When we talk about “The Gaze” in terms of arts and culture, we are talking particularly about engagement with visual media.
It can be how the audience views a work of art or a performer.
It can be how the viewer sees themselves represented or reflected in the piece or performance.
It can even be how the artist or performer presents themselves for the viewer’s gaze.
But art is subjective. And each piece or performance can contain a multitude of nuances that are open to interpretation. That’s what makes it beautiful. But that beauty can be a double-edged sword as our own prejudices, assumptions, or beliefs can cloud our gaze; it can prevent us from appreciating or acknowledging the truth it represents.
Sometimes we may not like what we see. Does that mean we look away? Does that mean we close our ears, eyes, and minds to the truth of the matter?
The Gaze Africana, presented by AfriKin Art in collaboration with the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA), is a celebration of African Excellence in honor of Black History Month 2023. Through contemporary dance, panel discussions, jazz and negro spiritual music performances, and the spoken word, it celebrates “the gaze” that connects us to another world; the world of African art.
African diasporic art and culture traditions are diverse and vibrant, a mix of the harsh reality of oppression and marginalization and a celebration of triumph as it rises from the ashes to reclaim its place in the global community.
The Gaze Africana describes how African artists explore their identity through a contemporary African fine art lens. This term refers to the way in which African artists look at their own culture, heritage, and history through their own unique perspective. This concept has been explored in various ways, from using traditional African symbols to using bright colors and vibrant patterns to using modern technology and materials.
African artists are often faced with the challenge of creating art that reflects their own culture and heritage while simultaneously engaging with the global art world. The Gaze Africana is a way for African artists to create a visual representation of their identity, which is often seen as a challenge to the dominant narrative of the African experience. By engaging with the Gaze Africana, African artists can create art that is both personal and universal.
The Gaze Africana is also a way for African artists to challenge the dominant narrative of the African experience. Through their artwork, African artists are able to present a different perspective on African culture and history that is often overlooked or ignored. By engaging with the Gaze Africana, African artists can create art that is both personal and universal.
The Gaze Africana is an essential concept in contemporary African fine art. It is a way for African artists to explore their identity and challenge the dominant narrative of the African experience. Through the Gaze Africana, African artists can create personal and universal art that engages with the global art world.
Get your tickets here for the Sunday, January 15, 2023, event.
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