When Metaphor Becomes Material: Studying the Art of Africa at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

A comprehensive study of the African art collection at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, including new scientific analysis and imaging, is presented in this volume. It explores the historiographical and technical considerations involved in collecting and conserving African art, aiming to enhance our understanding of the art in its original communities and in a museum context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of African art in the United States, encompassing a vast array of artworks across various mediums, spanning from ancient times to the present. In collaboration with the museum's curators and conservators, supported by a significant grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this remarkable publication has emerged. It showcases a selection of highlights from the collection, many of which have never been published before, alongside cutting-edge scientific analysis and imaging. Spanning six chapters, the book delves into the intricate historiographical and technical aspects involved in collecting and preserving African art. The result promises to enhance our understanding of these artworks not only within their original communities but also in the context of a museum setting. This publication serves as a testament to the museum's commitment to advancing knowledge and appreciation of African art.

Introduction:
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is home to an exceptional collection of African art, recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the United States. Spanning a vast timeline from antiquity to the present, this collection features artworks across various mediums, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, and more. In order to better understand and preserve this invaluable heritage, the museum has collaborated with experts to produce a groundbreaking publication titled "African Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: A Comprehensive Analysis and Imaging."
Collaboration:
The publication is the result of a collaborative effort between the museum's curators and conservators, who have worked tirelessly to gather and analyze the collection's artifacts. Supported by a substantial grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this project allowed for the use of advanced scientific techniques and imaging technologies to provide a deeper understanding of the collection's contents.
Highlights:
The book showcases a selection of highlights from the African art collection, many of which have never been published before. These include iconic sculptures, intricate paintings, and rare textiles that provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Africa. The publication also includes new scientific analysis and imaging, which sheds light on the techniques, materials, and cultural significance of the artworks.
Chapters:
The book is organized into six chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of collecting and conserving African art. These chapters cover topics such as the historical context of African art, the challenges of preserving it, and the ethical considerations involved in collecting and displaying it. The authors provide detailed insights into the processes and techniques used by curators and conservators to ensure the preservation and conservation of these fragile artworks.
Conclusion:
"African Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: A Comprehensive Analysis and Imaging" is a groundbreaking publication that enhances our understanding of African art and its preservation. Through its collaborative efforts and the use of advanced technologies, the museum has contributed to the preservation and dissemination of this invaluable cultural heritage. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, and it serves as a testament to the museum's commitment to promoting knowledge and appreciation of African art.

Weight: 1610g
Dimension: 228 x 309 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300250923