MODIGLIANI AND AFRICAN ART

“Head” made in 1912 Amedeo Modigliani Carved in stone Transferred from the Victoria & Albert Museum 1983 now in the TATE MODERN, LONDON	Made by an African craftsman from the Gabon area “Fang Mask” Painted wood 18 7/8 in. (48 cm) high Musee National d’Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris

Modigliani ( a 20th century artist remember!) was very influenced by African art, particularly masks.
He mostly painted but he produced distinctive sculptures. Only about 25 have survived. Modigliani was encouraged to sculpt by Brancusi. He made about thirty stone carvings before poverty and ill-health forced him to stop. These were mostly heads, of which this is one of the largest. Seven were shown as a ‘decorative ensemble’ in 1912, and Epstein later recalled that Modigliani would place candles on them, achieving the effect of ‘a primitive temple’. Modigliani eclectically borrowed from African masks, medieval carving and Khmer sculptures. These sources seem to have represented the spiritual expression that he sought to achieve.

FACTS
What are the titles of these works? Who were the two artists? What materials have been used and how?
 Modigliani was very influenced by African art, particularly masks. Describe the influence of African art that you can see in his work?

CONTENT AND FORM

What are the sculptures of? What types of shape has the artist used? Are there smooth areas or rough textures? Are there repeated forms or shapes?

MOOD

What is the mood of the sculptures? What feelings and emotions are suggested in the pieces? How has the artist tried to show these feelings or emotions?

YOUR RESPONSE

Do you like these sculptures? Design a head based on your own drawing from an African artefact and your studies from the human head. Make some small sketches showing different views.