Primitives

/ˈprɪmɪtɪvz/ noun

Definition

Simple or basic things, or artists and cultures considered to be in early stages of development (though this term is now considered outdated and offensive).

Etymology

From Latin 'primitivus' meaning 'first in order,' derived from 'primus' (first). Originally used neutrally to describe earliest stages, but became problematic when applied to non-Western peoples.

Kelly Says

Art historians now reject the term 'primitive art' because it was used to dismiss African and Indigenous artwork as less sophisticated—when really these artists were masters of their craft using completely different artistic goals than European Renaissance painters.

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