Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populous continent. With 54 countries, 2,000 distinct languages and 3,000 tribes, it is a diverse continent.

How might we show, using the internet, the diversity, creativity and growth of art from a continent that is 3x the size of the United States and has the world’s largest youth population? How might we do so in a way that acknowledges colonial history while recognizing the artists painting its future?

With 99% of its artifacts having unnamed artists, the Open Access Collection of the National Museum of African Art struggles to show the diversity of the continent and its creativity.

By exploring what we might learn about these artists using their nationalities and medium, this project shows the gaps in the collection. It aims to help museums improve how their collection is managed, stored and made available online. It will help them ensure they are truly representative and respectful of the cultures they come from.

Sources: Scientific American, CS Monitor