The Dance Painting

American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham once said that dance "is the hidden language of the soul." Considering that artists too, paint from the soul, then a dance painting is an exceptional invitation to share in an artist's inspiration. At Novica we compile an ever-growing collection of music and dance paintings by artists from around the world. Their compositions manifest the dance traditions of their country – past and present – resulting in a pictorial testament of tradition. Artists from Ghana adapt the styles of abstract painting to portray tribal dances to the beat of djembe drums. From Peru, varayoc priests dance to the melodies of the quena in colorful folk art paintings. In Brazil, neighbors dance on the streets during the festas juninas, and in Mexico, Catrina dances during Day of the Dead celebrations. Artists are keen to detail dance paintings, as they are proud to share their homeland's traditions. Dressed in colorful costumes, dancers sway, stomp and swirl to the tunes of regional musical instruments.