African Art (Third Edition) (World of Art) [Paperback]

Frank Willett (Author)

Book Description

Series: World of Art | Publication Date: February 17, 2003

"An indispensable part of the history of the skills and ideas of mankind."—Scientific American.

The art of the Fang, the BaTeke, the BaKota, and other African peoples is extraordinarily vigorous and shows a brilliant sense of form. The substantial aesthetic impact that their works have had on the development of twentieth-century Western art—on Picasso, Derain, Braque, and Modigliani, among others—continues to this day. This classic study reveals the astonishing variety and expressive power of the art of a continent that contains more distinct peoples and cultures than any other. The revised edition has been updated throughout, incorporating recent research and additional illustrations, plus a new chapter and extended bibliography. It remains an invaluable resource for students and for anyone interested in African art. 291 illustrations, 88 in color

Editorial Reviews

Review

[A]n indispensable part of the history of the skills and ideas of mankind. -- Scientific American

About the Author

Frank Willett was Director, and is now an Honorary Senior Research Fellow, of the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Glasgow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; Third Edition edition (February 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500203644
• ISBN-13: 978-0500203644
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,162 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Frank is Frankly Extensive on African Art, February 28, 2006

By 

Deremiah *CPE "Inspirational Speaking Star & ... (Saint Charles, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: African Art (Third Edition) (World of Art) (Paperback)

This is one of the best and highly extensive books on African Art. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The content describing the motifs, dewellings, statues, sculptures and costumes of the African People are quite impressive.

Frank Willett has done his homework but more importantly he has filled every page full of roaring images that speak to the traditions and the images of the African people. This book serves to give us a rapid, excellerated peek into the past. It was very revealing in the geometric structure of the objects, the color, rhythums, shapes, forms and symbolisim. Whether you are a history teacher, student, business person or artist you'll find this book very handy and informing.

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, July 17, 2008

By 

Dr. Jean Robert Sohoka (Dakar, Senegal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: African Art (Third Edition) (World of Art) (Paperback)

It is well known that Picasso was heavily influenced by African Art.
And before him, the French cubism school with its leader Georges Braque borrowed its forms and shapes from drawings on African caves walls.
However a major distinction in the artistic expression of French cubism and ethnic African primitive art remained self-explanatory and a dividing screen between an ornamental European art and a pure rudimentary African art so true to its nature.
African art does not embellish a theme. It evolves around it and expresses it in honest naïveté.
A polished European art is an ornamental expression.
African art is traditions and raw feelings expressed in utmost honesty.
You will understand its importance in the galleries of breathtaking illustrations in the book.
The teacher will widen his knowledge, and the student will expand his appreciation of African arts by reading this book.

The book is a mosaic of colors, the birth of unspoiled art expression, and a legacy of uncorrupted primitive beauty that transcended the dark caves of Africa.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice book, July 13, 2006

By 

A. Rueda "African art lover" (Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African Art (Third Edition) (World of Art) (Paperback)

This book includes an impressive description of all the african arts with some examples quite dificult to find in other books.

For me is a must for all lovers of african art.