The Research Group in Primitive Art and Primitivism (CIAP) gathers a group of researchers in a common project, which aims to elaborate a new theory on "primitive" in art. This includes an in-depth study of some concepts like Primitivism and Primitive Art, which have been used imprecisely, and have caused many polemics in the art-historical debate.

The main object of this research focuses on one hand, in analysing different historical uses and interpretations of the notion "primitive" as well as the different phenomena that may be associated to it, in its complex development from the 17^th Century until the 20^th Century. On the other hand, the research is based in an interdisciplinary field, as it does not only concern the Art Historical sphere, but a broader spectrum of studies, such as Aesthetics, History of Ideas, Cultural Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Ethnography, Religious Studies and History of Colonialism. 

Primitivism is one of the constituting aspects of Modern Art, even though its importance has not been given enough consideration. The present project investigates the re-elaboration of the concept "primitive" applied to Modern Art, starting in the 19^th Century and gaining particular strength in the Vanguard movements during the 20^th Century. Very few movements from the 20^th Century have escaped the influence of the "primitive", a concept that became a stylistic definition in itself, and that has also demarcated European art criticism, which had been based on a classical and naturalistic artistic theory.

This project pretends hence to open a new line of research within the Spanish academic sphere. Contrary to the extensive French or English biography, research subjects on Primitive Art or Primitivism have basically remained unpublished in Spanish language.

General Information about the group 

Consolidated Research Group, with Generalitat de Catalunya recognition SGR 2014-2016 

Primary Researcher: Estela Ocampo
Consolidated Research Group: Research Center for Primitive Art and Primitivism  Reference: 2014 SGR 192
Oraganization: Generalitat de Catalunya
Center: Institut Universitari de Cultura
Duration, from: 01/01/2014  until: 12/31/2016
Financing Entity: Generalitat de Catalunya

Art Primitivism in Europe and America. Relationships, differences and identities 

Primary Researcher: Estela Ocampo
Financing Entity: Ministeri d'Economia i Competitivitat Reference: HAR2013-41219-P
Researchers: Muñoz Torreblanca, Marina; Antón Martí, Marta; Bosch Darné, Roser; del Valle Cordero, Alejandro; Solanilla, Victòria; de Rueda Roigé, Francesc-Josep.
Duration, from: 01/01/2014 until 12/31/2016

Financed and concluded projects

Primitivism in Modern Art

Financing Entity: Dirección General de Investigación. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
From January 2011 until December 2013
Reference: HAR2010-15994
Primary Researcher: Ocampo Siquier, Estela
Researchers: Valverde Zaragoza, M. Isabel; Muñoz Torreblanca, Marina; Antón Martí, Marta; Bosch Darné, Roser; Caputo Jaffe, Alessandra; del Valle Cordero, Alejandro

Primitivism and Modern Art

Financing Entity: Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia
Reference: HUM2007-60059   
Duration, from: 01/10/2007  until: 30/09/2010     
Primary Researcher: María Estela Ocampo Siquier
Number of collaborating researchers: 4   

Towards a Theory of Primitive Art: Definition of the Concepts Primitive, Primitivism and Primitive Art since the 18^th Century until Present. (III)   

Financing Entity: Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología. 
Reference: BHA2003-01568   
Duration, from: 12-12-2003   until: 12-12-2006
Primary Researcher: Estela Ocampo Siquier                        
Number of collaborating researchers: 4

Towards a Theory of Primitive Art: Definition of the Concepts Primitive, Primitivism and Primitive Art since the 18^th Century until Present. (II)

Financing Entity: Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología 
Reference: BXX2000-1095     
Duration, from: 19.12.2000 until 19.12.2003     
Primary Researcher: María Estela Ocampo Siquier 
Number of collaborating researchers: 3

Towards a Theory of Primitive Art: Definition of the Concepts Primitive, Primitivism and Primitive Art since the 18^th Century until Present. (I)

Financing Entity: Ministerio de Educación y Cultura. Secretaría de Estado de Universidades, Investigación y Desarrollo.
Duration, from: 01.10.1997 until 01.10.2000  
Primary Researcher: María Estela Ocampo Siquier
Number of collaborating researchers: 2