Final answer:
African art, with roots in societal roles and natural resources, has evolved to embrace both traditional customs and global influences. Post-colonial African artists like Ibrahim El-Salahi and diaspora artists like Beyoncé contribute to a diverse art scene. Contemporary African art cannot be defined singularly due to its variety and deep connection to the continent's history and individual artist backgrounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rich tapestry of African culture and art is deeply intertwined with the continent's history, societal norms, and natural environment. Originally, art in Western Africa was driven by royal authority and was produced by guilds of artisans who used materials such as wood, ivory, and metals to create a diverse array of artwork. The humid African climate posed challenges to the survival of the art, and colonization led to significant losses as European invaders took artworks back to Europe.
The Akan people and the Kuba kingdom fostered vibrant artistic traditions that reflected both the will of the royal patrons and the innovative use of natural materials. African art played an essential role in the cultural identity and prosperity of these societies.
Post-independence, African artists began incorporating global influences while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage, leading to a new breed of art forms including sculptures and installations from recycled materials. This marked the evolution of artist identity on the continent.
Contemporary African art is diverse and influenced by the histories and backgrounds of the artists, with external western art disciplines being assimilated during the colonial era. The introduction of movements like Impressionism, Surrealism, and Cubism by Western cultures altered traditional African expressions, encouraging African artists to explore new ideas and forms in art.
Modernist artists such as Ibrahim El-Salahi and Skunder Boghossian, along with artists from the African diaspora like Beyoncé and Awol Erizku, have used art to celebrate their heritage and address themes like Pan-Africanism, postcolonialism, and reclaiming African narratives within the global art historical canon.