The human figure is symbolic within traditional African arts: In that it is expressive – Hence dancers are often featured in traditionally styled works. In this painting the dancers seem to spin the circles with an acute balance akin to circus performers. In many ancient cultures the circle represents the world. Universally the circle has divine meaning. For many the circle represents the movement of the seasons, of time. A continual motion that is infinite and inclusive. Here these dancers balance and dance to the rhythm of the seasons – of life.

Color is also used in an expressive way to articulate emotion. The earthy ochre and red tones of this oil painting reflect the soil of Africa and the people’s affinity with their own environment – While this unusual three piece canvas art set has been carefully executed with regards to decorative style it also holds an expressive and spontaneous feel about it.

Picasso once said it took him ‘four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child’. When African Art made its way to Parisian museums (as France expanded its empire into Africa) artists such as Picasso marveled at its simplicity and expressiveness. Many of the greatest twentieth century artists were inspired. African Balance is a modern art work which taps into a world of tradition: A contemporary work of art is as inspired as it is beautiful.