What is primitive folk art?



Primitive folk art is a loosely defined category of folk art that is closely related to naive art and outsider art. Collections of primitive folk art are often referred to as primitives.

What makes art primitive?

In addition, the term “Primitivism” is also used to describe art created by “primitives” – the name given to certain artists, usually self-taught, whose paintings are usually simplistic in form and colour, and lacking in conventional motifs like chiaroscuro, linear perspective and other types of proportionality.

What are primitive paintings?

A term that has been used to refer to the art of various historical European periods and of non-Western societies. In the mid-19th century, it was primarily applied to 14th and 15th century Italian and Flemish art, which modern artists prized for what they saw as its simplicity, sincerity, and expressive power.

What is the meaning of folk art?





: the traditional decorative or utilitarian art of the people that is often an expression of community life and is distinguished from academic or self-conscious or cosmopolitan expression Along with exhibits showcasing such folk art as quilts, jewelry and toys, visitors learn about the influence of folk art on …

What time period is primitive?

The Prehistoric Period—or when there was human life before records documented human activity—roughly dates from 2.5 million years ago to 1,200 B.C. It is generally categorized in three archaeological periods: the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Why is primitive art important to art history?

Primitive art’s use of simpler shapes and more abstract figures differed significantly from traditional European styles of representation, and modern artists such as Gauguin, Picasso, and Matisse used these forms to revolutionize painting and sculpture.