Reflections: African Art Is… raises a number of  questions about the nature of African art ranging from the ways museum presentations change the meaning of art that was made to be seen in a specific cultural context, to questions about what might be considered art in Africa. Reflections looks at how African art is related to the culture and religion of specific African peoples, how it relates to daily life, and how it enhances political and social status.

Reflections includes traditional and contemporary art, religious and secular art, work by named artists, and objects that follow a regional or local style. Viewed together, they present some of the many ways that Africans imbue their lives with art. Through textiles, sculpture, ceramics, masks, and paintings, African artists from many countries and cultures enrich their lives and ours.

Organized in collaboration with the United Federation of Teachers, the exhibition and its related programs guide teachers in the use of African art and museum resources in their classrooms.

Organized by the Museum for African Art and presented August 4-December 12, 2005 at the Museum's temporary Long Island City Gallery, New York.