The most interesting thing about encountering a book on African art is trying to escape Eurocentrism. Instead of only following what is consumed in major centers, curiosity turns to what is being produced by artists. outside of that circuit, whether they are African, Asian, Indian, South American, or Guarani.

Along this path, two books made a lasting impression on me. Adinkra – Wisdom in African symbols This book brings together the ideograms of the Asante civilization, a people who inhabited the territory we now call Ghana. With more than 80 symbols, the book preserves and transmits aspects of the history, philosophy, and values of this rich African culture.

Another example is African Artists, This is a comprehensive survey of over 300 contemporary artists born or based in Africa. Featuring works by names such as El Anatsui, Julie Mehretu, and Wangechi Mutu, among many others, the book showcases the power and diversity of current African art in painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and performance.

By immersing myself in these works, I seek to broaden my understanding of humanity from the perspective of those who have often been marginalized – but who continue to produce profoundly symbolic, powerful, and necessary images. This opens my eyes to things I was never taught, but which should indeed become more popular, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Sergio Kal