Gijsbert Witkamp

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I am a cultural anthropologist and an artist. I have worked professionally mostly in Zambia. My writing mostly is about art from an anthropological perspective, often with special reference to Zambia.
Address: Zambia

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Papers by Gijsbert Witkamp

A NOTE ON ABSTRACT ART: Kandinsky Revisited

Discussion of genesis and development of abstract art and abstract expressionism with special ref... more Discussion of genesis and development of abstract art and abstract expressionism with special reference to the contributions by Wassily Kandinsky. In conclusion the text emphasizes that abstract art, like all art, must entertain and develop the artistic mind set, engaging perception, conception, craftmanship, aesthetics and valuation - and thus support the universal mission and functionality of art. .Abstract art, like all artistic imagery, in one way or another, must make sense and it can only do so practically by enticing the viewer into the artistic experience.

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THE MATTER OF ART AND ARTIST

The purpose of this article is to contribute to a better understanding of material-technical know... more The purpose of this article is to contribute to a better understanding of material-technical knowledge and ability for artists, art collectors and others interested in art; with special reference to the development of modern art in Zambia. Most modern art techniques were introduced in Zambia during the colonial days or shortly thereafter and therefore are exotic in origin. The materials and techniques of these media were taken up by Zambian artists, often in a haphazard and piecemeal fashion. Much art has been made that is poor from a material-technological point of view. A deterioration of the physical condition of the art object also brings with it a deterioration of its imagery. Lack of material-technological understanding has been exacerbated by a deterioration of technological standards of the conventional western fine arts itself and is perpetuated by absence of educational facilities where sound material technology of art can be accessed and practiced by Zambian artists. The final section of this paper is an itinerary of simple measures that can be taken by (Zambian) artists to improve on the material construction of their art.

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