Yeah and this very fixed integration of the art with a particular culture, down to a tribe within that culture, is what I find very beautiful. Despite having these whole framework of rules, there is endless possibility there for creating new masterpieces. To me it’s kind of a shame that more artists around the world aren’t tied to a cultural identity like that. You’re basically competing against these artists who have thousands of years of refined traditions and forms to draw from!
Discussion
You’re so right. The form has remained the same and yet new pieces seem to carry a renewed significance even though the lines, mediums, and colours haven’t. Have you had the chance to see a coastal war canoe in person?
No not in person
It’s kind of trendy to say that secular art or “culturally agnostic” art is where all the great work is being done today, but I only agree in part: I think music is where that is happening much more, but the visual arts it’s almost like the more culturally attuned it is, the better. But that’s just what I’ve personally found to be true.
I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve always felt that way.
For me, the art that I connect with, is one that provides a window into a culture. That provides me, the outsider/viewer, to step into their world and gain insight into a piece of their history so that I can learn to reflect on my own.
From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, I also find these works to be the most beautiful demonstrations of a particular medium of art or art technique. And I think it’s no wonder, because they are constantly looking back to old masters and working extremely hard to go above and beyond.
There’s that and there is the knowledge that they are the keepers of their stories. The story of the seasons are told through their masks and dances. Their family history through their totems. Without these things their stories would be forgotten. I think the carvers and painters know this and it gets communicated through their art.