South African Art #4

Cultural & Historical Context 

• What was happening at this time in history? (politically, socially)

The Black Sash was a non-violent white women's resistance organization founded in South Africa, in 1955 by Jean Sinclair. The Black Sash initially campaigned against the removal of coloured or mixed race voters from the voters' roll by the government. In World War II and the rise of more radical African political movements initially consolidated white rule in Southern Africa,Also in 1955, a Congress  Alliance drew up the Freedom Charter,a program of non racial social democracy. 

• How did the artist's personal life affect his or her decision to create the artwork?

Walter Battiss' long career as an artist has been dedicated to the study of man in his environment; first in the background and culture of Africa and rock art, and then later on in the analysis of this concept inits broadest sense. 

• How does the art relate to other artworks during this time?

This artwork relates to the other artworks during this time because they weren't in great detail or realistic. They were more abstract at the time with "bushman" techniques. 

• Were there any discoveries or movements that may have influenced the artist?

Walter Battiss was born a town named Karoo, Somerset East. His interest in archaeology and rock art began after his family moved to Koffiefontein in 1917.This remained one of his main influences throughout his life. 1955 he welcomed the appearance of calligraphic forms in his work, as well as the introduction of animal and human abstractions; the influence of Ndebele bead work in his art stuck with him from then on. 

• Was the artwork revolutionary at the time? How did people appreciate it when it was created?

No, Battiss' art were not popular or very well known at the time that he created the painting.