MODULE 10

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

 

1. I chose African Art as my first video because I took a class on the subject last semester. I wanted to review the subject so I could remember it better in the future. I chose a video on Chinese art for the opposite reason. I don't know anything about the art of China and wanted a quick briefing.

2. AFRICAN ART

• Art is a part of daily life; dress, in the home, and rituals.
• Ritual artifacts are made of organic materials therefore only the ones that are less than 200 years old have survived.
• Rock carvings and paintings often depict animals. The drawings are so specific, one can tell what kind of animal it is. They carefully observed the animal before being able to draw their interpretation of it on walls and rocks.
• Zimbabwe's architecture is different than what is found in Europe. This might mean the people of Africa had no contact with Europeans at the time the structure was built. People from different civilizations often borrow techniques and styles from one another when they communicate and trade. Perhaps Africans saw what the Europeans were doing but decided their technique fit better with their environment and needs
• African Art was unknown to Europeans until the 19th century. When it was discovered, it inspired artists such as Picasso because of its "primitive" or "childlike" style. It was different than what people had been used to seeing which was classical art. At this point in time they were bored with the style of the past and had been desperately seeking something new and exciting.
• Ancestral images show a wide range of style. Each region or civilization had individual priorities or rituals that would translate into unique symbolism. For instance, one region valued bush spirits  and would feed them during rituals.

CHINESE ART

• Much of the subject matter was nature and animals. Bamboo, probably because it is a common or important plant. Chickens, because they are essential for survival and were most likely seen daily. The Chinese must've had a great appreciation for nature.
• Ornamentation was intricate and on every type of vessel.
• Organic shapes and patterns, elegant inscriptions, graceful shapes and lines

3. The African Art video was similar to the contents of the textbook; brief and summarizing. They didn't get into specific details and only mentioned specific peoples quickly and didn't get into much detail. The point was for the viewer/reader to get the general idea of the ancient art. Modern African art would have been an interesting inclusion.

The Chinese Art video was just a quick look and description of 33 pieces of art. It didn't get past the description of the pottery like the textbook usually does. The text provides more context to the history of a vessel and the style of artwork.

4. Using the African art video as a review was a good idea. The video was precise and informative in 20 minutes. The narrator hit the general idea of each point without being vague. I didn't enjoy the Chinese Art video because it was just piece after piece without any context. I can visually understand the style of Chinese pottery but I don't know the reason behind the aesthetic. After reading the part on Chinese art in the textbook, I have a bit more understanding. The video compliments the reading but I should have read before I watched.