THEME 2
THE INFLUENCE OF INDIGENOUS AFRICAN ART ON EUROPEAN ART
1. EUROPEAN INFLUENCES
GAUGUIN
Epitomizes this yearning for an untainted and natural lifestyle – affected by the influence of African Art – his
interested in cultures outside of the dominant Western existence being evident in his portrays of the traditional
religious fervor
He also spent time on the South Sea Islands – inspired by their lifestyle but are idealized and romantic
interpretations – return to the unspoilt natural state that the human race was perceived to have its infancy
FAUVISTS
“wild beasts”- implies a primitive association – were mainly inspired by the decorative qualities of traditional African
and Oceanic art – linked to the need for a new angle on representation which overthrows Western art
Stylized simplification of shapes and disregard for realistic proportions are some aspects that are evident in African
and Oceanic art
The importance of surface design are also important characteristics visible in African and Islamic art – influenced
Matisse
GERMAN EXPRESSIONISTS
To rebel against the stifling middle class values that dominated the industrialized urban society in Germany – African,
Oceanic and Med evil sculptures and masks were seen as genuine and unmediated expressions that contained
power and emotion
Their styles of expression in painting and subject matter manifested itself in the way in which they used woodcut
and sculptures – this expressive style and similar simplification and distortion of forms was evident in the way they
portrayed their subject matter
PICASSO
Experience of African sculptures and masks – displaying the influence of non-western cultures
Blatant references to Iberian sculptures
Jagged simplification of figures relates to the simplification of figures seen in African sculptures
2. INDIGENOUS AFRICAN MASKS
Were collected by European colonists – exhibited as part of Ethnographic museums - The functions, power
and meaning of the objects disappeared when taken out of their original context – became objects with
commercial value that were admired by Westerners
3. SAN ROCK ART
Simplified and elongated silhouetted shapes without unique identities
Subject matter seen taking place in cultural events
4. IsiNdebele MURALS
Original decorations developed from patterns and textures created through finger painting and
the use of natural pigments – done once a year when the young men of Sotho family left for ritual
initiation
THE INFLUENCE OF INDIGENOUS AFRICAN ART ON EUROPEAN ART
1. EUROPEAN INFLUENCES
GAUGUIN
Epitomizes this yearning for an untainted and natural lifestyle – affected by the influence of African Art – his
interested in cultures outside of the dominant Western existence being evident in his portrays of the traditional
religious fervor
He also spent time on the South Sea Islands – inspired by their lifestyle but are idealized and romantic
interpretations – return to the unspoilt natural state that the human race was perceived to have its infancy
FAUVISTS
“wild beasts”- implies a primitive association – were mainly inspired by the decorative qualities of traditional African
and Oceanic art – linked to the need for a new angle on representation which overthrows Western art
Stylized simplification of shapes and disregard for realistic proportions are some aspects that are evident in African
and Oceanic art
The importance of surface design are also important characteristics visible in African and Islamic art – influenced
Matisse
GERMAN EXPRESSIONISTS
To rebel against the stifling middle class values that dominated the industrialized urban society in Germany – African,
Oceanic and Med evil sculptures and masks were seen as genuine and unmediated expressions that contained
power and emotion
Their styles of expression in painting and subject matter manifested itself in the way in which they used woodcut
and sculptures – this expressive style and similar simplification and distortion of forms was evident in the way they
portrayed their subject matter
PICASSO
Experience of African sculptures and masks – displaying the influence of non-western cultures
Blatant references to Iberian sculptures
Jagged simplification of figures relates to the simplification of figures seen in African sculptures
2. INDIGENOUS AFRICAN MASKS
Were collected by European colonists – exhibited as part of Ethnographic museums - The functions, power
and meaning of the objects disappeared when taken out of their original context – became objects with
commercial value that were admired by Westerners
3. SAN ROCK ART
Simplified and elongated silhouetted shapes without unique identities
Subject matter seen taking place in cultural events
4. IsiNdebele MURALS
Original decorations developed from patterns and textures created through finger painting and
the use of natural pigments – done once a year when the young men of Sotho family left for ritual
initiation
