Name: Fun, fierce and fantastical African art
Uploaded: 2017-08-29T14:36:36Z
Duration: 5 min 1 s
Description: We're so used to narratives out of Africa being about war, poverty and devastation, says TED Fellow Wanuri Kahiu. Where's the fun? Introducing "AfroBubbleGum" -- African art that's vibrant, lighthearted and without a political agenda. Rethink the value of all that is unserious as Kahiu explains why we need art that captures the full range of human experiences to tell the stories of Africa.

We're so used to narratives out of Africa being about war, poverty and devastation, says TED Fellow Wanuri Kahiu. Where's the fun? Introducing "AfroBubbleGum" -- African art that's vibrant, lighthearted and without a political agenda. Rethink the value of all that is unserious as Kahiu explains why we need art that captures the full range of human experiences to tell the stories of Africa.

Fun, fierce and fantastical African art

Art from Africa is often expected to focus on trauma, poverty, or crisis, but a new wave of creators insists on fun, fierce, and frivolous stories. One artist grew up hearing wild science fiction tales from her mother, later writing about seven-foot robots in love and Nairobi pop bands reaching for the stars. She calls this movement 'AfroBubbleGum,' celebrating vibrant art that exists for its own joyful sake. These works show that happiness and imagination are essential parts of African identity too.