There is a fine line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation — so fine that it is often blurred, leaving well-meaning individuals unsure of how to honor a culture without overstepping.
They often adapt to cultural stereotypes thinking it is a respectful gesture, and end up hurting the sentiments of the community and culture they are appropriating.
Ethan, a 50-year-old history professor and department chair at a reputed university, noticed that his department members made the same mistake in honoring a fellow colleague, a woman of color.
Explore how Ethan beautifully showcased the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation by using art instead of words.
The Difference Between Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation
Mia, an African American woman in her 30s, recently joined Ethan’s department. One of the other professors in the department thought it would be a good idea to show up in dreadlocks to make Mia feel included and welcomed.
However, it only made things worse. Mia reached out to Ethan and told him how upsetting it was to her — instead of feeling welcomed, she felt mocked and appropriated.
As the department chair, Ethan had to make a statement that would help Mia overcome this experience and showcase to the rest of the department what cultural appreciation was compared to appropriation.
A Search for Authenticity: A Lesson in True Cultural Appreciation
Ethan started searching for ways to turn things around for Mia and the rest of the department. After much deliberation, he finally had an idea!
In honor of black history month, he decided to get authentic African art for their faculty office to represent and acknowledge Africa’s rich history and cultural heritage.
However, the plan was not as easy to execute as Ethan had hoped. When he started his quest for authentic African artworks, he realized how rare they were.
Initially, Ethan searched for digital galleries and stores, and what he found was nothing more than factory-made, mass-produced works of unknown artists that were most likely counterfeits. So, he shifted to physical galleries.
He wandered across the city in search of a suitable painting but whatever he came across was unremarkable at best. The artworks, while vivid and colorful, lacked the central message that Ethan was looking for.
Discovering Art That Honors, Not Imitates
After days of searching, Ethan came across Ovico Gallery, an art space known for its exclusive collection of authentic African paintings.
Unlike the other places he had explored, Ovico Gallery featured works from renowned Nigerian artist Chike Onourah, whose paintings were deeply rooted in African heritage, culture, and storytelling.
As Ethan browsed through the collection, he immediately noticed the difference. These weren’t generic imitations—each painting carried a unique narrative, reflecting real African experiences and traditions.
The gallery’s commitment to authenticity was evident not just in the art itself but also in the way each piece was presented. Every painting was accompanied by a poem, adding depth to the visual storytelling.
One particular artwork, Little Princess, caught his attention. The painting depicted a mother carefully braiding her daughter’s hair—a moment of tenderness, tradition, and cultural pride.
Ethan stared at the painting that showcased the deep-rooted significance of this ritual—the patience, the love, and the unspoken bond between mother and child. It wasn’t just about hair; it was about identity, history, and belonging.
He knew instantly that this was the right piece for the faculty office. It didn’t just celebrate African culture—it honored it.
When the faculty members entered the office the next day, they were awestruck by the dynamic and powerful piece.
More importantly, Mia finally felt like she and her community were represented with respect. Her pride in her culture reflected in the twinkle of her eyes.
Ovico Gallery: Celebrating Black History Month with Meaningful Art
Ethan’s decision to honor Black History Month with authentic African art transformed a misguided attempt at inclusivity into a meaningful gesture of appreciation toward Mia.
Through Ovico Gallery, he found more than just a painting—he found a way to represent African heritage with authenticity, exclusivity, and cultural depth.
Unlike mass-produced artworks, Ovico Gallery features limited edition pieces that represent the legacy and heritage of African art.
By displaying Little Princess in the faculty office, Ethan ensured that Mia—and the department—could see African culture reflected with respect, depth, and authenticity.
Through Ovico Gallery, he demonstrated that true appreciation isn’t about imitation but about recognizing and uplifting the voices that define a culture.
Bring home, a true testament to African legacy.
Powered by MarketEngine from StartupWind
