7-days of FREE Audio papers, translation & more with Prime
7-days of FREE Prime access
7-days of FREE Audio papers, translation & more with Prime
7-days of FREE Prime access
https://doi.org/10.2307/3336478
Copy DOIJournal: African Arts | Publication Date: May 1, 1987 |
Citations: 1 |
Wosene Kosrof is an Ethiopian artist who understands the visual power of language. He knows that there was a time when words were like and would suddenly come alive, and what people wanted to happen could happen when all you had to do was say it,'1 and so he uses words for their intrinsic magic as well as for their and symbolic significance. Drawing his own Amharic calligraphy with its verbal and visual richness, he has created a body of work that has a dynamic syntax of meaning, form and tradition. He says that Amharic calligraphy, operating a design level, has its literal representation, and on a figurative level the syllables are abstractions: at times they transform into human figures; at times they become architectural forms.... By combining the calligraphic symbols, painted in vibrant colors, blacks, whites, and golds, I am conjuring up spells that induce new perceptions, new insights into life, new powers to transform ourselves. They call out against oppression and apartheid; they call out for human dignity and human rights. The spells are cast visually to generate hope, renewed life, and rebirth. The 'evil eye' or 'magic eye' is present in each work to draw the viewer into participating in the ritual. And another element of Ethiopian art, namely the magic scroll, is embedded in many of the paintings.2 The artist uses Amharic characters like tracers to reassert the
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.