Africobra

Definition

Africobra, short for African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists, is an artist collective founded in 1968 that aimed to promote Black cultural identity and artistic expression in the United States. This group emerged during the Black Arts Movement, focusing on creating art that spoke to the experiences and struggles of African Americans, while celebrating their heritage and visual culture. Africobra played a significant role in redefining aesthetics within the context of racial and political themes, advocating for an art that was both socially relevant and visually striking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Africobra was founded by a group of artists including Wadsworth Jarrell and Barbara Jones-Hogu, who believed in the power of art to effect social change.
2. The collective's aesthetic was characterized by bright colors, bold forms, and a strong sense of narrative that communicated the resilience and strength of Black communities.
3. Africobra emphasized the importance of accessibility in art, advocating for artworks that were relatable to everyday Black experiences rather than elitist or abstract concepts.
4. Their work often incorporated symbols from African heritage, addressing themes such as identity, empowerment, and the celebration of Black culture.
5. Africobra's influence extended beyond visual art; it inspired movements in literature, music, and theater, further enriching the cultural landscape of the Black Arts Movement.

Review Questions

• How did Africobra contribute to the redefinition of aesthetics during the Black Arts Movement?
  • Africobra redefined aesthetics by promoting a visual language that was vibrant and culturally significant. The group's focus on using bold colors and dynamic forms was a direct response to mainstream art that often excluded Black narratives. They created art that not only represented Black experiences but also celebrated them, setting a new standard for what Black art could encompass during this transformative period.
• Discuss how Africobra's emphasis on accessibility impacted the broader goals of the Black Arts Movement.
  • Africobra's commitment to creating accessible art played a crucial role in achieving the broader goals of the Black Arts Movement by ensuring that their work resonated with everyday people rather than just art elites. By focusing on relatable themes and experiences, Africobra encouraged community engagement with art as a means of empowerment. This approach reinforced the movement's mission to use art as a tool for social change and cultural pride among African Americans.
• Evaluate Africobra's legacy in contemporary art and its ongoing relevance in discussions about race and identity.
  • Africobra's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary art as it laid a foundation for artists exploring race, identity, and cultural heritage. The collective's emphasis on celebrating Black culture has influenced generations of artists who grapple with similar themes today. Their work prompts ongoing discussions about representation in art spaces, encouraging artists to challenge norms while advocating for diversity and inclusion in both historical and modern contexts.

Related terms

Black Arts Movement: A cultural movement in the 1960s and 1970s that sought to create a distinct Black aesthetic in literature, music, and visual arts, aiming to empower African Americans through creative expression.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that focuses on depicting the everyday lives of working-class people and social issues, often highlighting themes of struggle and resistance.

Afrocentrism: An intellectual and cultural movement that emphasizes the importance of African culture, history, and contributions to world civilization, promoting pride in African heritage.