Fun, Fierce and Fantastical African Art | Wanuri Kahiu | TED

Origin Story

Wanuri Kahiu shares her journey into creating Afro Bubblegum, an art movement that celebrates vibrant and joyful African narratives. Inspired by her mother's imaginative stories, she challenges the notion that African art must address serious issues like war and poverty. Kahiu emphasizes the need for diverse storytelling, stating, "We have to tell more stories that are vibrant. The danger of the single story is still being realized." 1 Afro Bubblegum art aims to depict Africans as thriving and joyful, offering a fresh perspective on African life.

   

Artistic Goals

The primary goal of Afro Bubblegum art is to create works that are fun, fierce, and free from political agendas. Wanuri Kahiu advocates for art that celebrates imagination and joy, without being tied to educational or policy-driven motives. She proposes a new way of evaluating art, asking, "Are two or more Africans in this piece of fiction healthy? Are those same Africans financially stable and not in need of saving?" 1 By focusing on these criteria, Afro Bubblegum art seeks to redefine African narratives and promote a shared humanity through joy.