MODIGLIANI AND AFRICAN ART
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“Head”
Amedeo Modigliani
Carved in stone |
“Fang Mask” Made by an
African craftsman from the Gabon area 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 artists? When did the artist
live? When were the pieces made?
Did the artists belong to any group of artists? What can you find out about the
time or the environment in which the artists were living? Modigliani was very
influenced by African art, particularly masks. Can you see the influence in his
work?
PROCESS
What materials have been used and how?
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?
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?
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.