Module 10 - Video Blog

Buddhism:

1.    Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I selected Buddhism because it’s a religion that has always captured my fascination.  But more than the religion, their art and reliance on history in their art is also a factor.

2.    For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

They use their religion in a lot of their art, an example would be them carving the teachings of the Buddha in granite pillars.  The pieces of art have a meaning as associated with Buddhist concepts.  They used bronze, stone, granite, and many other forms.  A lot of buildings and sculptures.  The architectural style of a lot of their smaller buildings stands out among others with their tiered shapes. 

3.    How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

This video enchances the section in the book about Buddhist art.

4.    What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

The video explains both the history of the religion and the history of the art associated with it.  It covers things that are not covered in the book and enforces what is covered in the book with real life imagery. 

Chinese Art: Treasures of the National Palace Museum

1.    Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose this video because, much like Buddhism, I have always been attracted to Chinese art.  A lot of their art seems pretty abstract but it’s the color mixtures that attracts me the most. 

2.    For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The detail on the curio cabinet the video showed was amazing.  With the cabinet shut, it was beautiful enough but when opened it opened to a great amount of artistic space.  As the video rolls through different pieces of art, there does not seem to be a common type of art medium.  There is wood, porcelain, metals and many other types.  A lot of sculptures were shown also, many of them in bronze and all with great detail, not just of the body but of the decorations surrounding the body. 

3.    How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

This video also enhances the part of the text that covered Chinese art.

4.    What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

Like all of these videos, they cover what we read in the text.  They do not specifically call out exactly as the text does, the artistic values but they do show you the art as it is and allows you to relate the text to the real life.