Like many ordinary people I find myself baffled by some so called artistic images; usually left confused and unable to interpret what I'm confronted with. Often left with the question what does it all mean? I have heard many times that when presented with a piece of art whether it be a song, a picture or a drawing; you should be able to see a narrative or a story. The story you see need not be that intended by the artist, this story is your own interpretation of the art piece. One can be brought to tears by a Spanish performance of a ballet musical; not knowing what the words mean yet still moved by ones interpretation of the movements and the expressions of the artists. The connection with an art piece is similar to that of the Spanish musical, it is inexplicable and at times difficult to understand.
Fine art encompass all art forms developed primarily for aesthetics rather than practical application. All visual and performing art is fine art.
African art leaves me a little less confused than art from any where else in the world. There is nothing blend or boring about African art; the colours are bold, the images daring and moving. The images of dark skinned women with full bosoms and haunting eyes send chills down my spine. The colourful people on the canvas, the vast landscapes and stacked tin roofs feel like déjà vu.The depictions feel as though they are of me; the narrative is familiar as if I have lived it...there is an easy connection.
Comic art is one of the more popular forms of art especially amongst the youth. Established as early as the 19th century, this art form wasn't born yesterday. More than any other, comic art's purpose is to tell a story. It is one of the most bankable art forms with the ability to move swiftly from paper to screen. The art work below is by a young passionate artist Mvelo Makongolo working under Mvelo Comics; his work is evident of his attention to detail and the crazy streak I think every comic artist should possess. Any artist with the ability to make pencil on paper this evocative is talented beyond words.
Abstract art is a visual form of fine art that does not use any real properties of the world; but rather uses colour and lines to create a picture. Below are are great examples of this form of art by Portia Ntuli. Like most great artists Portia does not premeditate her paintings; this was a spontaneous paint meets canvas incident with fabulous results. Her use of colour is bold and the moving feet leave you with a sense of wonder.
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| Moving Feet by Portia Ntuli http://www.picturesplendor.blogspot.com |
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| Moving Feet by Portia Ntuli http://www.picturesplendor.blogspot.com |
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| Moving Feet by Portia Ntuli http://www.picturesplendor.blogspot.com |
Contemporary art is perhaps the art form that confused me the most and yet equally intrigued me. This is the art that has been and continues to be created during our lifetime. I battled to understand the depictions of contemporary art or what message the artists intended; until I was captured by this haunting sculpture of a little boy gazing with much intent at the sky. I realised that I need not understand all contemporary art I need only connect with individual pieces.
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| LeBelle by Kevin Brand Spier Contemporary 2007 book |
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| LeBelle by Kevin Brand Spier Contemporary 2007 book |
Whatever your preference, Africa has it. This may just be the year to start a respectable art collection.
Hi Sillygirl,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about my work of art (Xhosa Lady)!
Keep well.
Percy Pilane Himself
http://www.redbubble.com/people/pilanehimself
Hi Percy. Thanks for the visit. I am a fan.
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