Jaimee Stevenson
Professor Bomboy
Humanities 101
Non-Western Art
Critique
Beads have been used in Africa to create artwork for
centuries, but in the past two decades a new form of art using beads has
emerged in South Africa. A community of women founded in 1999 called Ubuhle developed a new take on a traditional
South African art form (Smithsonian, web). The traditional beadwork was
referred to as ndwango and consisted
of a fabric panel coated in colored glass beads that was to be worn on the body.
What the Ubuhle women have developed
is a textile of colorful beads that are tediously crafted to portray scenery or
scenarios and are hung on the wall like a painting. The authenticity of the
artworks are portrayed in the scenes that can be viewed on the textiles. The Ubuhle women came together during a time
of poverty in South Africa in search for financial independence for them and
their children. Beading has become a symbol of hope for these women. It can
take up to ten months to complete one canvas, representing the struggles of
their everyday lives (Smithsonian, web).
The piece of art titled, “Cherry Tree” by Zandile Ntobela
represents hope and new beginnings. The elements of color and texture are the
most alluring elements and perhaps the most noticeable to viewers of this piece.
The coloring in this artwork accentuates the cherries on the trees, seeing as
they are the only features that are outlined in white. They are more noticeable
than features that are outlined in darker shades. The use of blues and greens
in the piece are striking and blend together while still maintaining contrast
to the pink and purple hues. While the texture is apparent because of the use
of beads, it is seen that materials other than paint were used in the making of
it. The black lines that create the trunks of the trees stand out more than the
colored lines around the shrubbery. Because most of the lines in this piece are
rounded, the straight lines tend to catch the viewer’s eye since they are
divergent in color and shape. The black lines of the trunks also tie into the
value of the piece. Seeing as they are the darkest shade in the piece, they
bring out the vibrant colors and, most noticeably, the white around the
cherries. The form of this work of art is noticed in the curved shapes of the
textured surface being used to tie the colors together. There is no shading
being utilized, giving the piece a very two-dimensional look (arthistory, web).
Contrast is a large component in this creation when
considering the principles of design. Without the contrasting colors, shapes,
and textures, this piece would be lifeless. The contrast in colors is
illustrated throughout the entire artwork and depicts the struggle for new
beginnings that the artist experienced. There is a large emphasis on the
texture of this piece and all of the South African beaded artworks. The gritty
texture provided by the use of beads is what makes them unique and cultural. One
can only imagine how much dedication it must take to individually place each
tiny bead in just the right position until it is finished. The rhythm of the
artwork is best described as enlightening and radiant. It is enlightening
because of the cherry trees and, if looked at closely, there is a small moon to
the right of the uppermost cherry blossom. The piece is radiant because of the
use vastly different and contrasting colors. When taking into account the
rhythm, there is a nostalgic vibe from the artist that is brought out by all of
the blue hues. Looking at the proportion, the cherry trees are obviously the
largest single feature throughout the piece and are considerably larger than
the moon in the background. The shrubs surrounding the trees vary in size and
color and give the cherry trees their large proportion. There is repetition in
colors, textures, and shapes, and without it, the piece would be too
overwhelming with its many different styles. Zandile Ntobela used just the
right amount of repetition so that the piece remains vivid and brilliant
without being too intense (cornell, web).
When I look at this piece I see a beautiful and compelling
work of art with evident cultural flare. “Cherry Tree” is meant to be hung as a
decoration to be viewed and admired, and this goal was certainly achieved by
the artist. Knowing the background of these beaded textiles, I see passion in
the artworks, and even if the history of the piece is unknown, it is obvious
that it takes a great amount of passion to create these beautiful designs.
The Ubuhle women
have created a new form of art that is inspiring and is a new element of
history for South African artwork. The background of the beaded textiles
regards admirable women who take their fate into their own hands by creating
engaging pieces of art that include examples from the elements of art and
principles of design in an elegant manner.
Works Cited
Gan,
Vicky. "History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places |
Smithsonian." History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places |
Smithsonian. N.p., 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.
Esaak,
Shelley. "What Are the Elements of Art?" About.com Art History. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.
"Principles
of Design." Principles of
Design. Charlotte Jirousek, 1995. Web. 30 Mar. 2014
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