Question

The three building blocks of composition in Northwest Coast art are

Answer 1

The three building blocks of composition in Northwest Coast art are:

1. **Formlines:** These are the primary design elements, consisting of both thick and thin lines that form the basic structure of the design. Formlines are often used to depict figures and shapes.

2. **Positive and Negative Space:** Northwest Coast art emphasizes the interplay between positive space (occupied by the primary design elements) and negative space (unoccupied areas). This balance contributes to the overall visual impact of the artwork.

3. **Ovoids:** Ovoids are egg-shaped elements commonly used in Northwest Coast art to represent eyes, mouths, and other features. They are integral to the design and help convey the expressiveness of the figures depicted.

Answer 2

The three building blocks of composition in Northwest Coast art are formlines, natural patterns inspired by animals and spiritual creatures, and a distinctive use of colors like black, red, blue, and green.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three building blocks of composition in Northwest Coast art are understood to be formlines, which are the primary design element, the use of natural patterns and shapes inspired by animals and spiritual creatures, and the use of color. Indigenous artists from the Northwest Coast created sophisticated designs with a deep connection to their natural environment and cultural heritage. This style of artwork utilized the abundance of natural materials, such as wood for totem poles and whalebone for carvings, reflecting the significance of animals like whales, eagles, and bears in their designs. The colors in formline painting were fundamentally rooted in black, red, and additional tones like blue and green, and a unique use of materials where pigments were mixed with dried salmon eggs as a fixative.

Artisans formed groups, often supported by patrons, which reflected the hierarchal and community-based society that was organized around clans, often named after important animals in the region. The artwork not only expresses ancestral connections but also serves to inform ongoing social conditions and the historical context of colonial interaction. Today, both traditional and contemporary Native artists continue this legacy, with their work recognized and exhibited in important cultural institutions.