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Flash of the Spirit: African & Afro-American Art & Philosophy

Robert Farris Thompson’s Flash of the Spirit explores the complex relationship between African art, philosophy, and religious belief systems and their enduring influence on Afro-American art and culture. The work examines how aesthetic principles and symbolic meanings originating in West and Central Africa were transported to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade and subsequently transformed and reinterpreted within new contexts. Thompson details a system of ‘flash’ – a dynamic visual and spiritual energy – that permeates both African and Afro-American artistic expression, connecting seemingly disparate forms and practices.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 1983, Flash of the Spirit emerged during a period of increasing scholarly interest in African diaspora studies and the re-evaluation of African contributions to Western art and culture. It represented a significant departure from earlier approaches that often marginalized or misunderstood African artistic traditions. Thompson’s work was groundbreaking in its meticulous attention to detail, its integration of art historical analysis with ethnographic research, and its emphasis on the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of African art. The book arrived alongside and contributed to the growing movement to reclaim and celebrate African and Afro-American cultural heritage. It builds on the foundational work of scholars like Melville Herskovits and further develops the concept of cultural retention and innovation within diasporic communities.

Who This Book Is For

This book is suited for readers with an interest in art history, African studies, African-American studies, religious studies, and the anthropology of aesthetics. While Thompson’s prose is rich and detailed, it is accessible to informed general readers. The book is frequently used in university courses exploring these topics, providing a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and artistic forms. The depth of research makes it a valuable resource for academic scholars, but the engaging writing style also appeals to those seeking a deeper understanding of the cultural forces shaping Afro-American artistic expression.

Further Reading

• Melville Herskovits, The Myth of the Negro Past (1941)
• Sidney Mintz & Richard Price, The Birth of African American Culture: An Anthropological Perspective (1992)
• Henry Louis Gates Jr., The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism (1988)

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