Cultural Influences on Art

Key Concepts

• Traditions
• Symbols
• Materials
• Techniques
• Community Values

Traditions

Traditions are practices or customs that have been passed down through generations. In art, traditions can influence the themes, styles, and subjects of artworks. For example, traditional Japanese art often features nature and landscapes, reflecting the cultural appreciation for the natural world.

Imagine traditions like a family recipe. Just as a recipe is passed down and shared, artistic traditions are shared and practiced by many people over time.

Symbols

Symbols are objects, colors, or shapes that represent ideas or concepts. In art, symbols can carry deep cultural meanings. For instance, the lotus flower in Egyptian art symbolizes creation and rebirth, reflecting the cultural beliefs of the time.

Think of symbols like emojis. Just as a smiley face emoji can represent happiness, certain symbols in art can represent important ideas or values in a culture.

Materials

Materials are the substances used to create art. Different cultures use different materials based on availability and cultural significance. For example, Aboriginal Australians use natural materials like ochre and wood to create their art, reflecting their connection to the land.

Imagine materials like building blocks. Just as different blocks can create different structures, different materials can create different types of art that reflect the culture they come from.

Techniques

Techniques are the methods used to create art. Each culture develops unique techniques based on their artistic traditions and available tools. For example, the intricate paper cutting technique in Chinese art, known as Jianzhi, showcases the cultural skill and precision.

Think of techniques like playing a musical instrument. Just as different instruments have different ways of being played, different cultures have different ways of creating art.

Community Values

Community values are the beliefs and principles that a group of people share. These values often influence the themes and messages in art. For example, the art of the Maasai people in Africa often depicts their values of community, strength, and protection.

Imagine community values like rules in a game. Just as rules guide how a game is played, community values guide what is important and what is depicted in art.

Examples

Let's say you are creating a piece of art inspired by Native American culture. You might use natural materials like feathers and beads, incorporate symbols like the eagle or the sun, and use techniques like beading or weaving. Your artwork would reflect the cultural traditions, symbols, materials, techniques, and community values of Native American art.

By understanding these cultural influences, you can create art that not only looks beautiful but also tells a story about the culture it represents.