The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope, Henri Rousseau 1905
(Note the strong use of pattern and lack of relative perspective)
Primitivism was an art movement occurring during the early 20th century. Primitive art is also known as naïve art; most artists of this age, however, find these terms offensive and suggest a lack of skill1. Because of this, primitive/naïve art is also referred to as “vernacular art.” 2 This art form is most often associated with painting and is characterized by its strong simplicity towards the representation of its subject matter 2. Vernacular art employs bold, saturated colors as opposed to subtle tones and mixtures2. It is also characteristic of a lack of perspective, with several figures and objects seeming to “float” above the ground; this is often why vernacular art is described as “childlike.” This art form also has a strong reliance on pattern and repetition, favoring simplistic representations as opposed to complexity in design 1. Vernacular art established itself as an art form that could be enjoyed by anyone (which is where the name originates) 2. Because of this, some vernacular artists concerned themselves solely with universal symbols, as opposed to those specific to his/her culture 1.
As stated before, the vernacular art movement occurred during the early 20th century. During the 19th century, the visual arts were extremely structured2. Most artists at the time went to academies and universities such as the Beaux Arts School of Academic Painting in order to learn how to create art 1. These schools instructed artists on how to copy the idealized classical forms of the Greeks and Romans, along with techniques of Renaissance artists2. Several artists, however, began to revolt against this dogmatic approach, feeling as though art had begun to lose its self-expression. The vernacular art movement was thus initiated by those who had no formal art education2. It is important to note that these artists were not simply those who painted during their spare time; they were actual artists who devoted themselves to their craft, but had revolted against the formal education aspect of art2. These artists tried to depict the world in different ways which would not normally be seen by people 1. This is why many vernacular artists chose not to incorporate perspective into their work. The prototype artist of this movement would be Henri Rousseau3. He was a Frenchman who incorporated all of the main aspects of vernacular art mentioned above. He is also regarded as one of the main founders of this art form3. It should be noted, however, that a small selection of artists in the 19th century are also considered vernacular artists, including Edward Hicks and Justus Darlee 1. Other famous artists from this movement include Camille Bambois and Anna “Grandma Moses” Robertson3. Although this movement generally began in Europe, it had spread to America soon after. Grandma Moses was of particular importance for helping carry the movement to New York and the western world 3.
1. Brodskaia, Natalia (2008), Art of the Century: Arte Naïve. Advanced Marketing
2. Brodskaia, N.V. & Brodskaia, Natalia (1999), Naïve Art. Parkstone International, Sirrocco
3. Stabenow, Cornelia (2001), Henri Rousseau, 1844-1910. Taschen America, LLC
