Assignment 4: Primitivism

Formal characteristics of primitivism art include crude forms, distorted proportions, flattened figures, bright childlike colours and expressive and rushed brush strokes. The subject matter usually features people of a different social class to that of the artist. Primitivism art also features a freudian view towards sexuality. While there are a lot of nudes, they are not objectified in an overtly sexual or erotic way, rather an appearance that the people are comfortable and open about their sexuality





To be called primitive is derogatory. Primitive is an early stage of civilisation and technological development. Primitivism is a sub heading for many other forms of art. It can be described as a naive style of art, although not stylistic. Primitivism artists create works that are simplistic and react against what is currently popular or modern.
image from
cs.nga.gov.au/IMAGES/MED/78288.JPG




Primitivism can manifest through artists wanting to make a statement and create works that are different to things that others have done before. This creates a never ending supply of primitivism that will continue to grow through out history through artists going against conventions and popularity and regularity.





Natalia Goncharova


The girl on the wild beast


1914

I believe this image to be an example of primitivism art because of the uninhibited nudity of the girl and the fact that she is riding a wild beast. The thick, dark, jagged lines and simplistic style of this lithograph also hint towards primitivism.