“Primitive art” has informed the development of modern art since Braque, Picasso, Brancusi and Modigliani looked to them as inspirations for their own artistic innovations. And when primitive meets modern – be it in art galleries, museums or in the modern home – the aesthetic effect can be sublime, as these images show.
Kuba cloth, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.A man’s wrap (hinggi) from Sumba, Indonesia graces the wall of a home. On the left, a rare janus figure from Sulawesi, the fabled “Spice Island” of the past.A war shield from the Asmat region of West Papua New Guinea.Stool from ivory coast. On the wall, the beautiful photography of Agniet Snoep.A vibrant Sumba hinggi (man’s wrap).Senufo bed, Ivory Coast, Africa.Abstraction: Kuba cloth from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.Simplicity: Kuba pillows from the Democratic Republic of Conga, Africa.Comfort: Senufo bed, Ivory Coast, Africa.African patterns: Congo baskets.Harmony: Kuba dance skirt made of raiffa, Congo, Africa.Good morning, springtime greetings from a spirit figure from the highlands of New Guinea.Cosy grandeur: Austral island paddle from Polynesia, Dan mask from Ivory Coast, Africa and an Ethiopian shield.Quirky corner: Nok statute, Nigeria, Africa.Welcoming a beautiful morning: African seat and Kuba cushions.Modern with primitive: Hunting charm, Nigeria, Africa.Whimsical iron currency, Conga; Burkina Faso mask.A soulful Sumba ancestor figure occupies a niche corner of a home.Stone ancestor figures from Flores paired with a Sumba weaving loom part with human figure.Asmat art and Eugene Brands. Its subdued moments like these that never ceases to nourish the senses. Admiralty Isl. War Charm and Ladislas Kijno. In this photo, a beautiful Gobela from Melanesia (late 19th century) is in dialogue with a photograph from 1977, both opening their arms to exchange with the world. Aboriginal dilly bag with Alberto Guzman.A ‘smiling’ Senufo helmet mask and a Joan Miro painting bask in the warm light of the evening sun.An intimate study graced by three Africa tribal objects.
