Art History – Questions 1&2 Solutions

We have continued our study of the art created by cultures outside of the West. Like those we studied last week, many of the cultures studied this week also created monumental works of architecture, but often for very different reasons than what we saw last week. In 3 well-developed paragraphs locate 2 specific examples of monumental architecture created by 2 different cultures we studied this week and discuss:

1. Why do you believe each culture undertook the creation of your selected monumental work of architecture and sculpture despite the difficulties of accomplishing them? What can we assume about a work of art without such knowledge?
2. How do the reasons for their works compare with those of a more modern example of monumental art work, such as Mount Rushmore, the 9/11 Memorial, etc.?

Be sure to explain your ideas clearly and support them by discussing specific works of art that you have read about this week, talking about how they illustrate and support your ideas.

Question 2:

The tradition of mask-making and masquerade can be found the world over, but no place is it as pervasive, diverse and rich as found in the traditional arts of West and Central Africa. Although these masks are often seen as works of art in the West, they typically were not intended to be a work of art. Interestingly, in many African societies there is not a word for “art.” In 3 well-developed paragraphs select 3 different traditional African masks, each from a different African society. Discuss:

1. How is the mask used and what is its purpose?
2. Does putting the mask on display in some place like an art museum or gallery change what you think of it?

Be sure to explain your ideas clearly and support them by discussing specific works of art that you have read about this week, talking about how they illustrate and support your ideas.