1. I choose: What is Islamic Art, African Art, Hinduism, and Buddhism because of the way each culture relates their religion to art. Each culture has a different concept of worship and their artistic objects that they worship. It was interesting to visual their works of art in relationship to worship and religion.
2. Hinduism: In Varanasi the River Ganges is the symbol of life, death and rebirth. Priests perform aarti a ceremony to honor Brahma/God. Varanasi is the holiest city in India. Similar to Christian saints, Hinduism gods and goddesses provide access to Brahma. Architecture is lush and decorative. There are many sculptures of gods. If a person is cremated in Varanasi on the Ganges they will have direct access to heaven. In mamallapuram Mother Ganges turns to stone. The place is holy and highly decorated. The caves are decorated with the epic and the ordinary. They are carved in boulders of stone and the shrines in Mamallapuram are highly decorated. Shrines can rest on pillars for over 1500 years. The shore temple is a treasure house of Hindu art and architecture. In the 9th century the Chandella rules built The Kandariya Mahadev Temple, which stands in Khajuraho. Panels are covered in erotic images. Pilgrims pay homage to the lingam/phallus for its life giving and creative forces. Hinduism religion teaches that there are many ways to Brahma and Hinduism carries a deep sense of sprit in everyday life.
Buddhism; The key to Buddhist teaching is tanha. This is getting rid of all desire and all things that feed the ego and obstruct enlightenment. Hinayana and Mahanyana are the two groups of Buddhism. The Golden Age of Buddha is when art and architecture grew across India. Sanchi is a center of Buddhist art and architecture. The Bodhi Tree represents and symbolizes Buddha. As pilgrims walk clockwise around the Stupa, they let go of material things for the attainment of virtue. The walkway is a discovery of art and architecture. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist shrine. There are 432 carved Buddha’s and was uncovered in 1815. The Chuang Yen Monastery is dedicated to Buddhism. This contains the largest Buddha in the Western Hemisphere. Buddhism religion and Hinduism share beliefs.
African Art: The oldest existing African art is African rock art. The paints were of animals and humans. Bronze was used in Egyptian and Nigerian Art that display influences of agriculture. Zimbabwean Art was a form of royal art and is symbolic to architectural style of the 14th century. Picasso was influenced by Primitive Art. Most African art is conceptual. European art is perceptual. Crafts are combined with art. Traditional designs are used, but artist do show individuality. African art objects do reflect Supernatural powers. Masks and costumes are designed to be used by fire light. Much of Modern African art is used for a large retail business.
Islamic Art: Art does not play a role in Islamic rituals. The Jameel Gallery in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is the home of the greatest collection of Islamic art. The rock crystal ewer is rare and precious. The Quranic manuscripts display the literal word of God. Ivory is used for many pieces of artwork. The Ardabil Carpet is one of the most important carpets in the world. Islamic art is directed towards objects used in every day life. Art work is very visual. Turkish silks and velvets are used in art collections. Islam art has rules and restrictions about using images of animals and humans. Poetry and romance is used in Islamic art. Art patrons have typically been rulers. Islamic Art is difficult to trace. Inlaid metalwork is one of the most wonderful traditions. Islamic art and European Art share many connections.
3. I tend to find the videos give much more detail. The readings tell us about the cultures and their ways, where viewing the videos display how serious and meaningful their people feel about heir religions and their places of worship.
4. I think the films are a great way for us the see other aspects of religion and history in other parts of the world
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