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Body painting is a form of an artist's self-expression
when a human body is used instead of canvas. There is
nothing unusual in people's interest to paint on bodies
and be painted. The roots of this interest lies in ancient
tradition to color the body before hunting, combat or
religious ritual. Recall the colors of American Indians
and some African tribes. Modern cosmetics is a derivative
from the ancient body paining (and often used for "hunting"
too).
In the beginning there was a body. Then came colored clay
and juices of wild plants. Ancient artist thought that
colorful means beautiful. There existed a problem: no
paper, no canvas. It will come later, but there is need
for painting. He decided to paint as he sees it.
Everybody painted: Indians, Vikings, Eskimos. In ancient
world body paintings were used to distinguish between
social status, honorability degree, number of wives, kind
of taste or its absence. In the East, in India, there
still are traces of ancient body paining traditions. Each
cast has its own type of "bendy" and they paint
hand palms and feet before marriage ritual. Cosmetics
and tattooing are reflections of the same wish to color
oneself and enhance self-expression. Body Painting is
a process oriented phenomenon. There is a picture in the
end, but it is very temporary. But what a pleasure for
an artist it gives to paint. Live masterpiece bares a
live idea of the artist, and then vanish, with no trace
of memory, arguments, even a smile.
The artist is excited: Here is my Muse who inspired me,
I will paint on her. While painting, there arises an invisible
tandem of the artist with a model. They both self express,
by mutual agreement. Naked nature is like an open soul.
She gets to the Truth and Freedom. |
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