African ART NOW with Alinta Sara - adult education class

Course overview

Africa is a huge continent with over 50 different countries and thousands of different ethnic groups. The cultures of each of these differ dramatically, making Africa a rich and fertile ground for the creative arts.

As well as seeing some astonishingly beautiful works of art made over the past 100 years, the course will challenge the assumption often made by Western art historians that African art belongs under categories such as 'folk' or so-called 'tribal' art.

Guided by Alinta Sara, we will see that Africa has an exciting art history and a vibrant art present, with artists producing work that expresses the unique African experience.

Various themes will be covered in the ten sessions, including Négritude, modernism in West Africa, photography in Mali, and the artistic responses to Apartheid in South Africa. In addition, prominent artists such as Ibrahim El-Salahi, Malangatana, and Cheri Samba will be highlighted.

The course is taught in an open and inclusive way, so your thoughts, experiences and opinions will be welcome as part of the discussion.

Aimed at complete beginners, no previous qualification or knowledge of art or art history is necessary.

Reading material or special equipment needed (if any)

There is no compulsory reading for this course.

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 10 November 2025 until week ending 12 December 2025

•  Spring Term: week beginning 12 January 2026 until week ending 13 February 2026

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Alinta Sara: a.sara@imperial.ac.uk 

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).