Bodypainting

Bodypainting is a form of art which allows the artist to use the body as a canvas. Body painting is an ancient tradition which was used and is still used in tribalist culture, with bodies being painted using clay and other natural pigments . It is also used

The body can be manipulated using different shapes, highlights and shadows as well as a range of other techniques. Blocking out can be done using black areas - this is a technique often used in body painting. Materials such as fullers earth are often used as it gives an interesting cracked texture which can be painted upon.

Other techniques used in body painting include: Stencils, stamps, transfer/tattoo paper

Fig 83.

For my bodypaint, I wanted to experiment with using some abstract painting as my inspiration. I decided to use this piece of work by Frank Stella as I love the colours and shapes in it.

I was really happy with the result of this make up as I feel the colours really compliment each other, particuarly the blue and yellow. I also like the grid/lined style of the yellow area. I would have like more time to work into this look a little more and make it more polished as it was quite rushed.

Fig. 84.
I started my bodypaint on Georgie wanting to use shells as my theme. I found this more difficult than I had anticipated and I was not very happy with the end look. The colours did not pop as I had hoped and it all blurred into one image. I imaged it to be far more metallic.

I do like the highlights on the shell over her collarbone but that is about it.

Julia Townend demonstrated her body painting on me. She started by building up the colours, starting with yellow and adding a gradient of orange. She then worked in the green. She then pigmented the fullers earth - something I had not ever thought to do and is something that could definitely be useful in the future.

Using the end of a paintbrush, Julia then made shapes in the fullers earth and added some glitter to them.

African body art uses the human body as a way to express an individual's status, spiritual beliefs, or ethnic affiliation. Body art can also be created for wear on the body in the form of clothes or jewellery. Body art can also sometimes symbolise protection.

Today many Africans embrace a variety of traditional forms of body painting, turning each decorated person work of art.

The Surma - pictured right, orginate in Ethiopia. Surmas decorate their bodies using chalk and earth pigments to create patterns. Children begin learning the art of body painting at an early age by imitating their parents.

Fig. 88

BODY PAINTING

This incorporation of body paint and prosthetics is really effective. I feel the beauty make up really compliments the make up. The make up is created out of 8 different silicone flat pieces on torso and back. I think the use of metallics works perfectly.

Fig 89.

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Fig. 87