Creativity as a source of cultural preservation (For African artists)
My Darling Angels,
I’ve recently uncovered a startling truth about the pillaging of Africa’s artistic treasures. I was aware that art had been stolen, but the sheer magnitude of this plunder has left me utterly flabbergasted. Over 1 billion tonnes of our cultural heritage, pilfered from the very soil that birthed it.
What’s more, this artistic larceny has been meticulously concealed from the world’s gaze, with only a scant few pieces grudgingly unveiled for public consumption – a travesty that often goes unquestioned. As I wrestle with the temptation to consign this injustice to the annals of history, I find myself contorting in my chair, consumed by the anguish of this harsh reality. Yet, I cannot help but ponder the future of African art in the absence of neo-colonialism’s insidious tentacles.
The future.
What wondrous creations shall emerge from our collective souls, reflecting the vibrant epic of our lived experiences, to serve as cherished heirlooms for generations yet to come? What awe-inspiring masterpieces shall instill a profound sense of pride in our progeny?
We have achieved such artistic triumphs in the past, and we shall undoubtedly do so again. For though our physical artworks may have been plundered, the true wellspring of creativity flows eternally within us, you and I. We must delve deep into the recesses of our beings to unveil the truths that have been so cruelly concealed, for nothing can remain obscured forever.
I leave this seed of thought with you, my beloved kindred spirits. Remember the essence of your being, and embrace the gift that has been bestowed upon you from birth.
With boundless love,
Chu
Tribesmen! If you’ve been listening to African Boy Bible lately, you know we’ve been diving deep into some serious stuff,…
Hi Angels, This is a super vulnerable one. I haven’t shared this much about myself openly. Many don’t know this…
Without doubt, I concur with you. Most importantly, however, we must understand that the confusion, frustrations and disparities that we are experiencing in African art and culture today are as a result of colonialism.
Neocolonialism did not just incur itself upon us. It was colonialism, through a pervaded logic, distorted our sense of history so that our idea of culture and the feel of the future would be shabby in our view. Hence, if our Arts must thrive again, we must reconcile our kindreds with the truth of our history, the very truth of it; not the ones given to us by the so-called colonizers.
And our culture, which is today understood as a process of meaning making, would leverage on our sense of history to thrive, yet again, like the blooms of lavender in midsummer.
Such a great delight
Kyenshak Polycarp
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