Questions to ask while looking at new works or art.

• How do factors such as time, place, and ideas affect the visual artworks?

• Why has the artwork been create? What is the purpose?

• How would I critique the artwork? (Describe, Analyze, Interpret, Evaluate)

The Art of India

• Greatly influence by the areas religions,

Hinduism and Buddhism. We must understand this cultures religions to make sense of the art.

Hinduism

• Developed over a long period of time from a blend of several different beliefs and practices.

• Three primary processes in life and in the universe: creation, preservation, and destruction.

• Three main Hindu gods reflect this: Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer.

• Multiple other gods exist in the Hindu tradition.

Hinduism (continued)

• Belief in reincarnation, or rebirth.

• To move to a higher, purer state, a person must follow a set of rules and governing moral conduct

Buddhism

• Siddhartha Gautama, prince during a difficult time of India’s history, whose holiness and love for all creatures earned him widespread fame. He earned the name Budda.

• Budda means “the Enlightened One”

Buddhism (Continued)

• Buddha did not claim to be divine or inspired by god.

• Belief in reincarnation, but has different rules to complete the cycle of reincarnation.

• Nirvana-the state of bliss, free of all desire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Buddha_image_-_white_stone.jpg

The Art of China

• China’s history is divided by a succession of dynasties, each with its own contributions to art.

• Three areas of interest: Scrolls, Calligraphy and Ceramics

Scrolls and Calligraphy

Ceramics

Art of Japan

• China is the greatest influence on early Japanese artistic development.

• Tradition lies in the scrolls, ceramics, and printmaking

Masks of Africa

Native American Masks

What were masks used for?

• They were typically used within tribal ceremonies to emphasize important social, religious, and moral values.

• The masks did not stand alone. They were usually part of a whole costume worn by tribesmen.

• With few exceptions, masks are worn only by men.

Masks (continued)

• Masks are made to be seen in motion during ceremonies or rituals.

• Typically they are used to facilitate communication with the spirit world.

• Performers cease to be themselves and become mediums able to communicate directly with the spiritual realm.

African Figurative Sculptures

• Like the masks, African sculptures take different forms and serve different functions.

• Purposes of these sculptures:1. Promote well-being of individuals, families, social groups, and large communities.2. Address themes of ancestors and spirits.