Africa, The Unknown History of Humankind: African arts influence on the greats

The video explores the influence of African art on Western art, particularly in the shift towards modernism and abstraction in the 20th century. It highlights the inspiration drawn from African art by notable figures like Freud, Jung, Picasso, and Matisse, emphasizing the concept of balancing opposing forces. The speaker discusses the challenges faced in promoting African history, such as colonialism and racism, and the importance of reshaping perceptions of Africa's future. As the incoming director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the speaker shares their vision to enhance cultural understanding and create a global resource for African art.

How did African art influence Western artists in the early 20th century?

• By promoting realism in art

• Through its dialectical tension and abstraction

• Through its focus on religious themes

• By encouraging the use of bright colors

What is one of the main challenges in promoting African history and culture?

• Insufficient digital resources

• Limited access to museums

• Overcoming colonial legacies and racism

• Lack of interest in art

What does the speaker believe about Africa's past and future?

• The past is a clear indicator of the future

• The future can be reshaped by external forces

• The past does not necessarily dictate the future

• The future is predetermined by historical events

Why does the speaker emphasize sharing African history?

• It is a shared history of all humankind

• It is only relevant to African people

• It is a new area of study

• It is primarily for academic purposes

What is the speaker's new role?

• Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

• Curator at the Louvre Museum

• Professor of African Studies

• Head of an African art gallery in Paris

What is the speaker's goal in their new role at the museum?

• To concentrate on European art influences

• To limit access to African art

• To promote African culture globally

• To focus solely on American art

How does the speaker plan to share African art with the world?

• By restricting access to digital resources

• By building a global resource for anyone interested in culture

• By creating a resource only for Americans

• By focusing on local exhibitions only