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Primitivism, naive art paintings

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Primitivism: the search for freedom in art

Primitivism (another name – naive art) – this is a direction of painting that originated in the 19th century. It is distinguished by the desire to use simplified images and means of expression. The creativity of the tribes of Africa and Oceania had a noticeable influence on the formation of primitivism. It was in him that European artists saw an opportunity to realize the desire for freedom.

The philosophy of primitivism

Unlike other areas of painting, primitivism is divided into two major subcurrents, which differ in their stylistic and ideological direction. Representatives of one of them deliberately use simplification techniques, perfectly mastering complex techniques. Art critics sometimes call the work of such artists naive art, rejecting the pejorative term "primitivism".

The desire for simplification in painting arose and, instead, the rejection of modern life with all its benefits. Civilization in this coordinate system is perceived as something far from human nature and contrasted with the carefree way of life of primitive tribes. In the 19th and 20th centuries, such islands of "primordial culture" tribal settlements remained in Africa and Oceania. European artists were fascinated by the ritual masks, dolls and other art created by the hands of the aborigines. The simplicity of the forms was compensated by the authentic expressiveness and originality of the color solutions.

Representatives of another subcurrent, having not received systematic education at the time, work in a spontaneously formed author's style. Their paintings have a certain similarity with children's drawings. But most often the concept of "primitivism" and "naive art" are used as synonyms, therefore there is no strict terminological demarcation of subcurrents.

Artistic features

Lack of linear perspective – this is the first thing the viewer notices when looking at a painting in the style of primitivism. All objects are located in one visual plane. At the same time, both the background and objects in the foreground are processed to the smallest detail.

Primitivism is also characterized by the rejection of the depiction of three-dimensional objects. Artists strive to make all parts of the image equally accessible for inspection. Rejection of perspective also affects the play of light and shadow: primitivists usually do not paint highlights and shadows, but parts of the composition appear before the viewer evenly lit. Rejection of the principle of realism is also characteristic of artists who paint in this style.

The images of people and animals are slightly distorted in order to enhance the expressiveness of the essential, according to the master, characteristics. For example, eyes or other parts of the face are depicted as larger than they actually are. This allows you to express emotions and create a certain mood in the viewer. Refusal to imitate the real world is also observed in the subjects of the paintings. Real animals and fictional creatures from fairy tales are often found on the canvases of primitivists.

Despite the presence of common features of all paintings of this style, an experienced viewer will always be able to distinguish the work of a professional artist from the work of a talented self-taught artist. Real masters use simplification as a stylistic technique. At the same time, the work itself shows the professionalism of the artist by the thoughtfulness of the composition and the elaboration of details. In Ukraine, naïve art has gained particular popularity due to its apolitical nature and openness to authentic folklore subjects.