Art_Africa_2016_02_

ARTAFRICA

FEATURE / ARTS WRITING IN AFRICA

WIELDING THE PEN / HOUGHTON KINSMAN

necessary that the writer overcomes a myriad of negotiations between theory, objectivity,

subjectivity, honesty and criticality. This process forms part of the responsibility inherent

to arts writing. If approached insightfully and respectfully, this negotiation allows art

writers and critics to, as Alloway says, “take the discussion in directions artists resist or

have not thought of.”^2 It is this process of negotiation and the subsequent ability to

influence, that adds a further dimension of complexity to the writing process. Yet, it

simultaneously marks each project with its own sense of urgency and fulfillment, whether

or not it has reached its conclusion.

That said, in the current context of an ever-developing, highly multiplex situation like that

of Africa, the need for critical art writing practices feels as urgent as ever. Consequently,

an initial exploration into the culture of emerging art writers in South Africa, grew (albeit

hesitantly^3 ) to include other parts of Africa. As this is an ongoing project, I see it not

as a comprehensive or definitive study. Rather it is a gradual discovery of platforms,

networks and arts writers themselves, all of who are working on the ground in their

respective locales. By turning the discussion over to them, I hope that their voices will

speak loudest^4. This project is my acknowledgement of the importance of ensuring/

highlighting the critical development of arts writing and arts writers on and connected

to the African continent. Thus, we posed eleven writers – both young and established –

each a specific question to get their thoughts on notions of practice, access, contribution

and responsibility.

FOOTNOTES

1. Lawrence Alloway, ‘Network: The Art World described as a System,’ Artforum, September 1972.


2. Ibid.


3. Hesitant because I recognise the limitations in my access to resources, travel, communication and a
   comprehensive network; but also because in no way, shape or form could I attempt to do justice to the
   continent in its entirety.


4. After all, a responsible writer has the ability to challenge general misconceptions and make significant
   contributions to the direction of discourse.

Houghton Kinsman is based in Miami and Cape Town and worked as the

assistant to the Curator of Education at MOCA Miami. His works have appeared

in Highsnobiety magazine, Between 10 & 5 and Another Africa.

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