VTS-based Contemporary African Art Interactive Appreciation and Making of Shetani
- pe2s-isgi
- Aug 24
- 2 min read
On August 18, we held an interactive dialogue event to appreciate contemporary African art from 1990s, based on VTS (Visual Thinking Strategy developed by MoMA) at the Blue Beat Café, affiliated with an employment support facility for the mentally disabled in Shizuoka, Japan. This initiative is part of the“Africulture, Creative Aging & Inclusive Project," supported by the Arts Council Shizuoka's “Regional Revitalization Program through Culture and the Arts." Approximately 12 participants ranging in age from their teens to their 80s (including four facility users) gathered on the day of the event, and rich exchanges transcending various backgrounds were fostered through art.
VTS-based Contemporary African Art Interactive Appreciation
Starting with the animal painting by the Tingatinga school artist, participants shared their unique impressions, such as "There's a sense of 'empty time' flowing within the painting," "Each animal's eyes are different," and "It feels like music is playing." Next, we viewed George Lilanga's "Shetani (Spirit)." Discussions delved into the depth of the work with comments such as“The invisible aspects of humans are expressed through elonged ears and mouths”and“The Shetani are touching each other.”
Making of Shetani
Facilitator: Shiro Ikeya, Blue Beat Director
While listening to live djembe performance by Mr. Takita, each participant created their own Shetani. At the presentation, unique Shetani figures emerged, such as one with long ears holding something precious in its right hand, one with limbs that can stretch freely to play instruments, one with yin and yang in its eyes, one in the form of an amoeba, and one that eats sorrow.
Mini Talk Highlight: George Lilanga and the Shetani (Spirits)
Saori Isogai, Amamoto & Shiraishi Africulture Centre
George Lilanga, one of East Africa’s most celebrated artists, was born into the Makonde tradition of ebony carving in Tanzania. At the “House of Art,” he transitioned into two-dimensional expression, transforming his roots into vibrant, contemporary art.
By reinterpreting the ancient Shetani—spirits that appear in dreams—Lilanga’s works bring forward the Makonde philosophy of Ujamaa (human connection, solidarity, and family). His art seamlessly moves between the ancient and the modern, the folkloric and the avant-garde, earning him global recognition as a pioneer of African contemporary art.
Visit and Comments
We were also honored by the visit of Mr. Nobumasa Kushino, Chief Program Director of Arts Council Shizuoka, who shared this inspiring comment (excerpt):
"The true value of this project lies in how it offers participants both imagination through dialogue-based appreciation of African art, and creation through hands-on workshops. The process of expanding imagination together with others in front of artworks, and then engaging in one’s own act of creation, naturally inspired participants’ expressive drive."
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