Origins

Taking Art History I has truly opened my eyes to the function and importance of art in society throughout time.  As an artist, it is significant to me to be able to understand all the ways art has been influential beyond the role of art in modern society.  I find it especially interesting to know that art’s most prominent functions through history have been related to either religious practices or utilitarian uses.  Art has been used in religious ceremonies, to promote religious beliefs, to evoke the essence of the divine, etc.—long before the church began building cathedrals or making icons.  Such has been the case all over the world, from the Greeks—who celebrated religion and order through their beautiful architecture and art, to the Egyptians—who created massive pyramids and artwork in tombs and temples out of an extreme reverence for the gods and the Egyptians’ strong ideas about the afterlife.  Yet, something that functioned for such lofty purposes was also related to something as commonplace as making pottery and utensils, yet was essential in both cases, and served to satisfy both humanity’s spiritual and physical needs.

Art is still used today in religious practices, but its uses have broadened.  Modern artists often use art as a tool for self-expression, propaganda, visual appeal, or to convey beliefs less religious in nature.  Today, art is often created simply to be placed in a gallery setting in order to stimulate the thoughts of the gallery-goers.  But the historical functions of art cannot be avoided, though they can occasionally seem contrary to the modern world of art.  Either way, I find the similarities and differences between artistic conventions of various ages and cultures intriguing and modern art’s heritage to be beautiful.

Ultimately, I have been exposed to so much art in this class and learned tons about how it has been used by society, and have found the process to be enjoyable and rewarding.