30 minute essay

On Tuesday, January 10, we will take 30 minutes of class time to address one of the two topics listed below. Having been given advance notice of the topics, it would be beneficial to do some personal research and choose artworks that you feel would be appropriate to each question. Always be sure you understand exactly what the question is asking, then outline the major points you'll need to address in your essay. Note that each topic requires at least one of the artworks to come from a culture that is outside the European tradition.

Possibility #1

The visual representation of deities and holy personages is a feature of religious beliefs and practices throughout the world.
Select and fully identify two examples of representations of deities or holy personages, in any medium, from two different cultures. At least one of your choices must be from beyond the European tradition. Using specific visual evidence, analyze each work in relation to the religious beliefs and practices within its culture.

Possibility #2

This question asks you to explore the stylistic relationships between the form and content of figurative art.
How a culture is perceived is often expressed in depictions of the human figure. Choose two specific representations of the human body from different cultures. Only one of your choices may be from a European artistic tradition. Discuss significant aspects of each culture that are revealed by the way in which the human body is depicted.