Collage of Congo

Images found by Selah, edited by Helena

Political Aspects

Why do we see difficulties/limits in the development of African nationalism?

Most of the current political boundaries in Africa are a result of Colonialism. Therefore, many nations are composed of different tribal and ethnic groups. These groups often express more loyalty towards their tribal or ethnic group than they do to their home nation. Furthermore, the Europeans imposed political boundaries that had little relationship to African tribal boundaries, creating a lack of organization and understanding.

Africa after WW2

Increased nationalism led to independence for many African nations. Africans returning from the war resented being treated as "seemed" clan citizens in their own nations. Nationalism developed and independence movements gained strength as many European countries were unable or unwilling to fight to maintain their colonies.

1956

Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez canal, which effectively took control away from the British.

However, the stability of many African nations continues to be threatened by the ethnic tribal loyalties of the people. These loyalties have been the cause of political instability and violence in many African nations since independence.Thus, there have been several consequences such as the Rebellion in Congo during the 1960's and the civil war in Nigeria (1967-1970).

Shortly after the end of WWII, most European nations were in the process of ending Imperialism central of Africa. Pan-Africanism (a nationalistic movement that calls for the unity of all African nations) was becoming prevalent on the continent of Africa. While it does have tremendous influence, such as the ANC (African National Council), it never succeeded in uniting all of Africa. Disunity and many of the problems facing Africa since the end of WW2 until present day can be blamed on European Imperialism. Political corruption is rampant because European imperialists left without establishing stable governments.

Ethnic tension exists because European borders were made without any thoughts given to the tribal system. One example of ethnic tension is the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, resulting from the tribal conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis, and many fled to Zaire to seek refuge. Despite the overwhelming problems, there have been some major accomplishments where nationalism has resulted in positive change.

Today
As Africa modernizes, clashes occur between traditional tribal practices and more modern attitudes and values. Africa has vast national resources, but little industry. Capital investment is needed to modernize and industrialize many African nations.

Since the collapse of Communism in the Soviet Union, and subsequent withdrawal of support, many African nations have turned toward capitalism to modernize and industrialize.

Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, its government has frequently shifted between democracy and military dictatorship; this suggests that democracy is often difficult to establish in nations where little democratic tradition exists.

After independence, many African nations were renamed in an effort to break with European colonialism and reflect African heritage and tradition. (i.e. Rhodesia to Zimbabwe, Gold Coast to Ghana).
Also in Congo, May 1960, the MNC party (Movement National Conolais) led by Patrice Lumumba, won the parliamentary election and Lumumba was appointed Prime Minister. Joseph Kasavubu, of the ABAKO party, was elected president by the parliament. The Belgian Congo achieved independence on June 30, 1960, under the name of Republic of Congo.


Edited by Helena Dini Dec 11 8:00 PM

Principles of Successive Assembly

A) Elements no more then four meters in length corresponding to the max capacities of press breaks.

B) No more then 100 kilograms in weight

C) Load heavy system, envelope and integral partitioning was based on a one meter grid.

The Poetics of the Technical Object p 208

STUDAL & AF

Ateliers Jean Prouve (AJP) was Prouve’s factory which he slowly built up over time using long term profit rather than short term profit. In order to produce Les Maisons Tropicales as colonial homes, Prouve needed support from the French government, who governed the colonies. The French government showed little support for Prouve’s industrial design for Les Maisons Tropicales. In order to gain government support AJP joined L’Aluminum Francais (AF), whilst signing an exclusive sales contract with Societe Technique d’Utilisation d’Alliages Legers (STUDAL). AF’s aluminum usage requirements within its company required Prouve to manufacture Les Maisons Tropicales out of aluminum which made them very expensive, at the same time Prouve could only sell to STUDAL. To reduce the cost for short term profit, AF made alterations to Les Maisons Tropicales resulting in Prouve leaving his factory.

Jean Prouvé: Early Influences

Early Vocabulary Based on art Nouveau

Born 1901

Victor Prouve: father, painter, sculptor.

Ecole de Nancy: Art Nouveau school that father founded.

Fundamental Ideal of Ecole de Nancy: Aim to unite art and industry, and to merge creativity with social consciousness. (Hence, related to the Maison Tropical in that it meets the requirements of the Ecole de Nancy).

The Evolution of Staying Contemporary

1916-1921

Apprentice Craftsman: learned metalworking trade in Paris -> Art Nouveau

Aim to unite art and industry, and to merge creativity with social consciousness.

 

1924

Craftsman: opened traditional metalcraft business -> Art Deco

streamlined, aerodynamic, industrial

 

1930's

Founded the Union des Artistes Modernes (UAM): Hanging out with Architects & Designers such as Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Robert Mallet- Stevens -> Avant-garde Modern

Work Cited

Remmele, Mathias. Jean Prouvé: objects and furniture design. Barcelona: Polígrafa, 2007.

Edited by Helena Dini Dec 11 5:53 PM
Edited by Jennifer Lim Dec 11 6:33 PM

Primary Aim

Remmele, Mathias. Jean Prouvé: objects and furniture design. Barcelona: Polígrafa, 2007.
Edited by Helena Dini Dec 11 5:42 PM
Edited by Jennifer Lim Dec 11 6:22 PM

The Success & Failures of a Modern Masterpiece

Work Cited

Rose, Steve. "The Guardian." La Maison Tropicale is one hot house. http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/artblog/2008/feb/07/lamaisontropicaleisonehot (accessed December 8, 2011).

Tate Modern. "Tate Modern." Maison Tropicale for Design Museum at Tate Modern. http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/maisontropicale/default.shtm:// (accessed December 8, 2011).


Edit by Jennifer Lim 2011-12-10 8:32P.M

Reconstruction of La Maison Tropicale at Tate Modern

Unique Expression of Radical Architectural Vision

"Some people like to look at art, others like to sit on it" - Alex Cole

Just over ten years ago, in the Republic of Congo, a forgotten building was found. It was a prototype of Jean Prouve's prefab homes to be built for the French Colonies. It was in a sorry state of dilapiation. The house was dismantled and sent back to France. Bullet holes from numerous conflicts were repaired during its restoration to Prouve’s original 1951's vision. Jean Prouve is now championed as a genius because of the enormous influence his elegant economy of design had on the twentieth century. Recently, Andre Balazs a patron of the arts, purchased the structure. In a partnership between Balazs, the Design Museum and Tate Museum the building was reconstructed on the grounds of the Tate Contemporary Art Gallery. It was part of a comprehensive overview of Jean Prouve's work in the United Kingdom during his time with the Design Museum. The exhibit introduced the British public to Prouve's unique furniture, architecture, photos, films and drawings. Visitors could experience first hand Prouve's radical vision of functionalism. The Tate Museum viewed his design as both conceptual art and historical artifact. It was seen as a manifestation of the visionary thinking that shaped our contemporary aesthetics and design values.

THE TIME-LAPSE FILM OF LA MAISON TROPICALE BEING BUILT AT TATE MODERN

Design Museum. "Design Museum ." Time-lapse film of La Maison Tropicale being built at Tate Modern. http://designmuseum.org/media/item/72725/1045/TIMELAPSE-ANGLE-1-medium-res.mp4 (accessed December 8, 2011).

Design Museum. "Design Museum." The Poetics of the Technical Object. http:/http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdesignmuseum.org%2Fexhibitions%2F2008%2Fprouvehouse&h=uAQH_QWyF (accessed December 8, 2011).

Tate Modern. "Tate Modern." Maison Tropicale for Design Museum at Tate Modern. http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/maisontropicale/default.shtm:// (accessed December 8, 2011).