Figure 19th-20th Century

Here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a "Figure" carved by an artist from the Lobi culture using wood. Notice how the frontal pose and symmetry, from its face to the block-like feet, create a sense of stillness and balance. The figure is defined by smooth surfaces and angular lines. These geometric simplifications aren’t just aesthetic choices, but a sophisticated form of abstraction. The artist transforms organic forms into geometric shapes to challenge our perception and understanding of the body. By stripping away the superfluous, the artwork encourages us to look beyond the surface and connect with the deeper meanings that resonate through form and structure. These artistic strategies reflect broader intellectual currents questioning traditional representational modes. The Lobi artist used the language of forms to destabilize established meanings. They invite us to reconsider how art communicates fundamental truths about existence.