African Walls: Many Different Voices

Abstract

Cave markings, rock art and drawings go back to prehistoric times, they are most probably the earliest examples of human creativity and culture. Today, wall art and graffiti still have a presence in contemporary urban space. In Africa these have immerged in wall paintings and graffiti, commercial signs and in the design of new workspaces. Considering the techniques of these wall creations: their images, the style of markings, and their textual content on one can witness their unique place in the global metamorphosis of contemporary African culture. This paper considers the different typologies and uses of wall art and graffiti in contemporary African culture. Demonstrating a diverse creative contemporary medium that fluctuates between urban political manifestations; personal expression; domesticated interior designs; and commercial implementations.

Presenters

David Goss
Lecturer, African Studies; History and Philosophy; Art, The Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel. , Tel-Aviv, Israel

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design in Society

KEYWORDS

Africa, Graffiti, Wall-art, Painted Signs, Interior Design