Digital Primitivism
By Burton Gray
Homage to the primitive mask, carved by the Fang tribe of Gabon, that influenced modern artists such as Matisse, Modigliani and Picasso.
The beauty of the proportions, purity of black and white coloring, and provocative expression make the original work a timeless masterpiece. This work should be viewed as a realization of the original artist’s composition.
FANG MASK
TOP
Jeanne Hebuterne 1917, Modigliani.
MIDDLE
Pablo Picasso: Nude (Half-Length). (1907, oil on canvas, The Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia).
BOTTOM
Detail view of work by Matisse.
The original wood mask carved and painted by the Fang tribe of Gabon. Brought to Paris in early 1900s with numerous other “primitive” artifacts that inspired modern artists’ compositional styles. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm) high. Musee National d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris
