MTROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (BP #4)

AMNH

Acording to the AMNH Africa covers nearly twelve million square miles. More than 686 million people live in Africa in many different nations, societies and cultures. Africa is the cradle of humanity; our species' earliest remains have been found in this continent. The hall reflects Africa's diversity of geographical areas: grasslands, deserts, woodlands, tropical rain forests; of peoples; and of cultural features. The Marikoto's costume, used in Yoruba's ceremonies, is made of red snail shells. This fantastic costume plays a significant role in the life of the culture in which it was produced.

 Is very interesting  to explore the great diversity of  traditional life styles in tha african culture. Afriaca Ceremonial sculpture, masks, and crafts produced by African tribal cultures, as well as by the African cultures of colonial and post-colonial periods. African art, the continent is full of people, societies, and civilizations, each with a unique visual special culture.Emphasis on sculpture: sculpture of Africa, distorting human features and limbs in a dramatically expressive manner. A figure may represent an ancestor, destined to stand in a shrine.

African masks should be seen as part of a ceremonial costume. They are used in religious and social events to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the good and evil forces in the community. They come to life, possessed by their spirit. During the mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and during this state of mind he  "communicate" with his ancestors African masks are made from different materials: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, terra cotta and glazed pottery, raffia and textiles. They are often decorated with cowrie shells, colored beads, bone, animal skins and vegetable fibre.However, the majority of masks and sculptures are made of wood

 A mask may be intended for use by a shaman just once a year in a special dance. A post may be designed to prop up a chief's verandah or to form part of a palisade round his house. An elaborate chair is likely to be for the chief himself to sit on. All of them will be better if carved in a dramatic or propitious way.

Form in  african art works:

African artists tend to favor three-dimensional artworks over two-dimensional works. Even many African paintings or cloth works were meant to be experienced three-dimensionally 

blog# 3

Elisabeth louise vigiee lebrun

self portrait with daughter julie

Formal theories :the painting is in oil canvas, The painting method is in brushwork. The work use an innovative  composition, the fond in the painting is in black color making a contrast with the girl's dress.  the figuer of the women with the girl in her lap make emphasis to our attention. The women's eye make a directional force making the impression that are looking us.  Contextual theories:  The painting  reflect a traditional way to dress in the old days. the image of the lady with the girls show us a fraternal feeling of love. Expressive theories:the expression is involved to the connection of love between mother and daughter.