Nka-Journal of Contemporary African Art
Scope & Guideline
Innovative Research at the Crossroads of Art and Anthropology
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Contemporary African Art Practices:
The journal focuses on the exploration of contemporary art practices in Africa, examining various mediums such as painting, sculpture, installation, and digital art. It aims to highlight the diversity and richness of artistic expressions emerging from the continent. - Cultural and Social Contexts:
Research published in the journal often situates art within broader cultural and social contexts, analyzing how art reflects, challenges, or contributes to societal issues such as identity, politics, and globalization. - Interdisciplinary Approaches:
The journal encourages interdisciplinary methodologies, combining art history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to produce comprehensive analyses of contemporary African art. - Art and Technology:
There is a growing interest in how technology influences contemporary art practices in Africa, including the use of digital media, social networks, and the impact of globalization on local art scenes. - Exhibition and Curatorial Studies:
The journal addresses the role of exhibitions and curatorial practices in promoting contemporary African art, analyzing how contexts of display affect the reception and interpretation of artworks.
Trending and Emerging
- Decolonization of Art Narratives:
A significant trend is the examination of decolonization in art narratives, where artists and scholars critically engage with colonial histories and their impact on contemporary practices, seeking to reclaim and redefine African identities. - Environmental and Social Justice Themes:
There is an increasing focus on environmental issues and social justice within contemporary art. Artists are using their work to address topics such as climate change, social inequality, and human rights, reflecting the urgent discourse surrounding these themes. - Art and Activism:
The intersection of art and activism is a growing theme, with artists increasingly using their platforms to advocate for change and engage in social movements, blurring the lines between art and political action. - Global Connectivity and Collaboration:
The trends show a rising interest in global collaborations among artists, where cross-cultural exchanges and partnerships are becoming more common, influencing the production and reception of contemporary African art. - Digital Art and New Media:
The journal is seeing a surge in research related to digital art and new media, as artists explore innovative ways to engage audiences through technology, social media, and virtual platforms.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Art Forms:
There seems to be a waning interest in traditional African art forms, as contemporary practices increasingly dominate discussions. This shift may be due to the focus on innovation and modernity in artistic expression. - Historical Art Contexts:
Research exploring historical contexts of African art appears to be less frequent, as the journal shifts towards contemporary analyses. While historical perspectives remain important, recent publications prioritize current trends and issues. - Art as a Solely Aesthetic Practice:
There is a noticeable decline in studies that treat art purely as an aesthetic object, without engaging with its social, political, or cultural implications. The journal is moving towards a more critical and contextual understanding of art.
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