Classical and Primitive Art

‘Classical’ and ‘Primitive’ Art
07:30 mins

This talk offers insights into Lye’s development as an artist. He contrasts ‘classical’ art (Greek and Roman art, and the Renaissance tradition that followed) with ‘primitive’ art (various traditions of ancient or indigenous art whose images seem less ‘realistic’ to the Western viewer). The Cubists and Surrealists were among the first artists in the West to become seriously interested in ‘primitive’ art, respecting the fact that it was based on different conceptions of reality and realism. This was a highly controversial attitude at the time. Lye was one of these early champions of ‘primitive’ art in New Zealand and later in England. He saw such art as closer to his own sense of physical experience (to how the body ‘felt’ rather than how it ‘looked’) and to his interest in the ‘old brain’. He describes how he broke away from the ‘classical’ art training he was offered in New Zealand in the 1910s and early 1920s, turning instead to a study of Maori and other forms of indigenous art.

‘Primitive art’ was the standard term used in the art world during Lye’s lifetime (it is no longer regarded as appropriate today). As a piece of history, Lye’s talk helps us to understand the revolution that took place in the West when artists and teachers first became aware that the ‘classical’ tradition was not the only possible model of good art.

Download full pdf 'Notes on the Talks'

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These versions of Lye's slide/tape talks were prepared by:

The Len Lye Foundation, PO Box 647, New Plymouth, New Zealand,
with the assistance of the Govett Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre
(42 Queen Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand), and Ngā Taonga
Sound and Vision (National Library Building, Wellington).

Research: Evan Webb, Roger Horrocks, Paul Brobbel, Sarah Davy
Digitizing: Olivier Wardecki, Next Technology
Writer: Roger Horrocks