The African continent has been characterized by a number of transitional periods reflected in its blend of artistic styles.
It has noted the emergence of artists from all walks of life and backgrounds coming together to produce reflective and truly innovative work.
Such outcomes have resulted in breathtaking pieces that tell a truly unique African tale.
Africa and Southern Africa have been defined by its early colonialism and fight for democracy and independence.
There has been a considerable rise in the emergence of black artists influencing the development of artwork in various African and international countries.
From breathtaking picturesque items to modern sculptures representative of tribal heritage, there is certainly no other country that can compare to the unique ethnic delivery provided by African artists.
Historically, most creative pieces were detected by the earliest sculptures and tribal masks that reflected a unique and strong message.
For African countries including Ethiopia with its Islam heritage, a great number of pieces would indicate the Islamic and Christian influences that are still recognized in many items today.
West Africa was mostly characterized by its ancient sculptures that were largely constructed from wood and metals.
A large number of the African artworks that have been developed today include performance art and European influences.
Many of the pieces that are available include 3 dimensional sculptures that play a significant role in specific contexts.
Throughout Africa, one will note the strong tribal influences and attention to detail in the creation of masks made from solid metals and finished woods.
Many of the modern portraits depict the history of African countries and offer a strong sense of its heritage.
Finer artwork has moved from its largely generic productions with European influences to unique pieces that serve to represent or tell a story of the country that it is reflecting.
Symbolism plays a large role in the images and sculptures developed today including the abstraction of indigenous people and some of the earliest cave paintings.
In the early Apartheid era a large number of black artists were restricted and denied the ability to perform on the same platform as other artists.
Despite such limitations, individuals found a way to develop a truly unique and characteristic style with brighter colors and bold patterns.
Township and performance art depict the modern and past stories of upcoming and established artists that have become common purchases among buyers today.
With more traditional paintings reflecting the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that is truly African to the struggles and fight for independence that many countries have undergone; such influences are recognized in past and modern artwork.
Bronze sculptures, bold patterns, and bright colors are implemented in ethnic pieces.
Fine art in Africa has undergone a considerable transformation to produce truly unique and innovative items that simply cannot be found elsewhere in the world.