B). Most cave paintings were based on the hunters, and the animals they went after. The paintings were focused on the animals they prayed on, rather than the people hunting, and this can be seen though the amount of detail in the animals, and the plain stick figure humans. In different areas there were different animals, as well as the seasonal animals, who migrate to different locations, giving the cave dwellers the ability to have information on different animals, and a wide array of animals to hunt. The more detailed the animals were, the easier the animals were to find, rather than the less detailed animals, who came around now and then, but didn't give the dwellers the ability to draw out more elaborately.
C.) The paintings can tell us the cave dwellers were hunters and gathers, though the amount of animals that were painted, and the great detail of them. It also tells us the cave dwellers constantly moved, through the variety of animals they were able to convey into art. The painting on the wall aided future groups coming into the area on the animals that were hunted and what they looked like.
D.) Early cave dwellers painting these elaborate works of art had to deal with tight areas of the cave, where they would've had to crawl on their stomachs to reach areas of the cave to carry their art utensils. Another difficulty would be the light source, because back then, they would have to carry torches to be able to see in the dark cave, especially in the deepest part.
E.) 1. Aid new hunters in the area of the animals that are most commonly hunted, and show what they looked like.
2.To help show stories, and communicate ways of hunting, as well as their tactics to future groups coming through the cave.
3. To allow cave dwellers to express themselves, and communicate without words.
2. The only function of the art from the Lascaux Caves to modern art would be to give insight on a period of time, where everyone wasn't aware of everything, and to give stories of the animals and sights these people were seeing. The cave's art also gave the dwellers the ability to show and communicate their way of life. The art today doesn't show the same views that we have as a result to the evolution of societies, technologies, and the art we share . Their art was natural, and based off of their cultural beliefs and ways of surviving life. This art gives anthropologists the ability to see into their culture and understand it furthermore. Both art periods are diverse, but share the similarity of self expression, which art is supposed to come from. Both art periods give descriptions of the location, the time period, and surroundings, such as animals and humans.
3.A). Those who practice in the form of graffiti art (not just tags), are expressing their inner imaginary and creativity, to give free public art to be admired by all. Graffiti art gives artists the ability to tell a story though painting, of what comes to their minds, sometimes it can mean just one thing, but other times it can mean a whole bunch of things, leaving the person looking at the art to decide what it truly means to them.
B).There is a culture that surrounds this form of art, but doesn't consist of a language or set dress. It does have a set behavior of being secretive, and hiding your identity, because artists who perform this type of art could be subjected to fines, as well as possible arrests from law enforcement. The culture of graffiti art consists of many different artists creating what they believe is necessary, and stick together, even sometimes collaborating on art installations together.
C). This art form benefits society by giving young artists inspiration and direction and how they should create their art forms how they want to, and not follow a set of rules when attempting to make a piece of art. Some might say that some detrimental effects of graffiti art is an increase of crime rate, but that wouldn't be caused by people making and creating art.
HI Dylan,
ReplyDeleteGraffiti art is a good example of Cultural history. It definitely tells a story from what is happening at that time in the artist life. Although creative and sometimes breath taking it is against the law and unless the work is solicited they will be arrested and the art painted over. Great choice by the way!
Angela
1a. While a message of faith is possible, it is a bit of a jump to assume these paintings are religious in nature. What clues tell you this? If you are familiar with the concept of Occam's Razor, you are including more complexity than is justified by the evidence to explain the presence of these images. We see images of animals and a few people. Couldn't that just be a form of record keeping? Interestingly enough, this was the first purpose of cuneiform writing by the Egyptians, who used writing to track trade and resources. Do we need to introduce the complex concept of religion to explain the purpose of these pictures?
ReplyDelete"...hoping to communicate their ways of life to groups who might pass though the caves."
We consider our impact on future generations, but did humans from 15,000 ya think this way? Did they go to the trouble to crawl into the dark in these caves to paint pictures that won't benefit their own population in some way? These people would be thinking of the survival of their own population, not how future generations would think of them. How would these pictures help the population that painted them?
b. The idea that the more detailed animals were more common (or more important?) is a good one. So how does painting these animals help this community? Why are they painting them?
c. "The paintings can tell us the cave dwellers were hunters and gathers"
Well, it shows hunting, but not gathering. Why is this? Does this tell you who did the paintings? Does it speak to a division of labor by sex? What would the paintings look like if the women had painted them?
"It also tells us the cave dwellers constantly moved, through the variety of animals they were able to convey into art."
I agree that this showed the diversity of fauna in the area, but why does this show that they migrated?
d. Good on access and light, but what about the artistic tools themselves? How might they have learned to create the pigments for the color?
e. "To allow cave dwellers to express themselves, and communicate without words."
That's two. A third? And these early humans were capable of speech. Why would they need to communicate and "express themselves" without words? How about the function of storytelling? Or keeping records of hunts for when they migrated back into the territory?
2. Your response here might be limited by your prior answer on functions of this art. What about tracking history and the population's stories? What about recording information important to the community? What about the function of education, teaching the younger members of the community? What about entertainment? Couldn't all of these functions be found in both this ancient and in modern forms of art?
3. Interesting choice! I know there is a lot of controversy over graffiti, but you can see some of the most incredible creative works in graffiti around the city.
Good discussion of the function and the culture.
I agree with the benefits. With regards to costs, would you say that *all* graffiti artists are just trying to express their creativity and create public works of art? Or are some just seeking to make their mark, claim territory, or even make as statement to the community that might, in itself, be detrimental? I agree that many graffiti artists contribute positively to the community, creating beauty where it is lacking, but I think they can also get a bad reputation from those who's motives aren't quite so "artistic" in nature. What do you think?
Hi Dylan,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your description of graffiti art. It is often misunderstood because of the stigma surrounding it. I like how you mentioned that graffiti inspires young people to express themselves as well.