ART AS CULTURE

 ART AS CULTURE

1.  Functions of Early Art: 

As I virtually walked through the Lascaux cave paintings, I wondered what the animals and symbols meant. It seemed like the ancient artists were connected to nature and relied on hunting for food. There were many animal pictures, but few people. I think the paintings were a way for them to tell stories about their environment and how they fit into it. The paintings might also have been used for ceremonies, showing their spiritual world. The many animals shown suggest they respected and relied on nature.

I think that the absence of human figures in the paintings is due to their focus on showcasing their relationship with the natural world, daily challenges and visualizing themselves hunting those animals through sympathetic magic. Mainly because most of the animals painted in the caves were predators, such as cave bears and lions, rather than prey. The ancient practice of sympathetic magic involves causing harm to an image of an animal, believing that the real animal would suffer similar consequences. By drawing these images, they may have sought protection or taken on the ferocity and skill of the animals to increase their hunting success.

The Lascaux Cave paintings provide a glimpse into the spiritual practices of cave dwellers or Paleolithic people, their connection with nature, and their struggles and challenges such as hunting and gathering. The presence of multiple animals in a single painting may indicate that they believed in a spiritual connection between humans and animals. The paintings also tell us about their artistic abilities and capabilities to create instruments like portable lamps and lithic tools used for engraving, which were impressive considering the limited resources available to them. 

Also, according to the Archeologie.culture.fr "The dating of the parietal figures in the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc cave shows that engraving and drawing were perfectly mastered as of 30,000 years BCE."

The Paleolithic people had to overcome problems with darkness, humidity, and rough terrain to create these paintings. They had to represent three-dimensional space with limited colors, using a palette consisting mainly of black, dark brown, red, and yellow. To overcome this difficulty, the artist would leave an uncolored space between two anatomical segments that are normally joined or superimposed and created a slightly lighter border to mark the boundaries of the two surfaces. This suggests that art was not just a form of entertainment but a vital aspect of their daily lives.

Speculating on three possible functions of this art to early humans, I propose:

1. The paintings may have played a crucial role in early religious practices, allowing them to connect with their spiritual world.

2. The art could have served as a means of sharing knowledge and stories about the natural world, passing down important information from generation to generation.

3. The collective effort required to create these paintings may have fostered social bonding among the Paleolithic people.

2. Commonalities in Function:

The commonalities I can observe between early human art and modern art forms are that both forms of art serve as a means of self-expression, communication and storytelling. The cave paintings tell stories about the daily lives and myths of the people who created them. Modern art often employs narrative techniques, such as sequential images, comic strips, or graphic novels. The Lascaux paintings feature three-dimensional renderings of animals, using techniques like layering, shading, and texture to create depth and volume. Similarly, many modern artists use 3D modeling and printing techniques to create complex, multi-dimensional sculptures. Additionally, experimentation with materials and collaboration between artists are essential aspects of both ancient and modern art. They also provide a window into the culture and society of their respective eras. Whether it's the intricate cave paintings or modern photography, both forms have the power to evoke emotions and bring people together.

 3.  Introduce Us to Your Favorite Art:

My favorite form of art is Photography and I think it has become an important part of modern storytelling and self-expression. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to documenting social justice movements, photography has evolved as a means for sharing experiences and perspectives. For those who practice photography, it serves as a means of expressing themselves and sharing their unique perspective on the world. An example of this is the social justice activist David Bacon, who has spent over three decades capturing the stories of marginalized communities. He uses his camera to bringing attention to issues like labor rights, immigration reform, and environmental degradation. By sharing his work, Bacon aims to inspire change and mobilize action.

The culture surrounding photography is vast and diverse, characterized by:

Style: Photography has a wide range of style and aesthetics for example, fine art, documentary, street, landscape, portrait, still life and abstract photography. 

Experimentation: Photographers continuously explore new techniques, technologies, and creative approaches. 

Storytelling: Photography is a powerful means of storytelling, allowing photographers to convey complex ideas, emotions, and experiences through a single image or a series of images. This can bring attention to social justice issues and inspire people to take action.

Community: The photography community is vast and global, with numerous online forums, social media groups, and in-person events that connect photographers from diverse backgrounds and skill levels.

Innovation: Photography has driven technological innovation, from the development of film to digital cameras, and from printing techniques to editing software. They may use software to manipulate their images, creating surreal or dreamlike scenarios that blend reality and fantasy.

Photography is a powerful art form that has revolutionized the way we communicate and express ourselves. It helps us preserve memories, allowing us to relive and share them with others. Photography provides a visual record of historical events, cultural practices, and natural phenomena, helping us understand the past and appreciate the present.

However, photography also has its drawbacks. The ease of taking photos has led to an overwhelming amount of digital content, making it challenging to navigate and retain information. The widespread use of cameras raises concerns about privacy and surveillance, particularly in public spaces. Photography can be used to manipulate or exploit individuals or groups for personal gain. By acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of photography, we can work towards creating a more thoughtful and responsible photographic culture that benefits everyone involved.