lillian jackson :)

art history page !!

[samjochum7-blog]

Week 4

Chapter 4 talks about the ancient Near East and how they were the ones who invented writing. It talks about how this enabled people to keep documents and to create a body of literature, and how they came up with the first known epic poetry, written history, religious texts, and economic records. These were based on certain traditions they shared and shed a light on the artists that came up with this work.

The Neolithic Era was a time period way before the Near East period and focused more on agriculture and animal herding. We learn that with the droughts and floods, it made it hard to grow crops so society came in effect and they learned how to manage water supplies and irrigation systems. Jericho and Catal Huyuk were two major settlements that were discussed and are known to be the world’s oldest sites.

Mesopotamia is another major thing that was discussed which is known as the “land between the rivers”. The climate was pretty bad and so they had to know how to work the irrigation systems because of it. This era ended and started the new period with the first known monumental temples. The Uruk Period was known to be the Protoliterate which was the the first writing was developed. It talks about how certain conventions had generally recognized features of representation which was evident that the characteristics of Near Eastern art. Ziggurats were very important back then because they built many things for the architecture part and that word is which means raised, and I think this is pretty cool because they were the ones who made the altars back then or the tall stairs. It is also very crazy to think about how these ancient settlements were the ones who converted pictures to words because that carries on in human history and is something we use today, not only for our own knowledge but to use it to look back on our ancestors and how certain things are the way they are and it is very important to know in life. The architecture was also something that was carried on because it is the lifestyle we live today and we have learned how to do all of this from the settlements back then because it is when it all started. The figures and different people they have represented in the pages represent their culture and to resemble what they believe in and the meaning behind it. It baffles me how they come up with some of these castle looking projects with the symbols on them and how it is so perfect and symmetrical and I think it is very neat. Looking at the artwork, it had to take so long to put that to perfection because creating the soldiers to be perfect would be tough especially since they do not have the designated tools to make it easier for them to make sure it is a masterpiece. It makes me wonder the things they put together, how it looked perfect for so long, meaning wouldn’t they fade over time or are the things they used to put it together meant to last over time?

[lillianjackson29-blog]

I really liked how you contributed to compare their ancient work to today’s modern society and art. It’s very true when you say that we still use certain things to this day that was built or created so long ago. We have interpreted the meaning of this art but we could be wrong. But to say the least, they really must have tried their hardest and these things they have created must have meant a lot to them. They really do perfect their masterpieces and you explained that very well. I personally liked learning about Mesopotamia because I have heard of that area before but this really opened my eyes to new information! Well done!

[kelnken-blog]

Week 3: The Venus Figurines

The Venus Figurines of the European Paleolithic Era are a mystery to many archeologists, just as many artifacts that are found from the past.  Archeologists can only guess or try to tie things together to understand their meaning.   The pieces range from 1-½ to 9.8” in height and they are made of many different materials ranging from soft stone to bone, ivory, or clay.  

One of the largest mysteries is that these are obviously pieces of women, but the women of that day and age would not have looked like the statues.  The time that the statues were made, Europe would’ve been in the midst of severe ice age and it’s unlikely that there was any obesity.  The carvings, however, have curvaceous bodies with large breasts, bottoms, abdomen, hips and thighs.  The heads, if they have one, are usually small and show no detail, they don’t have hands or feet either.  Some of the pieces appear to be pregnant and others show no sign of that.   There is some belief that these pieces symbolized hope for survival, abundance and longevity.  Some other theories are self-portraits, stone age dolls, religious icons, a mother goddess, and possibly pornographic imagery.  One of the strangest theories that I saw was that they were possibly figurines of life-sized animal brain-images.  See the picture below:

I believe that they are images of fertility, life and hope for abundance.  They appear to me to be a woman who is healthy and fertile.  In later years you see that they are adorned with “jewelry” or more art is shown on the figurine itself.  I think these figures brought hope to the people and showed the beauty of a woman.

http://missioningition.net/bethe/venus_turtles.php https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/venus-figurines-european-paleolithic-era-001548

[lillianjackson29-blog]

This is written very well and with much detail. i really liked the points you made about possible different reasons and theories behind the Venus figurines. The photo of the life sized animal brains is a very strange but one of the most interesting theories I have heard. I personally think that the figurines are supposed to reflect a healthy woman and something along the lines of fertility and reproduction. I like that you said these brought hope to people and showed the beauty of a woman, that is super cool. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and opinions!

[lillianjackson29-blog]

Chapter 3- Venus Figurines

Chapter 3 discussed prehistoric Europe and famous artwork pieces that date back 1800 b.c. It discussed cave paintings, monoliths, and Venus figurines. I am going to write specifically about the Venus figurines. I did not know what these were before reading this week's chapter. A Venus sculpture or figurine is a very exaggerated and over the top version of the female body. Often having huge stomachs, legs, breasts, and hips. They tend to not have a lot of detail and extra features in the rest of the body such as arms and head area. They are most commonly made from mammoth tusk but there has been discoveries of limestone as well. There has been more than 200 of these Venus figurines discovered to present day. There are many theories about the Venus figures and many of these theories have to do with reproduction and sexuality but also religion. They say because the reproductive parts of these figurines are so over the top and exaggerated that they were made to be associated with sexuality and reproduction. Some even believe that these were worn as accessories, a necklace, and often used in religion, such as rituals. As I said before, theories say that these were used for religions rituals and in religion. I think this is most definitely a possibility because these dolls or figures are so extremely over the top. Something about the female body or females in general is clearly a very important aspect with these figurines. People can continue to make up theories and stories behind why these figurines ever came into existence in the first place. For all we know, this could have just been a popular art form during this BC era. We can never truly know the meaning or use of these Venus figurines but I am sure people will keep coming up with things based on the evidence they can find from the dolls and the time period in which they were created. People create art because of the happiness it brings them and you have the freedom to take art in any direction you’d prefer. That is why I believe these Venus figurines could have little to no meaning and we are thinking to hard for theories and explanations, but this is something we will never know or be able to find out. I think that is what makes this chapter and these ancient prehistoric pieces of art so interesting. You get the choice to believe the reasons and theories others have come up with and put together first, or you can create your own.

[thejosephshea-blog]

Week Two: Chapter 2 + The Pleasure and Meaning of Making

I think I’d like to mostly agree with Dissanayaka however, I do think some of her points are more correlation rather than causation. With her arguments about the history of art and why it connects to humans, I like to think that humans are a very connectivity based species. A lot of how we live is based on our connections, like if you look at some of the most successful tribes of early humans, they stayed alive by staying connected. So I feel like special tools and weapons and belongings people would decorate them to make them more appealing, And I feel that when they did this it made them feel more connected with the thing. You could say the same thing about pieces relating to religion, it made people feel more connected with god/gods.

I like what she said about “Makings is not only pleasurable but meaningful,” because think about it, when you make friends, food, children, objects, you feel good about it it feels good to create, so why is art any different why shouldn’t you feel good about making something creative or something unique that you like. This is a real biological standpoint on art, you do things that make you feel good, and our biology hasn’t changed all that much since the early humans, so it can be expected that they felt this too when they created art.

I think the biggest connection I personally can connect between chapter two in the book and Dissanayake’s article. Is color, and it’s not so much in Dissanayake’s article but ancient art. I feel when you look at old art even just the cave paintings, you see red as an angry color and aggressive evil color, fire is almost always associated with demons and devils, fire or dark. But when you look at ancient gods and healers, they were associated with the sky, calm blue, and white. So I feel that meaning and purposes in colors are not a new thing in art, and I feel it was always there.

One thing I do disagree on is that all art has some big meaning on it. I could be misinterpreting Dissanayake a bit here, But I feel as though she is trying to say that all art has some big meaning behind it, when I feel as though a lot of it is just what it means. I feel as though ancient Greek paintings didn’t have a special meaning behind it like a lot of art pieces now have. I feel as though they are just trying to tell a story. It doesn’t show that “the artist had emotions he could keep inside anymore,” or anything like that they just made a painting depicting what a certain battle or story was like. It goes back to that pleasure of creating, a lot of people may create because it feels good, not because it means anything.

Art has been a huge part of my life. I use it as an escape, I use it as the silver lining in our society. Music and movies are probably the two biggest media forms of art. I listen to music non stop I watch and analyze movies all the time. I feel like I’m not alone in this either I feel as though a lot of people use arts are a way to feel enjoyments. So when I create a song or create a “bond” or connection with a movie, I feel good. I made something and It feels good to do that. I can see where Dissanayake is coming from when she says there is pleasure in creating. I feel like a lot of people can relate to that.

[lillianjackson29-blog]

This is very well written! I like that you took a paragraph to talk about the colors and how we interpret them. I never really realized how important colors are in art and the way we understand art until now. We all look at art differently but colors are pretty similar through everyone’s eyes. I also believe it to be true that not all art has the same amount of meaning, a lot of ancient abstract art is meaningless. Whether it seem meaningless because we don’t understand it or because it truly was made just for fun with no message behind it. But making art does create joy and happiness. 

[lillianjackson29-blog]

Chapter 2 + The Pleasure and Meaning of Making

I see a lot of value in art, from random art to it being a way to express yourself. I see art and it’s value as very positive, in all aspects. I really value all types of art, not only paintings and drawings. I value the art of nature and arts such as dance and music. Art is a huge part of my life when it comes to dance. I have danced for as long as I can remember, it has always been my sort of escape from reality. Dance is my way to free myself and get my mind off of things, the same way some people use drawing and painting. Art is so much more than what people realize and appreciate. This is affects my life directly each and every day, it has a huge benefit on me and my life. As we evolve and mature, so does our art and the way we use art. I agree with what Dissanayake says about making art for our “everyday lives”. But as we continue to change, we really do lose the meaning of art. I think it becomes harder to value art and think it is important. Many people are not passionate about art but I think this is because they have not had a reason to really get involved with art and see all the positive potential. We are surrounded by art and although it is not needed for human survival, it can really shine positivity onto our lives. She says that we are attracted to the pleasurable things such as friends, food, sleep, etc. but art can really enhance those things that are necessary for life. Art really is so much more, art can be anything you want it to be. Art truly makes you who you are, it makes us each unique individuals. Without a society full of art, everything would be boring and very similar. Art is so valuable and it will never lose its value. It is all how we see it and decide to value it. We must share our talents with society and with others around us to keep the value of our art and actions alive.

[lucasosty-blog]

Trevi Fountain Art |history week 1

My favorite piece of art would have to be the Trevi fountain. I enjoy the simplicity of it and how clean and amazing it looks.

[brycelorinmed15-blog]

I also really enjoy this piece, Lucas! I’ve never heard of it but wow, all of those sculptures are amazing and must have taken some serious work to complete. I also like how this features water with all the stone and sculptures. 

[samjochum7-blog]

Bryce this art work is truly amazing. I enjoy the simplicity of it as well and it looks very nice. I would love to see this in person sometime if I had the opportunity!!

[lillianjackson29-blog]

This is gorgeous! I love that it is a real piece of art rather than a drawing or painting! This is somewhere I’d really like to go someday, it has so much detail yet it’s so simple!

[lillianjackson29-blog]

I really enjoy Georgia O’Keeffe and all of her art work. She does a lot of happy, yet abstract, pieces. A lot of them being flowers, which I enjoy seeing!