In contrast to classical African art exhibitions, Africa.Dot.Com: Drums to Digital focuses on representing Africa as part of the modern world, with cultures that have navigated into new media alongside the global community. As major characteristics of the information age, technology and new media are the dominant global institutions of communication at present and carry with them immense power. Access to computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, web cams, and other electronic tools has been increasing at a rapid rate.

The art of Africa has traditionally been studied and understood through the various symbolic and coded messages its carved wood figures and masks visually carried when religion was the most important and significant institution of communication. Africa.Dot.Com: Drums to Digital explores the changing landscape of communication and connectivity in Africa today.

It begins with drums and other varied instruments and masked performances that African cultures have utilized for centuries in dynamic, multisensory forms of coded communication executed to transmit sonant salutations, local history, beliefs and social values. Today, mobile phones, computers, and information and communication technologies (ICTS) provide increasingly enhanced and altered networks and connections in African villages and cities. As with drumming, coded signals are used in cell phone text messages and computer instant messaging. Themes of technology appear on fabrics used for clothing. E-mail marketing and cyber cafes are becoming a part of everyday life in urban areas. Artists are sharing ideas across cultural borders, developing creative partnerships, and reaching audiences thousands of miles away. Indeed, search engines, computerized list-serves, websites, and online forums allowed this exhibition to be effectively organized with African counterparts and others through these rapid communication systems. Africa.Dot.Com searches out these uses of technology in the art and social life of the first digital generation in Africa.