Folk Art Paintings

The folk art is one of the most arguable terms in fine art world. There is no definition of this term: while some say that folk art is only those authentic artworks created by particular ethnic groups, others consider that any painting created with traditional ornaments or patterns can be considered as a folk style.

Nowadays the globalization process is a serious threat for folk art and crafts, which make the folk style art even more important as it helps to save it in an original condition. In the last time interest to folk motives has grown noticeably: we can see traditional motives on clothes or in interior design, and more and more people tend to learn folk techniques of crafting products.

Origins of folk art in modern understanding

Folk art has always been in a risk of disappearance: in 19th century Industrial Revolution, in 20th mass-produced products and Internet and globalization in 21st put this art style in a danger.

The term ’folk art’ itself appeared only in the end of 19th century and it was used for describing European peasant art. This style goes closely to Romanticism which described the charm of common people simple living in the countryside. In the post-industrial time folk art was considered and still remains so as a cultural heritage.

The term was invented by well-educated people with strong knowledge of art styles and art history. It doesn’t refer to Ancient Egyptian, Chinese or Japanese civilizations as they are thought to be too well-developed to be considered as a folk art.

Folk artists used simple natural media (wood, clay etc.) and applied their drawings on mostly small surfaces — art critics tend to think that it was the question of portability. The interesting moment about folk art is that almost all members of the community were involved into creative process.

This type of art had mostly decorative function — for example, creating textile or glass ornaments. Many artists, especially of 20th century, were inspired by folk motives and it had an influence on their art — think about works of Russian artists Natalia Goncharova or Mexican legend Frida Kahlo.

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