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Africa is a vast continent made up of more than 50 countries and thousands of distinct cultural and linguistic communities. The increasing prominence of African art in major international exhibitions, biennales, and art fairs, from Nigerian modernism exhibitions at Tate to Dak’Art in Senegal, reflects the vitality, diversity, and dynamism of artistic production across the continent.

Through works produced over the past century, this course explores the richness and complexity of African art while challenging older Western art historical frameworks that have often reduced African artistic production to categories such as 'tribal' or 'folk' art.

Guided by Alinta Sara, we will discover both the depth of Africa’s artistic histories and the vitality of its contemporary art scenes, engaging with artists whose work reflects a wide range of social, political, and cultural experiences.

Themes explored across the ten sessions include Négritude, modernism in West Africa, photography in Mali, and artistic responses to Apartheid in South Africa. The course will also highlight major artists such as Ibrahim El-Salahi, Malangatana, and Chéri Samba.

The course is taught in an open and inclusive way, and your thoughts, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed as part of the discussion.

Complete beginners to art and art history are welcome and no qualifications are needed to join.

Course term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 9 November 2026 until week ending 11 December 2026

•  Spring Term: week beginning 11 January 2027 until week ending 12 February 2027

For course content queries: Contact the tutor, Alinta Sara, at a.sara@imperial.ac.uk  

For enrolment and booking enquiries: Contact Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ certificates

This course has no exams or assessments, so you can focus on enjoying your learning. Regular attendance may also lead to the award of an 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ attendance certificate. (T&Cs apply).