Art in the Land of Sundiata, The Lion King

"Africa: Visual Arts of a Continent" is the name of the newly reopened exhibition at AMUM, devoted to the display of our permanent collection of African art. This opportunity was made possible by the generous donation in 2008 of 200 works of art by Martha and Robert Fogelman. The field of 21st century African art history confronts the special challenge of reframing past misconceptions and attitudes about African art. Africa: Visual Arts of a Continent focuses a comprehensive, interdisciplinary lens on the Martha and Robert Fogelman Collection of African Art.

Art in the Land of Sundiata focuses on four culture groups: the Dogon, Bamana, Senufo and Marka. These groups live in Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Burkino Faso. The arts of the Dogon, Bamana and Senufo influence smaller groups around them like the Marka. The Marka make masks very similar to their neighbors, the Bamana, which are likewise used by male associations. 

Art in the Land of Sundiata, The Lion King is the first exhibition in the newly reopened exhibition space for African art.This selection of objects will remain on display until 2012, and will then be replaced by a new selection exploring a different theme. This program exhibition program was made possible by a First Tennessee Foundation Award for innovation in the arts.