Research: Zulus

Although this project is environment based, I don't  think you can create an enviroment so lived by a native culture, with out studying that culture. So, I looked at the native Zulu that inhabited South Africa at that time, and still do in some parts. From my research I want to draw particulary a colour palette that feels part of the Zulu culture, making my enviroment meld with it. I also want to find styles, patterns and textures that I feel inspire me or jump out as being uniquely African in their origin, something that will make my work feel immediately African. Below I have put some select images from my visual research, ones that I felt I particulary benefitted from finding, that contained colours, patterns, and emblems that inspired me.

 The pattern on this boy's (I think?) skirt/wrap is exsquisite, and is full of warmth, texture and most definately African in its style. The colours in this image are also beautiful, the rich wash of brown, orange and gold, given detail by deep, dark blues, and fading into the distant greens, teals and lighter blues.

This last image is jaw dropping in its intensity. The variety of textures, colours, and shapes that form this man's identity and culture are incredible, and his confidence and strength is portrayed through it. It was this image that has really inspired me to explore another direction, to look into Zulu art, their crafts, clothes, weapons, and incorporate it into my art, as if my work is painted by a zulu artist. To paint surfaces that are as textured as this man's gourget and pauldrons, except this time applied to mountains and clouds.

Before I delve into the treasure trove that I'm sure awaits me, I painted a quick portrait of this man, trying to apply his clothes properties to he very skin.

I also created three colour palettes, to create congruency for my works. I looked at colours for mountains, skies and earth, taking them directly from my research.