Theme Research: Primitivism

In order to present an original and natural form of African art, I will develop more deeply into primitivism, including the definition and how does it relate to a little historical context of African culture.

What is Primitivism?
Primitivism is a theological theory that believes "primitive" cultures is more virtuous than "civilised" peoples, it represents a term that yearns for the world of utopian, a state that continues from the forgotten Eden or Golden Age.
In addition, this word always related to art which can be defined as the oldest and original form of artwork known to man, also the art of individuals who are thought to be outside the realms of other dominant cultural classes. Primitive art refers to the works produced in tribal societies, for instance, the Pacific Islands, communities in sub-Saharan Africa and also the native tribal groups throughout the Americas. Most of these artworks were found as cave paintings from the Stone Age, wooden sculptures from Native-American Indians, Aboriginal engravings, and African tribal art.

Generally, primitive art has been classified into three types:

1. Naturalistic: the theme of the picture is about real things like human and animals, they are mostly close to reality.

2.Stylized: the theme of this art form is not real and full of imaginary, mythical creatures

3.Abstract: this art form represents no grounding in reality, mostly use shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to present their effects.

At the end of the nineteenth century, lots of tribal arts of Africa, Oceania, and Native Americans had been an influx into Europe, inspired many of the early-20th century’s key artists and movements. There were lots of artists such as Gauguin, Picasso and Matisse had used this art form to revolutionize painting and sculpture. I will be focus researching the artwork in the following blog post because their use of simpler shapes and abstract painting are quite in contrast from traditional European styles of representation, so it will be beneficial to see if there are any inspiration and analyze the characteristic of primitivism arts.

Reference: 

Primitive Art | Expressions of Time: New York City Arts. Available from : https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/weinroth10/2010/11/01/primitive-art/ [Accessed 23/04/21].
Primitivism. Available from : https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/glossary-terms/primitivism [Accessed 23/04/21].
Primitivism, Fashion Models, Top Fashion Designers, Rate Fashion Models, Rate Fashion Jewellery. Available from : http://www.reviewfashion.com/Primitivism.htm [Accessed 23/04/21].
Esaak, S. What Art Was Like During the Paleolithic Age. [Online] ThoughtCo. Available from : https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-paleolithic-art-182389 [Accessed 23/04/21].
Famous prehistoric rock paintings of Thailand. [Online] 123RF. Available from : https://www.123rf.com/photo_18836857_famous-prehistoric-rock-paintings-of-thailand.html [Accessed 23/04/21].
Cultural Appropriation – The Roaring 20s and Swinging 60s. Available from : https://exhibitions.fitnyc.edu/roaring-20s-and-swinging-60s/cultural-appropriation/ [Accessed 23/04/21].
Primitivism Movement Overview. [Online] The Art Story. Available from : https://www.theartstory.org/movement/primitivism/ [Accessed 24/04/21].
Primitivism and Modern Art (article). [Online] Khan Academy. Available from : https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-1010/beginners-guide-20th-c-art/xdc974a79:key-concepts/a/primitivism-and-modern-art [Accessed 24/04/21].

Alexandra Kiely (2020) Everything You Need to Know About Primitivism - DailyArt Magazine. [Online] DailyArtMagazine.com - Art History Stories. Available from : https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/primitivism/ [Accessed 24/04/21].