striven and continue to strive to uphold the excellence of the artistry of their forefathers. Classic African tribal art had a mystical element. African tribal art pieces which were prized, were those who had spiritual significance and those which were actually used for mystical purposes. African tribal art techniques and their significance to the tribe and to the African people, were passed from generation to generation and the function and purpose of the art was much more important then its’ aestheticism. These pieces were actually used in ceremonies, at funerals at initiations and at rites-of-passage ceremonies.
As times as changed and as African people have moved out of villages, into the cities and as dependence on the tribe is now not as strong, these classic pieces of African tribal art are still widely respected, and intertwined in some way in contemporary life of the African. However, artists and artistry of later generations has evolved. The new art is influenced by today, by the world and art is crafted just because and no longer has to serve a spiritual or mystic purpose.
Below, we will discuss 3 contemporary and outstanding African artists. These artists are introducing the world to the new Africa, its new artistry and forms. And while sometimes ignored and ridiculed for not living up to the standards of the past. They are seeking to create their own standard. Now you can find individuals and groups who will mass produce cheap African tribal masks and figurines that many people around the world still expect to come from Africa, but this is often for
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