Across the globe, new art traditions have responded to the radical changes of the 20th century.
1945 - present
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Tshibumba Kanda Matulu, Le 30 juin 1960, Zaïre indépendant
In a series of 100 paintings, Tshibumba Kanda Matulu tells the history of Zaïre, or present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The arts of Africa, c. 18th–20th century
African arts played a central role in their communities, whether to communicate royalty, sacrality, inner virtues, aesthetic interests, genealogy or other central concerns
Amrita Sher-Gil, Self-Portrait as a Tahitian
Sher-Gil engages with the artists Gauguin and van Gogh in her complicated self-portrait.
Battle of Adwa
This painting depicts the moment when the Ethiopian army defeated Italian aggressors, defending itself against colonization
Itinerant Modernisms: Cosmopolitans, Exiles, Travelers since 1950
In the second-half of the twentieth century, the large-scale migrations of artists, ideas, and visual forms had an enormous impact on the evolution and practice of contemporary art worldwide.
Fahrelnissa Zeid – ‘She Was the East and the West’
Turkish Princess and artist Fahrelnissa Zeid is best known for her large-scale abstract compositions blending Byzantine, Islamic and Western influences.
Ibrahim El-Salahi, The Inevitable
Often considered El-Salahi's masterpiece, 'The Inevitable' was first conceived by the artist during his wrongful imprisonment.
Ibrahim El-Salahi , Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams 1 studio visit
Artist Ibrahim El-Salahi discusses his work 'Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams 1' 1962-3, a large-scale oil painting acquired by Tate.
Seydou Keïta, Untitled (Seated Woman with Chevron Print Dress)
Studio photography produced mementos for the growing middle class: Keïta’s Bamako studio was abuzz with clients.
Mickalene Thomas on Seydou Keïta
Contemporary artist Mickalene Thomas discusses the use of grayscale and pattern to imbue the richness of humanity in Seydou Keïta's portraits of Malian life
Skunder Boghossian, Night Flight of Dread and Delight
Boghossian’s exposure to Pan-Africanist networks in Paris helped him to develop the concept of his painting Night Flight of Dread and Delight.
Ibrahim El-Salahi, Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams
How would you paint a picture of something that’s not quite representable… like the sound of voices chanting, a spiritual vision, a childhood memory, or a dream that you can’t remember?
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