Posted by Wendel Swan on January 18, 1999 at 11:44:16:
In Reply to: Re: Similarity? Another try. posted by Steve Price on January 18, 1999 at 06:52:51:
Steve wrote:
: As a point in passing, the modern art-like nature of much Kaitag work has been pointed out by others. The Introduction to Chenciner's book ends with the following: "Indeed, the more abstract among the embroideries stand on a par with the work of 20th century masters such as Klee, Miro and Matisse."
I think that there could be no doubt that many diverse art forms around the world share stylistic similarities, even though those art forms arise independently in disparate cultures with no contact between them. The less complex the patterning, the greater is the likelihood of similarity.
One of perhaps innumerable examples would be the stylistic similarity between Mark Rothko's paintings and the feathered tunics and panels of the Nazca plain as well as the gabbehs of the Bakhtiyari. But the similarity begins and ends with the fact that all three use large blocks of primary colors. There are no cultural connections.
I do not own Chenciner's book, but it may illustrate other artifacts or art forms within the Kaitag culture that incorporate patterning like that on these embroideries. Can someone comment?
Wendel