As mentioned in previous posts, the competition has a prescribed theme: take one of the paintings of the old masters and interpret it with an African theme.
I thought, hey, this is easy right? And was I in for a surprise. Unlike the Baroque or Renaissance era, or the Impressionism and Surrealism styles, there is no such thing as African themed art. Historical African art was created for practical applications, e.g. decorating a home, or for religious/spiritual items, e.g. masks. Art was not created for the sake of art. More modern art created by African artists is either considered social, or socio-political commentary. Or is just considered modern or Western art [1,2].
So how will it be possible to interpret a piece from an old master, in a theme that does not have a definition? Well, I would say you make your own definition. At least that is how I plan to do it. Will it work? I have no idea, but one thing I do know: it is going to be fun trying!
Until tomorrow!
🇿🇦💜Linzé
References:
1. The Art of Africa, Christa Clarke, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2006
2. https://www.britannica.com/art/African-art/Nigeria
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