Cradle of Creativity

From ancient African rock art to contemporary brushstrokes

In collaboration with

Origins CentreYemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University

Two Museums, One Mission

Preserving and sharing stories from the continent

Discover why Africa is the birthplace of creativity

Art from Zambia, Algeria, Nigeria and more

"Art and museums are custodians of the forms and objects of history and culture. It is a reflection of people, societies and nations."Prince Yemisi Shyllon
"Tracing the evolution of art, and African creativity is extraordinary. Today, contemporary African artists are setting a new agenda for artistic expression."- Curator Tammy Hodgkiss, Origins Centre

Are you a teacher or parent?

A downloadable lesson plan that can be used in the classroom or given to students as a worksheet

The Art of Africa

Explore artworks and the history of art from western and southern Africa

What color is ochre?
All three

Color explosion

As is common in Moyo’s works, one sees the rich use of different colours – yellow, blue, white, brown, green, orange and black

Etching into the patterns

The patterns were etched as a decorative composition after the painting was done on the canvas.

Connected to culture

Moyo never lost touch with his home and his art was centered on his indigenous Yoruba heritage

Celebrating Women

The piece seeks to celebrate African women and the pride of womanhood.

Inspired by Traditional Textiles

The textural patterns all over the painting are inspired by the patterns commonly found on the Yoruba textitle.

Spot the hidden symbols

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Study the details, up close

Zoom in to discover the stories

"My sculptures and drawings reflect and acknowledge the crafts of Africa."- Walter Oltmann

Discover their artworks

Explore creative masterpieces

"Art itself is a reflection of the life of the people."- Bruce Onobrakpeya

A collaborative work

This work is part of a set of 11 embroidered panels which were designed by Tamar Mason and produced by herself and a collective of craftswomen.

Working together

The women gather a bounty of plants, and the men hunt (eland and gemsbok).

Hunting and gathering

This panel represents the San custom of hunting and gathering to garner food.

At one with nature

The land provides but demands respect and skill - a harmony between people and the environment.

Nature provides

The rains of summer splits in sheaths as it gently descends to the earth.

Spot the hidden details

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Art and culture from the continent

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