Videos
Buddhism, and Hinduism
1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected these two videos because they're areas I have a lot of interest in, and with Buddism being an offshoot of Hinduism, it felt easier to express the connection between the two. I'm familiar with some of the architecture associated with these teachings, but not deeply so, or from a historical perspective either. More from my own interests, last winter I backpacked through India and saw first hand the beauty of the ancient architecture there. seeing ancient cultures like that really helps to posit how young America is.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
The Buddism video started out giving a succinct history to the start of Buddism, from there going into the start of it's following and where worship initially started. A location, Bodh Gaya, also sacred to Jains, Hindus, as well as Buddhists. Believers took pilgrimages to Buddist temples and walked through buildings designed to encourage the believers to relinquish their worldly desires. This video also touched on how Buddhism spread throughout Asia, and eventually into the Western world.
The Hinduism video very similarly covered the initial steps of teachings, and basic understandings of Hinduism, then covering the Holy lands before going into the followers and the beautiful symbolism within this religion.
3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The book briefly covers many aspects of archetecture thoroughout the Islamic world, and many parts of Asia, toching on notible figrues of influence within these worlds.
4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to the understanding of the readings and art concepts?
These videos were very enjoyable to watch and relisten to, as I've stated, these areas I have a previous interest in, so to further my knowledge of these cultures felt like a treat. They felt very considerate, covering the various aspects within the region and the beliefs held there without passing judgment, which I find can easily occur when people from outside a culture come in to do a documentary and don't check their own bias' and egocentric ways. Though, when I traveled through India, not sure when these videos were recorded, but there were many "modern" looking Indians, and Indian tourists also partaking in the absorption of their surroundings. I didn't see as much of that reflected in the video.
I plan to do the extra credit, using images I took while traveling throughout India, and the various beautiful scenes I came across while there.
Making Art
1. Upload the three (3) inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket account). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.
2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.
3. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece.
4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.
