African art at St James Cavalier

An exhibition of African art, the first in series entitled 'The Niche Exhibitions Project', is being launched at St James Cavalier in Valletta today.

The Centre for Creativity is collaborating with the students from the art programme of the university by providing them with the opportunity to manage a cultural event. The aim of the project is to train undergraduate History of Art students in planning and curating art exhibitions on a three-monthly basis.

The first project is focusing on authentic African artifacts, which, to Western eyes, could seem crude because of a lack of sophistication.

But African art developed a visually complicated iconography, using simple materials, sourced directly from nature and the works on display show remarkable sculptural imagination and great technical ability.

Today the study of African art has become a recognised discipline that has earned its place in world history of art.

The launch involves a presentation of African art today by Dr Joseph Paul Cassar, a lecturer within the art programme.

The exhibition is being curated by Francesca Balzan, Davinia Galea, Ann Grima and Hilary Spiteri.

It is open until the end of January.