Abstract
Conceptually, this research synthesises the Yoruba iwa l ewa1 philosophical concept with that of ubuntu2, a moral philosophy in South African society. I argue in this dissertation that iwa l ewa and ubuntu are traditional knowledge systems that buttress the objectives of African humanist philosophy. Furthermore, I argue that an African humanism and communalism emphasises human relationships and communication in African society. This has been a challenge for people born in South Africa dealing with migrants, born elsewhere in Africa, living in the country. I argue that the recurrent incidents of xenophobic violence in urban South Africa, betray the objectives of African humanist philosophy. This study focuses on visual art as a tool to rebuild and reconstruct a communalist spirit in African humanist philosophy in South African society and other African countries. I examine the work of Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui (b. 1944) and Nigerian-born painter Moyosore Okediji (b. 1956) as examples of contemporary African artists who draw on traditional materials and well as their personal philosophies and the societies in which they were born, and live today. Finally, I analyse my own art practice which consists of four series. My body of work supports the humanism philosophy and fight against xenophobic violence in South African society.
M.Tech. (Fine Art)