Exhibition catalogue published 2024
Winner of the Midwest Art History Society’s 2025 Outstanding Catalog Award, Thematic Exhibition
Finalist for the Pierre Moos Prize 2025
This book considers ways in which historical and contemporary African arts make visible narratives rooted in collective and individual memory and knowledge. In acknowledgment of the convergence between certain historical arts and oral traditions, the points of departure for this exploration are forms that intersect at the visual and the verbal as well as pictorial works that feature figurative scenes suggesting part of or an entire narrative. Historical works made by artists across sub-Saharan Africa from the 13th to the 20th century dialogue with contemporary works created by African artists practicing around the globe. Narrative Wisdom and African Arts offers a rich variety of sculpture, textiles, works on paper, photography, painting, and time-based media created for diverse patrons. These arts facilitate, document, reinforce, or critique narratives concerning the legitimacy of leaders, memory of place, prescriptions for healing and destiny, and enduring ancestral wisdoms.
Authors: Nichole N. Bridges (editor), Gaëlle Beaujean, Kathy Curnow, Jan-Lodewijk Grootaers, Jacky Maniacky, Smooth Nzewi, Yomi Ola, Nii Quarcoopome, Elyse Dianne Schaeffer, and Sylvia Sukop
Details: 240 pages, 210 color illustrations; 8 3/4 × 11 inches, hardcover. Published by Saint Louis Art Museum. Production and design by Hirmer Publishers
