Primitivism (art)

Primitivism is an artistic movement that looks to early human history and non-Western or children's art for inspiration and makes use of themes or stylistic elements from prehistory and tribal cultures. Paul Gauguin (painting) and early Igor Stravinsky (music) are two of the important representatives of this movement. A prime example of primitivism in music is Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, whose "Dionysian" modernism he abandoned for a more "Apollonian" neo-classicism.

Motifs of primitivism

Primitivism in western art is associated with:

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• Exaggerated features, particularly facial and bodily proportions, especially the eyes or length of the face.
• Animal totems - the combination of human and animal, the use of animals as symbolic for other forces, in a manner different from the naturalistic method of the Egyptians.
• Stark geometric designs, particularly those evoking textile patterns such as diamonds, keys and pictographs and such
• Focus on rhythmic and percussive elements, especially in music.
• Mixing of real and dream or spiritual worlds, but with a barrier between the two. Use of mythological motifs in contrast.
• Overt sexuality, particularly when combined with exaggeration and exposure of the genitals.
• The destructive forces which lurk outside of man's comprehension, particularly madness, spiritual punishment, unrestrained urges to violence or sexuality.