Contemporary African Art
Sidney Littlefield Kasfir
About this book
A revised edition of this seminal title, surveying the diverse, ever-evolving field of contemporary African art from the 1950s to today, illustrated in color throughout. Contemporary African art has grown out of the diverse histories and cultural heritage of the African continent and its diaspora. It is not characterized by one particular style, technique, or theme, but by a bricolage-like attitude toward art making, incorporating and building upon the structures from which older, pre- colonial and colonial genres were made. In this revised and updated edition of Contemporary African Art, Sidney Littlefield Kasfir examines the major themes, developments, and accomplishments in African art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Organized thematically, the book includes new chapters on the history of African photography and the growth of the global art market, alongside significant discussions of patronage, mediation, artistic training, and national and diaspora identities. Generously illustrated throughout, including work by artists such as El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare, William Kentridge, and Ibrahim El-Salahi, the book draws on interviews with many contemporary artists and art world professionals. Contemporary African Art is a fascinating, comprehensive survey of art from the African continent and its global diaspora.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Contemporary African Art" by Sidney Littlefield Kasfir was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its political content and discussions surrounding race and colonialism. The ban was initiated following formal complaints from parents and community members, leading to school board votes in states such as Texas and Florida that upheld the decision to remove the book from curricula. The controversy sparked debates at PTA meetings, with some advocating for its reinstatement, but as of late 2025, the ban remains in effect in those districts.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | PoliticalRacial |
