Last Thoughts

 

Going into learning about the arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas – I think I did have preconceived ideas about what I would be learning and seeing. I expected cave paintings, paintings or drawings on rocks – I was thinking much too simple and had a very narrow sense of what art really is or what it can be. I learned that art can be so many things and produced in so many different ways for different purposes. Art can be made for everyday objects, to signify strength and courage, to show rank or order to a man/family. It can be in statues, masks, relics, stools, or other objects for religious and spiritual reasons. I learned that art is not about sitting down and producing art. It can be a way of life. When we started learning about the pyramids in meso america, I have to be honest- I didn’t know they even existed. I thought only Ancient Egyptians built pyramids. Sounds very silly now, but like I said before I really had a narrow vision of what art was, and never really experienced much to know any different. There are several places I would like to visit someday- take my children and revel in the beauty and craftsmanship of what these people were able to accomplish with such limited supplies/tools and technology. This may be why I am so open to historical landmarks and sites being open to the public because I would like to experience being there in person, and to have my children experience it first hand. There is so much more to the world than what we see everyday, or perhaps we are not always looking. I’d like to share this experience with my children because they probably have similar preconceived notions about art, and now that I know differently isn’t it my job as a parent to open their eyes to this as well?

Time Travel

If I could visit any place in Mesoamerica, I’d visit the Chichen Itza Great Ball Court. I am amazed at the size of it, the importance and belief systems behind the game. It’s supposed to be 225 ft wide and 545 ft long. It is fascinating to think that I could stand on one end of the court and whisper something and someone standing on the other end of the court could hear me, some 500 ft away. I’d like to look at the court and imagine people playing. Could I throw a ball high enough to get it through the hole? Or does it seem nearly impossible like the text describes?

Two Views of Meso-American Architecture

 

Tikal in Guatemala

This was once a Mayan civilization, and now a protected National Park and Biosphere reserve. The Tikal contains temples, palaces, and public gathering areas. The temple that stands out from the others to me, is the Temple of the Grand Jaguar. (Also just a food for thought- this temple was used in the first Star Wars movie, does it look familiar?) Mayan structures were build with stone and mortar. The Mayans used vault spans to stabilize their structures. This temple is an example of the Mayan roof-comb architecture.

 

Even though the temple is actually the smallest in Tikal, it is 143 ft tall. It was constructed using limestone, in 9 different levels. According to the website, http://www.vosflips.com/tikal-temple-i-temple-of-the-great-jaguar/, the nine levels are said to represent the nine levels of the underworld. At the very stop, lead by a steep staircase, is the summit shrine.

 

 

 

El Tajin Ruins in Veracruz Mexico

El Tajin is known for its unique architecture, being labeled as the “highest degree of artistry of any ancient city”.

In the center of El Tajin. is the Pyramid of the Niches, standing 60 feet tall. It is a seven-level structure that contains 365 coffers, each build around its seven friezes. The craftsmanship and details of the pyramid is amazing. The niches, that resemble windows, are my favorite part. These niches were built to enrich the silhouette of the temple.

According to our text, at Tajin- the architecture resembles that of the Maya because of how the roof slabs help strengthen the temple. The overhanging cornices typical of the Tajin style are combined with the corbelled vault sections in Mayan architecture. 

Trend Of The Week: Aztec Print… For The Fall!

Modernized Aztec apparel- specialized for fall. The first photos that caught my attention was the (the 1st two) dress with the blue, brown, and orange diamond designs. It’s pattern, use of colors grabs your attention and is very appealing. I’d wear it! But the reason I chose this blog is the very last photo. The wrap, shall, or shoulder blanket reminds me about the ancient Aztecs. They used shoulder blankets as symbols of rank within their community. Here she is wearing it for “fall fashion”. I wonder what the Ancient Aztecs would think of that…

Peaches 'N Creme

Aztec Print is something that we have seen trickled throughout certain apparel for the past couple of seasons now and I think it is really hitting big this year, this post is specifically about aztec print for the fall because I truly believe that it is a print that can be worn all year round. It comes in all different colors, mediums and shapes which is what makes it such an MVP as far as trends go. This fall/winter it will really be popping out on skirts, scarves, and sweaters in warmer tones. I’m sure this trend is one to get used to because it will be one to stay through the spring as well.

How I Wore It:

How They Wore It:

 

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Tattoos as American as Apple Pie or Dulce de Leche

While looking for blogs that are connected to Mayan, Aztec, Olmec, Oaxacan, Zapotec or Mixtec art- I came across this one. It’s not really what I was looking for but interesting just the same. This blogger argues that Tattoos are as American as Apple Pie! Very interesting read that got me thinking. I- for one am not a tattoo person or one to encourage it, but she makes some very valid points and who am I to stand in the way. (I won’t)

Institute for Latinx Hispanic Health Equity

“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.”
― Johnny Depp

 Johnny Depp is not a man of many public words. He is pretty and makes quirky movies and so goes his brand. But when he noted that tattoos were his story he got me thinking for he was surely onto something. At least for around 15-38% of the American public that has a tattoo. Tattoos have been used by people of all cultures for centuries on end, but only recently have tattoos gained social acceptance in the United States. Some 45 million Americans, or close to 21% of the entire population has a tattoo. Note that back in 1936, only 6% of Americans had a tattoo (or so we were told by those that disclosed).  How is this for the complete turnaround surrounding the social acceptability of tattoos. Did you see that Miss Kansas…

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Midway Reflections

            Africa, Oceania, and America thus far has opened my eyes to so much about art, culture, different belief systems, dedication of the people, and the values that are significant and vital for the people. I am definitely finding it more interesting than I was expecting, never been a person who was good at or understood how to show artistic expression. There have been many interesting points throughout this journey, but the newest and most significant has to be the Mesa Verde. This is because after watching that video and listening to the ranger explain some of the information about how the people lived and where. It was so fascinating to see the houses and the kivas. I want to experience this first hand, I actually want to take my kids and go there! It is a way for us to experience their culture and appreciate some of their values first hand.

            The blogging experience has been completely new to me, and was overwhelming at first. I still do not know how to navigate the forums as much as I’d like to. Writing blogs however has been enjoyable and love the way we are able to select topics and items that interest us. It helps me stay connected with what I am learning and to reflect on that learning. I am hoping there is more opportunity for this throughout the rest of the semester. The discussion posts are also a lot like the blogs- in the sense that I am able to select interesting topics sometimes and reflect on what I have learned. I think I like the blogs a little better because you can connect certain thoughts or ideas together. Reading the discussion posts, you can start to get to know your classmates. With the blogs, I am able to connect several ideas and thoughts to the same person. Allowing a deeper connection I think. 

Stanley Park Totem Poles

These Totem Poles are stunning! I can’t imagine what they would be like in person. They look so tall. My favorite has to be the Eagle with the outstretched wings. The colors and patterns on the wings are detailed and grab your eye. I wonder how tall these Totem Poles are!

O' Canada

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Stanley Park is a beautiful, peaceful greenspace on a sprawling peninsula in the heart of bustling Vancouver.  The Park’s collection of native American totem poles is eye-catching and conjures marvelment and reverence at the creativity of the people of the Pacific Northwest that made these exquisite carvings.

In these photos from a trip there not long ago it was challenging to separate the poles from the surrounding trees so these don’t do justice to the majesty of these enduring artifacts.

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From Bush Grass to Ocean Waves: Images of Oceania 9/30/2013

 

Yirrkalla (Arnhem Land, Australia) Bark Painting

The first bark painting is called the Three Suns. I couldn’t find much information about it, other than it was made by the Yirrkalla people and recovered in 1946. It is similar to the second bark painting, depicting the Djanggawul Myth. Both bark paintings are complex. The Djanggawul painting was painted by four men, consisting of eight different sections. This painting represents creation. If you look closely at the sun shapes, the beams of light shoot outward from the circular center. Both paintings consist of mostly straight lines, squares, right angles and diagonal patterns. There are distinct boarders dividing the sections as well. This is because the area and the isolation from the rest of the world, their artistic styles came from their familiarity of hunting and gathering.  Their art reflected what they were most familiar with, long lines like the blades of grass or vines.

 

Uramont Baining (Island Melanesia) Day Dance Bark Cloth Mask

This mask is called Mendaska. The Uramont people paint these masks with patterns that have been passed down from their ancestors. The day dance is associated with harvest. During the celebration women would wear bags with cooked garden foods, and the masked dancer would carry wild pig meat. These masks can be over 15 feet tall, representing longevity. Inspirations for the paintings come from the fern leaves, grasses, banks of the river or streams, and mist. There are also some animals, the dog, the crocodile and a lizard. If you compare these photographs to the ones from Yirrkalla, you will notice that these lines are curvier in nature. You see circles, triangles with bent sizes, and  on the trunk portion of the mask repetitive curved patterns that cover the entire length. The people live in the jungle but may have artistic influences from the Sulka or the Tolai who are near the ocean. 

Aboriginal Art Gallery – Get A Glimpse Of Oldest Art Form

I really wish my textbook was in color, because the Aborigional art is stunning and has to be one of my favorites thus far. I am not surprised at all that the art can sell for 100,000 or more. I ventured off to look at these online sellers of art and found many that I liked. Their use of colors and designs are so appealing to me and it is hard to describe why that is. Even this photo of the piece with the Kangaroo in the center is beautiful. The way they are able to make the kangaroo “pop”, the balance of the colors in the design, and even the design itself. Very aesthetically pleasing!

killianweaver

Australian Aboriginal Art has been appreciated for leaving behind a deep impact across the globe. This aboriginal art galleryis a major hit among long-time writers and prominent art critics.

The speciality of aboriginal artis that is regarded as one of the oldest forms of art existing today on the planet and hence is believed to be the youngest in terms of commercial importance.This form of art has a historical significance. For instance, it was prevalent in remote parts of Australia and dates back to 30, 000 to 40,000 years.

It was only during 1970s this was found to have commercial viability. This art form is a unification of ancient practice and custom.

Though Aboriginal artists have been selling their spectacular artwork even before 1930s, it never received an international recognition. This explains why this market was restricted to Australia alone.

The artwork was only noticed by people who…

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Three Faces of African Art

There are many faces of art, created to represent family, kingship and power, or divination. It fulfilled religious beliefs, traditions, and a way of life.

Art of the Asante

This is the famous “golden stool” from the Asante of Ghana. It is famous because Asante legend states that Osei Tutu’s priest, Okomfo Anoke had the stool descend from the sky and landed on Osei Tutu’s lap. This stool is in the dramatic category because of how the stool was said to be obtained, and it was covered in gold leaf. Most of the Asante stools were wooden  and portrayed some element of the person who owned it. This is an example of kingship and power, and maybe even divination since the stool was believed to come from the sky.

Art of the Ife

These are some examples of the Ife terra cotta and brass heads. These heads are very naturalistic and specific to certain people. They each have many details depicting distinctive physical characteristics of a deceased ruler, or other significant people within their community. The theme for these heads is kingship and power because they were created for use during rituals or worn because of the importance of their ancestors. 

Art of the Fang

Art of the Fang, specifically from the Ngi cult created large ground structures containing a special tunnel. The interesting way they created this structure was to shape it a figure of a female. The tunnel lead from the men’s house to an opening between the female’s legs. It was symbolic of re-birth when the Ngi crawled through the tunnel. I would say this would fit into the spiritual, and dramatic grotesque category. This would also be more of a family theme, not like immediate family but family as in their cult and subculture of the Fang community.

These are only a few examples of how art can have different faces, purposes and meanings. Art can be created to represent ancestors, sense of belonging, and a community’s spirit and soul.