1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
African Art: Legacy of Oppression and African Art I choose because I just wanted to gain more information from what was already in the text, and also because I seem to be drawn to African artworks.
Buddhism I choose because I found the topic to be interesting from the reading and I have a friend who often tries to explain this religion.
Hinduism I choose because the previous video mentioned it, so I guess it become more interesting after the fact.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
African Art: Legacy of Oppression- I learned that the some of the masks actually creates a sinking feeling in ones stomach. That the mask are two toned for a reason. The white side indicates the healthy side and the black side indicates an illness. It was made to create fear so that people would not make fun of the handicapped, and respect elders. Because of the diversity in the cultures there is a huge range of art styles in Central Africa. A world fair once displayed live Africans because they were new and not understand by the Europeans.
African Art- I learned that it played a strong sense in the daily life of the people, with a strong aesthetic sense revealed in traditional homes, everyday utensils, clothing and hairstyles. Some materials like wood and straw deteriorate and were not made to withstand the humid climates. Some art works from these are are less than 200 years old. The oldest existing art is found in the dryer regions. African art was relatively unknown to the Europeans until the 19th century. The Europeans thought the art to be childlike and primitive. To understand the African art you must be familiar with the concepts of perceptual and conceptual art. The Africans focused on more conceptual art. Where the artist used their imagination, mental images and perceptions of invisible forces.. African art take into account realms of magic and religion. The Africans created statues to harness the supernatural powers. The art was not to represent a living human or animal except a powerful king or noble, but instead was used to conjure spirits.
Buddhism- The greatest temptation for Buddha was to walk off and reach nirvana-which is the highest enlightenment. He was a rebel who spoke softly but firmly against authority. Freedoms from preoccupation that feeds the ego and obstruct the way to enlightenment allows the Monks to be of this world but not in the world. Buddha shares his enlightenment and was a gentle and serene person. A stupor has a story to tell and the lotus is the flower of he Buddha. There is actually a Monastery in upstate NY. Leaving the shoes off at the door confers respect and the chanting is done to free them distractions of the ego.
Hinduism- The river is a symbol of life, death, and rebirth. Worship can be done anywhere and does not need a large temple but instead have detailed shrines. The reason why it does not have to be so great is because you can't take it with you, and it appeals to the idea of letting go. There are many gods and goddesses in this religion. The many gods and goddesses is what helps create rich art and architecture because they are seen through these representations of art and architecture. Finding your way to Brahma can be affected by your personality and your circumstances. Hinduism does not seek to convert other religions, but respect those seeking Brahma. The female is the begetter of life. Once liberation is reached the cycle of life is ended. There are many ways to reach Brahma.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The videos relate to the text because they elaborate on the information that was in the text.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I always like watching the films after reading the text. The videos always add on to information that I got from the text and it also solidifies concepts that were in the text,
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