Historical and Geographical Perspectives 3 Separate artistic eras Primitive/pre European influence Colonial era Apartheid era Primitive/Pre-European Consisted of Decorative pots, cave paintings, and other practical tools. Uses mostly 2 dimensional form and relies heavily on lines. Uses hues from a similar gradient and color palette. Colonial Era Art used as a reporting to people who cannot read. Availability of brushes and art supplies were introduced to the African culture. New forms and styles begin to emerge, but bright colors still remain integral. Apartheid Era Heavy experimentation and many diverse forms emerged. Influences from earlier periods are still very prevalent (bright colors, abstract forms). Racial tension is a common theme in many pieces. South African Design Elements Common themes Straight, strong lines. Vibrant colors. Usually 2 dimension forms. Not a lot of depth in the background of the pieces. Depiction of nature in high regard. Art had something called a midpoint mimesis. This meant a piece should be identifiable as a man, but as a specific man. Interrelatedness of forms gives the artwork multiple meanings. Pieces that show the everyday life and happenings of tribe life. Social Aspects More conventional uses for their art such as clothing, pottery, weapons, other things can be useful and beneficial to their lives. Objects may confer status or serve a religious or ceremonial function. After colonial period a lot of art focused on the European colonization. Modern Day Elements Use of colors is still consistent with older, but a more abstract shape is present. Rugby jersey keeps some of the elements of the old design but fuses with the new. Still hold animal and nature in high regard However, it is on a rugby jersey which shows the fusion of modern European aspects and South African.