I chose the African Art and the African Art: Legacy of Oppression videos because they seem like they would be similar and give me information on the same things. Also to be honest they are the shortest videos so I thought that would be the easiest to fit into my busy life style.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
In the African Art video they explain how important symbolism is in African Art. They use masks and clothing that represents art from their ancestors, that is passed on generation to generation. A lot of African art is created in durable materials. The oldest African art is painting and carvings on stones, and they typically represent animals. About 1000 years ago artistic achievements sky rocketed and they made sculptures out of bronze casting. They use symbolism to give resemblance to places, things, animals, ancestors, and humans in general. Their art is very different through out Africa, because Africa is so big. Some of their ritualistic art is naturalistic or stylized and some of the most spectacular African art. They have wooden masks that have feathers, metal, fur and other materials on them. This art is on display at their dances and their masks combine theater and ritual. These art masks are designed to be seen at a distance. Their wearing of a mask can guarantee good hunting. Some animals are valued as courageous and are created into masks. The African Art: Legacy of Oppression video states that Belgium's Tervuren Museum contains the world's largest collection of Central African art, which consists of approximately 250,000 pieces. Most of the western African art is more dramatic. The video also states that the emotionally riveting abstracts, with their modernistic qualities and generalized forms influenced Picasso and other European masters. They say that western Africa won all the battles but their art shows central African characteristics.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
These two videos relate to the readings in the text because they both talk about African art and the influence of symbolism on the art work. They also talk a lot about masks in the videos, this relates to the text because the text talks about masks and different types of masks for different things, whether it is for hunting, or for ritualistic dancing. They also relate to the text because they speak about the history of the artwork in different portions of Africa.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I thought the films were very interesting. I now know a lot more about African art and mainly African masks, and how they used them to symbolize humans, ancestors, animals, places and things. I thought they were very interesting in the fact that they had so much of the artwork to show us and explained what each little element and principle meant.
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