- Joseph Lofton
- Anticipation, 1991
- acrylic-collage
- 120 x 120 x 3 cm (47.24 x 47.24 x 1.18 in)
- Framed: 122.54 x 122.54 x 5.54 cm (48.24 x 48.24 x 2.18 in)
- Signature: Signed J Lofton (in script), lower right corner.
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Available
Lofton pays homage to Huichol art in this work. Cultural appropriation is not the goal here, but a synthesis of African and Indian artistic elements. Huichol art is the folk art and handcrafts produced by the Huichol people, who live in the states of Jalisco, Durango, Zacatecas and Nayaritin Mexico. The creations are traditionally made up of colorful decoration using symbols and designs which has a long history. The most common products sold are "yarn paintings" and objects decorated with small commercially produced beads. Lofton took up resident in Cuernavaca in 1991. As an expatriate, he decided to live in Mexico instinctively feeling that “there was a relation between [his] my art and Mexican art. I love the art of the Huichola Indians…I like very much their sensitivity, they have much of African creativity in form, color and spirit.” In Huichol art and tradition he felt an acute affinity to his African roots.
Perhaps this circular painting is a statement on the sanctity of human life and which is a shared connection to all humanity. A fetus occupies the center of this composition embraced by a pattern that look almost African in design. The outer layers contain abstract human faces that suggest a conglomerate of genetic affiliations through generations all held together by cells and eggs dividing and multiplying. The circle signifies completeness and this thematic content of baby and generations emphasize this idea within this deep, dark rich color scheme.
Signed J Lofton (in script), lower right corner.
This work includes frame and certificate of authenticity.
- Current Location: JNL Fine Arts, LLC - Uovo
- Collections: Group - Large, The Bad and the Beautiful