To understand works of art, we put them into the context most suitable in guiding us toward that answer. Our experience with art can be visceral and personal. It should be. “Projecting meaning” into works or art has value. However, we cannot stop there; our personal opinions are not conclusive. In science, the humanities, and in making art, questions are far often more important than answers because they point us toward a particular direction.
I must stress how important this is. How we study Asian art, is by looking at its function. Why does a Ming Dynasty bowl have several ‘families’ of glaze? Decoration yes, but also philosophical symbolism. Yes, even on a vase.
Aesthetics – Function – Concept
As with Buddhist pagodas in Cambodia, and the designs and architectural elements of the ancient Angkor temples such as Angkor Wat, there are symbolic, religious, and social functions. The art displayed in contemporary Buddhist temples in Cambodia (in Cambodia referred to as ‘pagoda’) may appear to some viewers as simply ‘decoration.’ Never is that the case. As the stained glass windows of Medieval cathedrals of Europe, the interior, and sometimes exterior, murals are teaching aids. When art serves an educational function, this is referred as ‘didactic.’
Assignment 3 and afterward, we will be ready to explore the meaning and symbolism of the art. We cannot achieve that without some basic understanding of the purpose of it all. That’s when you’ll learn how to go about interpreting art.
Assignment 2 Question
The primary question for this assignment is:
What is the role and purpose of art and architecture for the people of modern-day Cambodia?
Let me offer something relevant to some of you to put this into perspective. If I asked you, “What role do the teachings of Christ play in your life,” assuming you are Christian, you would offer something personal. You wouldn’t tell me there are sixty-six books in the Bible, or that Jesus of Nazareth spoke Aramaic. That is irrelevant to the question, maybe. “What roles do sports play in your life?” I could ask. You might talk about how they bring you and your family and friends closer together during game time. Or, playing sports helps you to focus and builds strength. You would not give me statistics on the last ten Super Bowls.
A question such as I am asking you in this assignment requires something not always easy to answer because the answers are often personal. I cannot answer what being a Christian or basketball player is for you. But that is what I am (sort of) asking you to do for people you know next to nothing about.
Except, you are considering what this art and architecture does for them. How might the arts and how they function help a people to structure their society?
We have to put ourselves in their place. This requires some imagination. Hopefully, if you have really watched the videos, you may have some idea how the Khmer people, past and present, have created their societies based on this art and architecture. An academic term for this kind of thinking is, “Critical Art Theory.” Seeing art as it may function for others within their culture. This is an attempt to put ourselves in their place.
(I am sure you have heard about Critical Race Theory, which very few people seem to understand. I do not necessarily expect them to, any more than I would think they could explain to me Critical Art Theory. However, these concepts are equally based on certain models of inquiry and historical context. Anyway…)
So, back to the Assignment Question and how to go about answering it.
Your essay should be based entirely on my lesson notes, the page “Art in Rural Asia,” and the videos presented in this assignment.
Everything you need to know for this question is in those videos. Remember, GOOGLE is NOT a library. Use what I provide. You are the one who must identify those parts of the videos that address our question and how you choose to answer it.
It is expected you have watched everything and taken notes.
The Assignment Notes provide several comparisons that could address the question. Or you could come up with your own after reviewing your notes from the videos.
Speaking of Structure. I suggest you review the tutorial on how to structure your essays. Open this page: TUTORIALS: Learning Strategies and Guidelines in Fred’s Courses Then, scroll down to this heading: You will see two illustrations that picture how your topic MUST be linked to the works of art or architecture you are writing about.
Essay Requirements:
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Minimum 300 words. Minimum, although, more might be necessary. So, I do cap essays at 800 words.
- when I am hired to write an essay or book, my publisher always states how many words my writing should come in at. They set the maximum rather than minimum.
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A well-written essay that is clearly presented.
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Your comparisons between Angkorian and modern pagoda art and architecture should be illustrated. NO ATTACHMENTS. Embed. If attached, you will lose points.
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Cut and Paste your essay – no pdf or docx attachments