{"product_id":"beyond-aesthetics-use-abuse-and-dissonance-in-african-art-traditions","title":"Beyond Aesthetics: Use, Abuse, and Dissonance in African Art Traditions","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eWole Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate, explores the politics of aesthetics and collecting in his book, Beyond Aesthetics. He discusses the role of identity, tradition, and originality in African art and urges artists to engage with their aesthetic and cultural histories. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 160 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 03 March 2020\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Yale University Press\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWole Soyinka, a renowned playwright, poet, essayist, novelist, and Nobel Laureate, is not only a celebrated artist but also a passionate art collector. In this captivating collection of essays, Soyinka delves into the motivations behind his lifelong pursuit of aesthetic encounters. Through vivid descriptions of his initial encounters with objects that have left a lasting impact on him, the author paints a vivid picture of a world inhabited by mortals, muses, and deities, imbuing artworks with profound history and meaning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeyond Aesthetics extends beyond mere aesthetics, exploring the intricate interplay between identity, tradition, and originality in the realm of African art. Soyinka critically examines objects that have sparked controversy, advocating against dogmatic efforts to suppress Africas artistic traditions. With a poetic, thought-provoking, and occasionally humorous tone, Soyinka affirms the transformative power of collecting to reclaim and celebrate cultural heritage. He implores African artists, filmmakers, collectors, and curators to engage deeply with their aesthetic and cultural histories, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their rich artistic traditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublished in association with the Hutchins Center for African \u0026amp; African American Research, this insightful and thought-provoking book offers a valuable perspective on the world of art and culture. Wole Soyinka's profound insights and commitment to aesthetics make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of identity, tradition, and creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 286g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 216 x 221 x 15 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780300247626\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wole Soyinka","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44106258546938,"sku":"9780300247626","price":21.42,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/c7d4f1b399cd526d0861084c97326d1b.jpg?v=1623977157","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/beyond-aesthetics-use-abuse-and-dissonance-in-african-art-traditions","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}