Student 18 Final Exam Fall 1999

What is art? Please discuss/explain the five major aesthetic theories that we have studied this semester, and give at least two examples of art, literature, or other art forms we have studied this semester in support of your explication of each theory. You must explain the aesthetic theory itself, and then explain the symbolism, construction, or other relevant facts of each work of art mentioned, and clearly explain how that piece of art reflects that particular theory. In addition, you must use different disciplinary resources in your responses; for example, use paintings, sculpture, architectural works, and literature.

*note: this exam was transcribed exactly as the student wrote it on the final; nothing has been altered. The student makes use of materials from religion, archaeology, art, and sculpture. The essay is not as detailed as I would have liked on art as self-expression or on art and cosmic order, but the student has grasped the fundamental aspects of each aesthetic school.

Functionalism: Functional art is something that not only is attractive to look at but also serves as a functional item for a purpose. Idealism: Ideal Art is the idea that the artist is creating what he/she feels is the best presentation of the piece. What the artist thinks the piece of art should be rather than what society says it should be. Realism: A piece of art that depicts its subject as it really would look in real life. Art in the Cosmos: Art that is designed to show the connection between the spiritual world and the physical world. This style of art visually will be associated with a specific religion or culture. Self: This form of art (usually literature) shows the view how to accomplish the task of reaching inner peace by understanding ones self or inner soul/spirit.

1. Functional: The Paleolithic cave art is a prime example of functional art. The cave at Lascaus was found in the middle of the 20th century by some children playing in the hills of Lascaux. When the artwork in the cave was discovered it was dated between 30,000 and 10,000 B.C. There are several reasons the art is believed to be functional. One very important aspect was that the paintings on the walls were painted one on top of the other. This would suggest that once the painting was used for its purpose, its importance had disappeared and another animal was painted over it. Another very important aspect was the nik marks found on and around the paintings. This suggest that something was thrown at the painting, possible a weapon of some sort. These two facts put together would suggest that the drawings served a ceremonial purpose. Possible a ceremony for a good and successful hunt. Another important aspect was the difficult to reach location of the drawings in the caves (shaft of the deadman). This would suggest that possible the drawings also served as some form of religious ceremony. The artist are unknown due to the creations being done during the prehistoric period (no written record).

2. Idealism: The unfinished statues of the tomb of Julius II are prime examples of idealistic art. Michelangelo carved these statues for Pope Julius II in the later part of 15th century (prior to 1500 ce). These statues (cross legged slave, block head slave, etc.) are what Michelangelo concidened to be more perfect that any statue that he completed (David, Pieta). His belief in Neoplatonism created the attitude that the viewer should finish the statue in his mind to create the perfect state for himself. Michelangelo gave the viewer a glimpse or what is possible in the marble, now the viewer must finish it. To Michelangelo this was ideal art. Also his views on Neoplatonism dictated that the should is always trying to struggle to free itself from the bondage of matter. The unfinished statues display this idea perfectly. The statues appear as though they are struggling to free themselves from the marble.

3. Realism: Michelangelo was also exceptional at depicting realistic art. "The Pieta" completed in 1500 C.E. is a prime example of realistic art. The body of Christ really appears to be dead, with the hanging limbs and limp body. Also the facial features of both Christ and Mary are amazing. The clothing worn by Mary appears to be real also and it is all made of hard marble. Michelangelo did use some deceptive measures to make the piece seem real. He used the idea of fire shortening to make body of Christ smaller than what it actually was, but the statue would have looked funny if Christ was shown at actual size. He also made Mary much younger than she actually was at the time of Christ's death. These tactics were done to make the piece look proper and give more of an emotional feel to it.

4. Art in the Cosmos: This is seen the Hindu Religion with the statue of "Shiva, Lord of the Dance". This piece has been duplicated many times since it was an idol god; therefore the creator and creation date are unknown. The statue itself is a fine example of the bridge between the spiritual world and the physical world. The statue has a ring of fire around it with which symbolizes destruction as well as recreation. The statue itself has many symbolic traits also, the right hand of the statue holds a drum and the other right hand holds a snake that is wrapped around it. Both symbols represent creation and rebirth. One left hand holds fire which is symbolic of destruction and the other left hand points to the statues feet. The right foot is standing on a dwarf which is symbolic of ignorance (or I guess it could be said the stompout of ignorance) and the left foot is elevated showing a separation from earth. This figure is the comic link between creation, rebirth, destruction, growth found in the physical world.

5. Self: This form of art is usually found in literature or texts that either give direction to people to find out who they are or give a description of the outcome of their lifes if they don't find out who they are. A prime example of this is the Hindu Upinshads. Written between the 8th and 6th century B.C.E. (until written in sand skrit, the written languages of India, the Upanshads were hand down from generation to generation verbally). This text does not give direction as to how to discover ones inner self but it does explain what will happen if one doesn't . The goal of a Hindu is to reach barman (the one true force, He is at the top of the wheel of life). And to achieve this goal, a Hindu will be judged as to how good he was in the previous life. If he was good, he will be elevated on the wheel of life, if he was bad, he will decend on th ewheel and possible be removed from the wheel and be placed in the "world of the animal." The Upanshads do say to be good, so to climb the wheel of life, one must find their inner self and to meditate is the way. These text are a form of literary art giving direction as to how to find one's self.

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