Inspired by, but NOT claiming to be an accurate representation of, the people and wildlife of South Africa. The lady's attire is influenced by Xhosa clothing designs. The birds are inspired by malachite kingfishers. As for the gemsbok, you can read the rest of the story below:
What inspired this?
Some time ago, I came across a piece of work by an artist, illustrating a fantasy female character in clothing inspired by ancient China. She was playing an instrument based on a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. Next to her was a gemsbok. Compositionally, it was a lovely piece. But it got me wondering, "Isn't the gemsbok endemic to southern Africa? Given the cultural inspiration of the woman's costume and props, how likely is it that she would be in the same environment as a gemsbok?"
I'm NOT at all implying that the artist should not have drawn what she drew. Nor am I trying to deny anyone their artistic license to create whatever fantastical setting they want. But it got me asking, "Why do I live in a world, or at least a corner of the internet, where I am more likely to see, in fantasy art, an African animal being used as an accessory to enhance a non-African character, than to see these same animals depicted together with people who actually live in the countries where these animals live?" This is not an isolated incident. I have encountered multiple instances of this from different artists.
If someone is really set on the concept of a woman playing a stringed instrument next to a gemsbok, they could just as easily find the inspiration for their human character from cultures that are actually located in the countries where gemsbok live. Here is an example of Xhosa uhadi bow music, performed by Madosini Maqina.
Btw, if anyone is about to make some variation of the "Africans don't wear clothes" comment that I got for another illustration (of a Fulani herdsman in a traditional caftan), there are many examples of Xhosa clothing and jewelry on the internet, if one cares to look. (The Xhosa make up about 18% of South Africa's population, and is the 2nd largest ethnic group after the Zulu ethnic group. Well known Xhosa people include anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.)
What inspired this?
Some time ago, I came across a piece of work by an artist, illustrating a fantasy female character in clothing inspired by ancient China. She was playing an instrument based on a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. Next to her was a gemsbok. Compositionally, it was a lovely piece. But it got me wondering, "Isn't the gemsbok endemic to southern Africa? Given the cultural inspiration of the woman's costume and props, how likely is it that she would be in the same environment as a gemsbok?"
I'm NOT at all implying that the artist should not have drawn what she drew. Nor am I trying to deny anyone their artistic license to create whatever fantastical setting they want. But it got me asking, "Why do I live in a world, or at least a corner of the internet, where I am more likely to see, in fantasy art, an African animal being used as an accessory to enhance a non-African character, than to see these same animals depicted together with people who actually live in the countries where these animals live?" This is not an isolated incident. I have encountered multiple instances of this from different artists.
If someone is really set on the concept of a woman playing a stringed instrument next to a gemsbok, they could just as easily find the inspiration for their human character from cultures that are actually located in the countries where gemsbok live. Here is an example of Xhosa uhadi bow music, performed by Madosini Maqina.
Btw, if anyone is about to make some variation of the "Africans don't wear clothes" comment that I got for another illustration (of a Fulani herdsman in a traditional caftan), there are many examples of Xhosa clothing and jewelry on the internet, if one cares to look. (The Xhosa make up about 18% of South Africa's population, and is the 2nd largest ethnic group after the Zulu ethnic group. Well known Xhosa people include anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.)
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