MyWeku

Mama’s favourite wrapper

Artworks can define a home, offering the ultimate finishing touch to a décor scheme. But somewhere down the line art became associated with a big price tag. Fortunately, there are ways to bring art into your home without going bankrupt. After all, art of various kinds has been a part of human lives and dwelling places since time immemorial and needn’t break the bank. You can splash out to achieve a post-colonial chic look, but you can also achieve this décor style without breaking the bank. African arts, with their stylish, timeless designs, offer many items and ideas to inspire you.
We will explore “African Art for the Home” in a 5 part series over the next few weeks.

Part 1 – Artists’ Work, Part 2 – African Arts Projects, Part 3 – African Textiles, Part 4 – ‘Township’ Art, Part 5 – Coordinating the Post-Colonial Chic Look

Artists’ Artworks (Part 1)

You can own original artworks without investing your life savings. Prints are always a good choice, giving you the option of owning works by established artists at a fraction of the price of a painting. The technique of printmaking typically results in limited edition, numbered artworks in series of fifty or a hundred, depending on the longevity of the print plate. The lower the number (when the plate is still in optimum condition) the better the investment. Also very affordable are high quality art photos. The subject matter is endless, from African landscapes and wildlife to cityscapes and peoples and you’re bound to find something to meet your décor requirements.

Big name artists aren’t the only option either; in fact post-colonial chic is about style, not big money and conspicuous consumption. Historical woodcuts and prints of African scenes, flora and fauna can be striking too. If you have the opportunity, student exhibitions offer the chance to pick up contemporary artworks at reasonable prices, and if the student makes it, you’ve supported their career and made a good investment. The important thing is to like what you buy.