video review

African Art: A Legacy of Oppression

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

I chose this video because I felt that since African art/culture often used masks, watching this video would relate well to the mask project from this module.

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

• Tervuren Museum ~ world's largest collection of Central African art ~ Approximately 250,000 pieces.
• Masks = most common form of art.
• Masks worn by priests in rituals to connect to the dead.
• Huge range in types of art: fertility figures, magic totems, totems of revenge.
• Abstract ideas, symbolism, simple, dramatic, startling, exaggerated, naturalist.
• Art was meant to take figure away from reality.
• King Leopold began exploiting the natives for harvesting rubber plants; disease, deaths, whippings, severed limbs, rapes. 
• Stole artifacts & put them on display.
• Began to have an affect on Western art of the time period.

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

The video & the text both reinforced each other in the fact that the masks were the most prevalent form of African art.  Both have great images of some really beautiful works of art, including clothing, cups, etc...things someone might not see as art, yet the way it has been done by them makes it art. 

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

I found parts of this film a bit disturbing due to the way the African people were treated. It's not like I wasn't aware of how things were back then, but seeing images of children with severed hands was unnerving to me.  Despite this, the film was interesting.  The masks were so cool & got me excited to try making my own.  Also, the film really showed how African art influenced other artists of the time. Very cool.

Buddhism

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

I chose this video because I have always had an interest in the Buddhist religion, & I hoped this video will be informative about it.

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

• Began in India, Buddha born 560 B.E.C.
• Known as "The Enlightened One."
• Nirvana ~ the total bliss of enlightenment.
• Spoke out against authority, told people to find themselves.
• Started order of monastic monks so future followers of Buddhism would have mentors for guidance/support.
• Basic message of love.
• To be "in the world, but not of it."
• Extinguish all desires for pleasure, position, possessions.
• Chanting, meditation, chimes, bells, drums all part of ceremonies.
• Reproduces wood techniques in stone.
• Lotus = Scared flower.
• 3-tiered umbrella = levels of Heaven.
• Symbolic architecture, statues, beautiful murals, detailed, vivid colors, historical/mythical scenes.

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

This related to the text because it showed the spread of Buddhism to different areas of the world & gave detailed descriptions of the temples & the religion itself. 

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

This was a great film.  All the architecture was incredible, & very beautiful.  I lover learning the meanings of the different types of art, & the fact that pilgrims must always walk clockwise around the temples.