While colonization ended in the 1950s, the effects continue to be felt in Africa today. This can be seen in how art and culture are still defined by Eurocentric ideals, beliefs, and attitudes. The messages in much of art created before colonization are similar to those from modern art, but with African aesthetics. Post-colonialism occurs when Africans create their own work that expresses a style that is their own but still appears to be influenced by Western artists like Picasso or Matisse.

The art made during the colonial period aims to represent “Western” ideals, as well as African ways of life. African art is often defined by a particular style: for instance, a sculptor may create a piece with an Afro hairstyle. European colonial artists from other countries were brought to Africa in order to create art that would reflect the Western ideals of beauty and wealth present in the colonizers’ home countries. In return, these artists were able to learn from their African counterparts, who influenced the new styles being created by these Europeans.

A common example of these styles is sculptures of people juxtaposed with landscapes or natural features. Despite the lack of reference to a specific culture or ethnic group, these pieces tend to revolve around a broad theme: the power of nature and the relationships between humans and animals.