1)Geometric Abstraction
Senmut
Brancusi's The Kiss
In ancient
and modern arts, artist would often portray simple geometric forms such
as Senmut above left. From his neck down, his arms and legs are
in a box position stressing the simple geometric abstraction, however
you can still recognize the figurative qualities. In modern art, artists
again reflect this ideal of simplicity and you can see that in Brancusi's
The Kiss. The block like form of The Kiss, although
a different subject matter, is still quite comparable to Senmet.
The two figures become merged within the block but still posses their
individuality.
2) Reversing Solids and Voids
The Bakota Guardian Figure
Archipenko's-Women Combing Her Hair
In reversing
of solids and voids the art becomes very abstract. The African tribal
art on the left The Bakota Guardian Figure was seen by modern
artists as very expressive enhanced by its geometric abstractions.
Its oval face, geometric headdress, and particularly the triangular body
frames open space in a unique design. If you compare it to a modern work,
Archipenko's Women Combing Her Hair again you can see similarities.
The women's abstract figure, which stands in contrapposto has a void space
in place of her head. In art, voids are not uncommon, often shown
between the arm and the hip like the Greek sculpture Aphrodite
of Knidos. However, it is important to observe that here
the openings become part of the abstract anatomical structure, such as
the torso of the figure, or the head. Many other modern artists
have used this design to emphasize a power of structure.
3) Balance of Opposites
The Pende Mask
Picasso's Girl Before a Mirror
In the balance
of opposites the artist would often show two sides to the face that is
also called Multiple Viewpoint. The many contrasts range from good
and evil, peace and war, and the sun with the moon. Specifically
in the Pende Mask two sides of the face show sickness and
health. The Pende Mask is a healing mask with the
white side showing health and the black side showing sickness as illustrated
by the facial expression. Picasso was extremely influenced by tribal
arts that can be seen in his Girl Before a Mirror.
The image although very geometric itself shows a single figure and her
reflection within the mirror. The divisional aspects of her face,
showing a calm, light profile side of the face (sometimes compared to
the moon) in contrast with the more aggressive, yellow opposite (compared
to the sun), as well as the contrasting colors of her reflection suggest
two or more viewpoints and psychological states of the same individual.
4) X-Ray Vision
The Bambara Antelope Headdress
Picasso's Girl Before a Mirror
Imagery within
modern, tribal, and prehistoric arts often shows the subjects internal
geometric anatomical structure. Exposing it internally is done for
various reasons depending on the value and functions of the art within
the specific society. The Bambara Antelope Headdress, a ceremonial
object, used for agricultural rituals, portrays the geometric composure
of the antelope's skeletal structure. Again in Picasso's Girl Before
a Mirror more tribal influences are found. Similar to the Antelope
Headdress the girl is also shown X-rayed and like the Antelope
her internal self is recognized through geometric forms. Bones,
organs, even a womb are suggested through careful choice of color, line
and shape. These various colorist arrangements suggest a psychological
viewpoint rather than a ceremonial one, and tribal influences are evident.