ADAM LEVIN

Title:The Art of African Shopping
Author:Adam Levin
Publisher:Struik

Having spent many a leisurely Sunday strolling through one of the country's many flea markets, it's not hard to notice the proliferation of arts and crafts from all over Africa in recent years.

While one may marvel at the bold and exciting designs of the masks, carvings or textiles, the real age, usage, and authenticity of such products is never certain. Until now that is, because local writer Adam Levin has come up with a handy guide and explanation to most of these crafts, as well as a history and celebration of African design.

What becomes apparent through the bright and colourful pages of this well-priced (R160) book is not only Levin's knowledge of African arts and crafts, but also his love and respect for the continent and its peoples.

Levin told rage.co.za in an interview that he set out to create a flea market guide, something succinct and accessible to most people and it grew into an encyclopaedia celebrating the arts of the continent. It is also full of his anecdotes, observations and travelogues, which give it a refreshingly personal touch.

The title itself is a wordplay on shopping for African art, but encompasses so much more — from the history of African trade from slavery to capitalism; to how markets and traders operate in different countries, and support otherwise destitute communities, to his own experiences of being a trader and how to identify, bargain for and manage to export goods; as well the contentious issues of fakes and raping communities of priceless ancient relics. He also laments how African art has been stripped of its true place in world art circles, and the huge amount of ignorance and skewed perceptions regarding African art and artefacts.

There is a section of wonderful tips on how to decorate your home in an African theme, using delightful categories such as Modern-Primitive; Afro-Contemporary; Afro-Colonial; Afro-Oriental; Afro-Pop and Afro-Kitsch.

A large part of the book is devoted to detailed and informative explanations and observations of various African arts — textiles, masks, sculptures, furniture, metals, ceramics, baskets, jewellery, music, fashion, food and drink, recycled and contemporary art — with shopping lists of each item, complete with his own diagrams. The author also lists his best places to shop for African arts, worldwide.

While it may be a bit bulky to carry around the local flea market with you, it's a handy reference to identify those items you've picked out, or better still, an invaluable source of décor ideas and styles, and something on which to base your shopping trip, as well as a great coffee-table testament to the rich art and design heritage of the continent.

found at http://travel.iafrica.com/armchair/456319.htm

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David Norden is a private African art dealer since 1992 who specializes in important works of art from African and ancient cultures.
The artifacts, which are offered to discerning collectors, dealers and to public institutions, are selected for their rarity, provenance and distinctive aesthetic quality at competitive prices.

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