Particular attention is paid to shifting dimensions of fine art, popular culture, and crafts. An exploration of the great variety of visual media created and used by the people of West, Central, and Southern Africa. Architecture, sculpture, textiles, body decoration, and paintings from ancient cultures through traditional small-scale societies, to contemporary African artists are examined. Students focus on the religious and political symbols and writing systems used in sculpture, architecture, and books. Students confront questions of tradition, identity, authenticity and display of sacred objects in the museum setting, through understanding the social and religious use of art in a number of different Native American communities.
Students also study the biographies of Native American artists, both past and present.
An introduction to major art styles of India, China, and Japan. The architecture, sculpture, and painting of East Asia are considered from historical, cultural, and religious perspectives. An intensive study of the ancient Maya of Mexico and Guatemala, creators of magnificent sculpture, architecture, painting, and ceramics. A survey of the artistic traditions of Japan from an historical, cultural, and decorative perspective. Emphasis is placed upon traditions native to Japan.