Discover Central Africa’s Artistic Heritage

Description

Central African Art – Invocation of an Unseen World, held in the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at City University of Hong Kong, explores Central Africa’s lesser-known cultural heritage from the 19th to the early 20th centuries. Approximately 200 artefacts and five multi-sensory reinterpretations of its artistic narratives are presented.

The artefacts, organised into categories such as Sculpture, Masks, and Weapons, explore themes such as invocation, transfiguration, and social and symbolic action. Five media art installations will also be featured, including A Warrior Play, an 8K full-body kinematic interactive game that mimics the martial arts of a Zande warrior king.

Sub-Saharan Central Africa is a diverse geographical area with climates ranging from rainforests to snow-capped landscapes. The region has a community-based artistic tradition reflected in artefacts such as sculptures, masks, and weapons, which carry symbolic meanings and spiritual powers. The relatively short time span of this exhibition highlights both the historical neglect of Central African art and the impact of colonialism on African cultures.