Before we start the New Year and venture into the Italian Renaissance in full swing, I'm requesting your attention for one viewing assignment listed below:
PBS last year ran a weekly series entitled "Art Through Time". The series takes thirteen themes and discusses a variety of artworks from different cultures that reflect the weekly theme of the particular episode. All episodes are available, along with a wealth of supplemental information, at the following site:
http://www.learner.org/courses/globalart/
From now until the end of our break, take 27 minutes to view Episode 3, "History and Memory".
As you watch, and after viewing, consider the following questions and respond in a typed paper no more than 2 pages or 1,000 words:
1. How does art have an effect on our ideas about historical events? What are the roles and responsibilities of artists in presenting historical depictions?
2. Societies use art to commemorate certain important individuals in their history or to memorialize significant events. What types of markers of historical memory do you encounter during your normal daily routine? Why do you pay attention or ignore those commemorations? What memorials have you traveled to view personally? Why was this monument meaningful enough for you to visit?
3. Some historical events and figures remain in the forefront of a culture’s collective memory, while others, who may have been as influential, fade away. How has art assisted in the keeping events or people in the foreground of the collective memory?
4. Often art presents certain events that will prompt different responses, depending on who views it, and when and where it is viewed. What responsibility does the art viewer have in interpreting the accuracy of its message and legacy?
5. In some instances, objects originally used as mnemonic devices to prompt memories become objects of art. What shifts our perceptions of an object that elevates it in such a way?
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