Tony Rubino, Rubino vintage mask Africa, 2021. Acrylic / Lithograph on canvas, 50.8 x 38.1 cm.
The essentiality of African art
The fact that the most ancient origins of humankind are to be found in Africa is now irrefutable. However, this continent has also been decisive in the development of figurative arts, since African art, whose origins can be traced even before recorded history, has succeeded in shaping the culture of the world with its particular stylistic features. But in what ways were these influences expressed?
Ralitsa Stoitseva, Timelessness, 2018. Acrylic on canvas, 140 x 190 cm.
Sebastien Royez, Bozo rain, 2022. Oil on canvas, 140 x 85 cm.
Brief history of African art
Within the history of African art, the oldest form of creative expression is represented by rock art, i.e. paintings or engravings that, created on rock walls, illustrate, in most cases, stylized hunting scenes. Of this kind, the most ancient, and scientifically dated, examples date back to about 24-27,000 years ago. Regarding sculpture, instead, the most archaic manifestations of this artistic expression are datable around 500 B.C., when, mainly in Nigeria, the first heads in terracotta were realized. Starting from the 9th century A.D., the above mentioned tradition was enriched by the production of more realistic sculptures, made of bronze and brass, depicting, besides heads, also masks and small whole figures. Wooden sculpture, which is still very popular today, originated in the 17th century, a period in which the above-mentioned subjects continued to be produced. Lastly, within this context, it is important to underline how the aforementioned dates may be subject to future modifications, since African art, which is prevalently functional and ritualistic in nature, was not initially recognized as an aesthetic achievement symbol of a community and, consequently, properly investigated, protected and valued.
Sebastien Devore (Art-bracadabrac), Ceremony 3, 2019. Oil on canvas, 70 x 50 cm.
Bonifacio Contreras, Woman with African mask on the side, 2021. Oil on MDF board, 59 x 59 cm.
The impact of African art on the figurative culture of the 20th century
At the beginning of the 20th century, many great masters, such as Derain, Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani were so fascinated by African art that they became regular visitors to the Trocadero museum in Paris in order to study and "absorb" its stylistic elements. This "curiosity" is part of the artistic trend of Primitivism, which aimed to incorporate into Western art primitive creative forms, or rather those produced by countries that, far away and backward, had escaped the prevailing industrialization and urbanization. These cultures offered artists a new visual vocabulary, characterized by simpler forms and more abstract figures, which were also used in order to oppose the stagnation of the European figurative tradition. This intent was well achieved and Primitivism gave birth to works of great innovation, such as Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) by Picasso and the Head of a Woman (1912) by Modigliani.
In what ways does African art influence contemporary artists?
Egidio Gariano, Once upon a time, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 120 cm.
Michael Peddio, First rupestrian, 2019. Oil / paper /sand on canvas, 152 x 102 cm.
Egidio Gariano: Once upon a time
The influence of African art continues in the world of contemporary art, which, now freed from the ideology of Primitivism, pursues the simple aim of wanting to enhance beauty, history and culture, generating artistic experimentation without boundaries. Within this context, the artists of Artmajeur have created works that re-propose the great masterpieces and iconic traditions of Africa, using techniques, points of view and details typical of the contemporary world. An example of this is the painting by Artmajeur artist Egidio Gariano, where the highest tradition of rock art has been enriched by the presence of the most popular logos of the digitized consumer society. Probably, Gariano's intent was to create an ironic food for thought, aimed at highlighting the complexity of the contemporary world in contrast to the "simplicity" and authenticity of that of the past. Finally, we could compare Once upon a time to the painting First rupestrian, by the artist of Artmajeur, Michael Peddio. It is precisely this latter work that appears to be a more faithful reinterpretation of rock art, even if the use of modern colors has definitely influenced the chromatic impact of the painting. After all, the application of oil colors cannot be compared to the ancient mineral powders, which, crushed, were blown on the surface of the rocks through a cane or a hollow bone.
Roberto Canduela: African Head 2, Metal Sculpture, 41 x 25 x 20 cm / 2.00 kg.
Roberto Canduela: African Head 2
The artist of Artmajeur, Roberto Canduela, has reinterpreted, with a contemporary design, tending towards minimalism, a traditional African mask, simplifying and softening its typical deformed and elongated somatic features. What has been said does not represent only a stylistic choice, but a warning derived from a change in the intended use of the object. In fact, what are now considered merely decorative furnishings were, for traditional African culture, elements belonging to the sphere of ritual. In most African cultures, the person who wore a mask abandoned his or her own identity to become a sort of medium that allowed the village to dialogue with its divinities, ancestors, deceased, animals or other spirits of nature. Given such spiritual significance of the masks, not all members of society were allowed to wear them, so that often this honor was reserved for men, elders and people of high rank. Masks often joined the dances, performing a propitiatory function in ceremonies and celebrations.
František Florian: Canvas, 2021. Oli on canvas, 109 x 128 cm.
František Florian: Canvas
The aforementioned atmosphere of African rituals is well rendered by the painting of Artmajeur artist František Florian, who captures, through the use of bright acrylic colors, the dance of some masked characters. The location in which the action takes place is a chaotic tropical landscape, which, as stated by Florian himself, has some details derived from the work of Japanese artist Kasuma. Moreover, Canvas strongly recalls the atmosphere of Egun mask ceremony, which, to this day, takes place in Benin (Africa). During this event, dedicated to the ancestors who return to earth offering blessings, the masks can only be worn by initiates. It should be noted that this ceremony, despite representing a tribute to the spirits of the dead, is marked by wild dances and very colorful clothes. In reality, however, it is precisely in this way that the ancestors continue to communicate with the people of the village, maintaining that bridge between the living and the dead that characterizes this animist practice.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
