Stand Out
I find so much to believe in in this painting and also find it a little but closer to my current state. I chose this painting due to the subject matter within it. The chaos going around the couple is in such a different world compared to what they face ahead. The outstanding light behind them almost showcases their journey together, but the chaos around them is what guides their path. All of the natural lights and darks are used very wisely especially since they portray not only the subject matter of the painting, but also the technique used to create it.
This piece is by an African painter named Hama Goro, who uses a style of painting called the Bogolian technique, which uses natural products such as clay and leaves. This technique creates such a crave-like drawing scene when viewing the painting. All of the natural colors and shapes tend to pop more.
What we do now?
What we do now ? – acrylic on textile, 1995
Source:
http://www.africaserver.nl/virtual/exhibitions/hama/
I like that you chose this painting because you feel like you can identify with the theme. I agree that it almost appears like a cave drawing and I like the contrast between light and dark, although I am not a huge fan of this particular piece. I was not familiar with the Bagolian technique until I read your blog, but it looks cool.
The world seems to be closing in on the two figures, a we united against the world situation. I am a big fan of last stands, blazes of glory, and gallows humor – all things I see here. I would have liked some more information on the painting itself, but I really liked your reflections on it. Does this technique use organic matter like a stencil or a shaped sponge? What exactly is the subject matter of this painting? I can’t quite tell if its a couple surrounded by piles of refuse, or in the dark wilderness, or surrounded by a marauding crowd with pitchforks and dark capes. Great work, I really like the work.
Your first couple sentences were a bit confusing. IT would have been nice if you stated who the artist was right away and what his/her background. Giving this kind of information would have helped me understand what this painting actually means. Who is this couple, why are they surrounded by such chaos?? Those are questions that a little bit more information about the artist would have provided.
You did a good job of analyzing the style and color used in this painting.
This is a very interesting painting, and I think it is neat that you chose this artist. I do have to agree with Billy up there, in that the first couple of sentences were a bit confusing. Other than that I find your blog interesting, I like that you related the painting to how you are feeling. I hope that you find a calm/centered path to go on instead of this “Chaos” one.
This painting does stand out. I wish that I could view this painting in person to get the full concept of the use of clay and leaves. I would like to know more about the artist. Your blog gave enough information to make me wanna find other pieces of art he’s created.
I do love Goro’s natural technique and the cave drawing comparison is a perceptive I didn’t really like about when I critiqued Goro in my own blog. The painting seems so simple yet so complex. The bright color in the middle of the path seems to say despite the surrounding darkness there is still a way to live. The Darkness around them is rough and dangerous and still they trek on. It captures the spirit of Africans in a whole so me. Your analysis does this painting justice and is an example of what life in Africa is like now with global pressure on Africa to extract it’s wealth. It is very important that we as western citizens appreciate cultures and works that our not like our own.