A study on the stylistic evolution of the Tingatinga painting school from 1968-2011

This study aimed at examining the stylistic evolution of painting in Tanzania. It specifically explores the stylistic changes in the Tingatinga painting school. Using Fry’s Formalist theory, the study has compared between the First Generation of painters (those who began painting from 1968s including the founder of the school, Edward Saidi Tingatinga) and the Second Generation of painters (those who joined the school later after the death of Edward Saidi Tingatinga). The analysis showed that the First Generation of painters used fewer visual elements than the new style adopted by the Second Generation of painters. Using interview method, the study sampled 40 respondents and interviewed in order to find out how form and content, influence and inspiration contribute in the stylistic evolution of the Tingatinga painting school. Techniques of stratification, random and purposive sampling were used to collect data through observation, interview, focus group discussion and documentary review. The study found a strong relationship among the four variables; form and content, influence, inspiration and stylistic evolution. It was concluded that the multi-object compositions, size and abstraction of forms were the significant indicators of the evolution of the Tingatinga painting school. The introduction of the seventeen established and eleven latest styles was also considered to provide a chronological evidence of stylistic evolution. Munro’s theory of cultural evolution has proved relevant in guiding the study because arts undergo changes through evolution of culture especially in the diversification of styles. The researcher recommends the government’s involvement in protecting the commercial rights of the school, conservation of its works, publicity of TACS activities and periodic academic investigation on styles.