African Art of Body and Being

About the Exhibition

This exhibition selects more than 50 works from the Art Institute of Chicago's African art collection, exploring beliefs and values about the body shared across the African continent. It shows the many ways the body has been imbued with cultural, religious, and social meaning. Featured artists are traditional African artists, with no specific names listed on the page. The exhibition explores understanding of the body and being within the historical context of African art, showing how various cultural traditions symbolize and interpret the body. It comprises more than 50 works, offering multiple perspectives on the body and being. Visitors can experience the symbolism and artistic expression of African art centered on the body, with body-centered symbolic sculpture and ceremonial art works standing as key highlights.