Our unique cultural tapestry has been woven from strands availed to us by countless generations of men and women who have passed down a rich heritage to us through the millennia. They have done the heavy lifting that has benefitted and blessed us with a wealthy endowment that enriches material culture and cultural practices.
This heritage has greatly influenced contemporary African art, expressions and identities, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. In Kenya, the visual culture’s traditional patterns are imbued with profound symbolism. For instance, the Maasai people are renowned for vibrantly coloured beads used in the creation of patterns signifying social status, age and even achievements. Similarly, the Kamba’s skilled woven basketry features geometric patterns that have been passed down through generations, each with its own story. These patterns are not merely decorative, they are part of a system of non-verbal communication and a way of transmitting cultural knowledge and values.
A renewed interest in the African heritage among younger generations is fueling a renaissance of African art. The incorporation of ancient cultural signs and symbols into our contemporary lives challenges present-day design stereotypes and redefines what it means to be African in today’s world.
In present day Africa, artists have taken up the use of local insignia as an expression of identity, spirituality and community. However, upcoming African artists face a variety of challenges that impact their ability to create, share and sustain their work. Despite embracing indigenous visual representations, they lack exposure. Additionally, they experience poor access to markets coupled with the unauthorized use of their work.
UndaMeta believes in the power of positive change and is at the battlefront to seek and offer solutions to some of these obstacles. The UndaMeta marketplace engages artists to create and promote African inspired surface pattern design. UndaMeta’s co-founders created a platform that allows artists to share their surface patterns with a global market, while receiving fair compensation for their work.
Contemporary African art is a celebration of the embodiment of ancestral cultural treasures. It is a reminder that we are now the ancestors, carrying forward the legacy of those who came before us, while forging new paths for those who will follow. UndaMeta is committed to supporting contemporary African artists as they honor their past, engage with the present and inspire the future through surface pattern design.