African art work if they do not know about its history. Why should I pay for an ebony sculpture when I can get a similar black sculpture 2-3 times cheaper elsewhere? Why is this artwork so expensive? These are common questions which if not rightly answered may have serious consequences. A friend of the gallery was in Africa on a visit and bought a small African sculpture. Taken for ebony wood she was unaware that it was a dyed wooden sculpture. Back to her American home, she enjoyed the piece, until the humidity caused dye to leak from the carving. One fateful day, her one-year old daughter ingested some of the dye. Off they where to the hospital. Luckily, the child survived but this woman went through some terrifying days. This scary picture would have been avoided if there was prior knowledge of the techniques and materials used in making the African sculpture and if she could differentiate between authentic ebony wood and a dyed carving.
For this reason, we present to you, not just the artworks for sale, but also, the traditional context in which these artworks originated from and the changes that have occurred over time. By increased knowledge about African art and culture, we believe that people will be better informed to make choices on the art they wish to buy.
Contemporary and Tribal African Art
Originally, African tribal art was mainly for religious purposes. Sculptures were made for ceremonies. Each mask had a spiritual meaning and masquerades were unique and sacred to different tribes.
Today, Contemporary African art is a mix. There's been a shift towards African art designed for its aesthetic appeal. Interior and home decorators blend African art in their designs. The masks are no longer worn but hang proudly in homes. African batiks and wax textiles hang comfortable on European, American and Asian walls. Bronze sculptures that were once the exclusive rights of the King rest peacefully on our tables. When we desire an ethnic feel, crave for that extra warmth, and long for the vibrancy of complementary colors, we turn to African paintings. Sleep is easy on Adinkra stamped pillows and mud cloth blankets.
This is the nature of contemporary African art. Functionality in every artwork. And it is Cedarartworld's desire for every home to have at least a piece of African art... somewhere. |
