France might return art objects to Africa

France might soon return some of the art objects taken from African states during the colonial era, items which are now in French museums. At least that is the recommendation in a new report which will be given to French president Emmanuel Macron, written by French historian Bénédicte Savoy and Senegalese economist and writer Felwine Sarr. About two thirds of 90 000 African objects would be affected if the suggestions in this report would be a reality. Emmanuel Macron has also promised earlier to look into ths question.

"We are dealing with the case of a continent which has almost nothing left of its history when we have it all. The aim is not to empty Western museums to fill up the African ones, but to invent a new relationship based on ethics and equity", says Bénédicte Savoy according to theartnewspaper.com.

The story behind the world´s largest man made lake

The largest man made lake in the world can be found on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is called Lake Kariba and the story behind it´s creation is a spectacular one. Filling of the water into the lake between 1958 and 1963 caused more than 20 earthquakes.

At the same time, during operation Noah, 6 000 animals was relocated due to the rising of water levels. A talented artist, Lesotho-born Bennet Zondo, was inspired by this to make fantastic art. His sculptures of animals within boats memorizes this moment. Bennet Zondo is working in South Africa and is part of the group Ardmore Ceramics.
Picture above: Bennet Zondo. Picture below: His Operation Noah art. Pictures are shown with the permission from Admore Ceramics.

See art from Madagascar in Paris

I was recently in Paris and had a look at an art exhibition in the Quai Branly museum. On display was paintings, carpets, sculptures, photographies and a lot of other art from Madagascar, both contemparary art and older artefacts. I really recommend that you have a look at it if you are in Paris. The items show the rich history of the island and the exhibition contains art from people of different descent living on the island. Its possible to see the exhibition until january first next year.

Did Africans invent art?

A recent finding suggests that art may have first emerged on the African continent. What seems like a drawing was found in the Blombos cave in South Africa and dates back to more than 70 000 years ago. If classified as art, this is the oldest art finding ever. But the scientists are divided on the subject.

Read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/12/science/oldest-drawing-ever-found.html

And here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2018/09/news-ancient-humans-art-hashtag-ochre-south-africa-archaeology/

This finding aside, African art has inspired famous artists, most notably Pablo Picasso.