Week #10 Video Blog

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

I chose African Art, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese art because I wanted to learn more about them. They were all explained in the book but I am interested in finding out more about the pieces and inspirations, and how these cultures inspired other arts.

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

African Art

·      Art is apart of everyday life in villages of sub Sahara were the traditions are still strong.

·      In sub sahara African aesthetic sense is shows in dress, hair styles and ornamentation rituals and art performance.

·      Egyptian and sahara art and architecture both show influences of agriculture. They show bronze castings that date back to the 15^th century.

·      In Zimbabwee A royal area in south east African shows how symbolic art and architecture is.

·      African art influences Picasso and othr painters

·      Supernatual powers are controlled in art objects. Magic and religion play a role in African art.

·      Masks are stylized and embellished. They are used to dances around fire.

Buddhism

·      Buddhist fact and legend intertwine in Bodha Gaya.

·      Tanha is the key to teaching and it’s the extinguishing of all desires and all things that feed the ego and enlightenment.

·      After his death Buddhism broke away into two parts Hinayana and mahanyana

·      In Carmel NY the Chuan Yen Monastery is a building complex dedicated to Buddhism.

·      The largest statue of Buddha is here.

·      Buddhism started off by repudiating rituals, questions, prayer and the idea of a period god. Buddhism is now a symbol of these.

Hinduism

·      Varanasi is the holiest city in India and there is the River Ganges which is the symbol of life death and rebirth.

·      God and Goddess function are similar to Christian saints.

·      Their architecture it full of sculptures.

·      Shrines in Mamallapuram are carved from single boulders and are decorated.

·      Brahma meaning the Great Breath. Hinduism teaches that there are many ways to God and many gods symbolize them.

Chinese Art

·      Narcissus pot with rich lustrous glaze

·      We view a chicken bowl, and tea bowls from the Zhou dynasty and a Qing cylindrical curio cabinet. All in which are beautifully crafted.

·      Jade plays a big role in Chinese art

·      We view a perfumer decorated with dragon motifs

·      A wine warming vessel.

·      Floral prints also play a major role in Chinese art. We view a teapot with a landscape design.

·      Buddha- a golden Buddha in a lotus positions on a throne.

·      Chinese penmen ship is impeccable. We see calligraphy depicting a way scene. The Tang Dynasty court ladies play their music.

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

Each of these videos elaborates more on the readings. They show more interesting pieces of art and explain the background of the culture more. These videos help me to understand the material more clearly.

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

The films add depth to my understanding of the reading and art concepts because it is also good to hear or watch another view of the topic. I enjoyed seeing more pieces of art in these videos and learning about the different culture or Hinduism and Buddhism. These videos explain the overall concept of the text more clearly. Sometimes hard to understand, but overall I find them helpful.