16
March 2026

African - art, craft or curio?

Welcome to The Arts Society North Yorkshire & South Durham
Monday, March 16, 2026 - 14:00
Blackwell Grange Hotel
Grange Road Darlington DL3 8QH
Online Event

An introduction to sub-Saharan tribal art

An easy-going introduction into traditional, sub-Saharan African art, inspired by the lecturer's learning experiences with this fascinating subject during the decade she lived in Johannesburg, South Africa. The talk focuses on general misconceptions, basic facts and comparisons, influences of Africa on Europe and vice versa. It offers a broad overview of  artistic production across the continent and provides guidance on how to look at African art. The lecture explains not only the general premises of African art appreciation but, with a light touch, shows how art can be used to replace postal service, help with marriage problems or deal with unruly teenagers.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mrs Nirvana Romell

Holds BA in History of Art and MA in English Language & Literature, with 20 years of lecturing experience on 3 continents. Since arrival in the UK in 2003, she has been working as a freelance lecturer, public programmes consultant and tour director. She has regularly presented art history courses and lectures, as well as trained staff and volunteers, at the Manchester Art Gallery, the Walker Gallery in Liverpool, University of Manchester and other art and learning institutions. She also organises and presents tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions across the UK and Europe, and study tours to the Balkans, Italy, France, Switzerland, Sweden and South Africa.