Mod 10- Video Review

1. I selected “African Art” because I thought it could give me more of a perspective on African Mask making. I chose “Buddhism” because I enjoy listening to information about the religion, mainly because it seems to be the least controversial and most interesting to me.

2. The video “African Art” described the culture of early Africa and its artifacts, as well as how they were used. In early African art the use of repetition and rhythm is similar to the music of the culture, with distinct patterns. The artworks were based in forms of masks, sculptures, and bronze statues. These were made to represent the divine and animals, each having a unique and individual style. They were known for their exotic exploration of representation rather than realism; much of the art is conceptually based. Statues were often meant to be the icon worshiped, rather than being a representation of the deity. As well, masks were used for dance rituals that connected the community to their deities.

3. The chapters talked about the specifics of what individual works were meant to represent. It explained that in most African work the people shown were meant to fill a gap of their duty rather than being some one person; unless they were a god. The chapters also mention The Americas and specifically Mesoamerica. In this part of the chapter they show a ritual mask, which shows that across the world people were making masks to celebrate rituals and to represent their skill and a care for their work. 

2. In the video “Buddhism” it discussed the principles behind the religion. Though it is based off fact and legend, the religion was based off positivity and giving up material objects. It is focused on compassion and love, meaning to end illness and suffering.Buddha passing furthered the creation and demand for Buddhist art. In the early work Buddha is shown in symbolism, not as a figure, but through the absence of a figure. Later on, architecture was created with medallions with symbolism of animals.

3. The chapters really connect the facts in the video “Buddhism”, to the history at the time. The chapters explain that making religious images is a form of prayer in Buddhism, which explains the great demand for art. Buddhism was funded, as it was a very popular religion; this created more opportunities for artwork. The chapters are helpful in understand the symbolism behind Buddha, where Buddha is shown as an empty chair, to resemble the importance of his presence, rather than himself as a man. The chapters also explain that Chinese Buddhism was based in architecture and sculptures and the use of them together. This is one of the reasons that medallions were used on pillars.

4. Both of these videos were very helpful for both assignments. I got to piece everything together all at once in terms of why some historic parts of Buddhism are the way they are. It was helpful to go back into the reading and look for parts on Buddhism while watching the video. As well the African art video gave me great examples to base my mask around for the other assignment.

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