Decoloniality: Challenges of Postcolonial Aesthetics

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This research project focuses on the actualization of aesthetics through postcolonial reasoning and contemporary discussions that feature cultural diversity, recognizing that otherness is represented in various artistic forms. Numerous visual manifestations, such as media, cinematography, art exhibitions, and visual and material culture, aim to discuss cultural diversity. The goal is to analyze postcolonial aesthetics and global media images. By utilizing modern and contemporary artworks, these themes can shed light on important sociopolitical and postcolonial issues. However, it is not necessarily the case that the sociopolitical meanings of images are politically exercised within this context. Instead, these meanings are contained in the politics themselves. Some artworks and themes allude to the freedom of expression, ethics, and democracy and, in doing so, question fundamental human values in modern and contemporary art. In this sense, this research project concentrates on the importance of human existence in global visual media concerning their impact on international politics. In this approach, an investigation of non-Western nations that seek a break with hegemonic Western forms of globalization involving aesthetics and politics is conducted. For this, a literature review of postcolonial theories provides a framework for understanding how knowledge about non-European societies is created, interpreted, and evaluated. These theories explore concepts, assumptions, and discursive practices that shape our understanding of African culture and art, focusing on decolonizing Africa. Similarly, theories on Latin American culture highlight the importance of decoloniality, including decolonial aesthetics. After conducting a comprehensive review of available literature, it is expected that including the perspectives and experiences of indigenous, tribal individuals and the Afro-diasporic community is essential for enhancing knowledge assessment. Hence, through these two forms of worldviews, a historical overview of Latin America and another of Africa meeting decoloniality and decolonization can be the basis for the meaning of postcolonial aesthetics and new art history from the Global South.