Imagine you are a curator at your local city’s Museum of Art. You have been asked to organize a small exhibition of objects of art from the cultures of China, Japan, Africa, and the Americas; you will also showcase Islamic art. Your exhibition should include representative objects that highlight significant and essential ideas of each culture. You may plan to include actual objects in your exhibition, or photographs or models of larger structures or sculptures.
Survey your course textbook and reliable internet websites to locate two art objects from each of the following five cultures: China, Japan, Africa, the Americas, and Islam, that you would like to include in your exhibition. Your objects must date to the time period we are studying in this course (Prehistory -1300 CE). You will select a total of ten objects for display in your “Exhibition of World Art.” Explain how you will present the objects in your exhibition.
In a paragraph of 8-10 sentences, write a summarizing overview of your “Exhibition of World Art,” highlighting key similarities and distinctions between the objects you have curated. Imagine that visitors to your exhibition will read this overview as they enter your “Exhibition of World Art,” and provide them with any information or context they may need to fully appreciate the objects on display.
Offer a citation of your sources for each image and the information provided as appropriate.
Full Answer Section
China
- Jade Bi Disc (Liangzhu Culture, 3000-2000 BCE)
This exquisite jade Bi disc, dating back to the Liangzhu Culture, represents the sophisticated craftsmanship and symbolic significance of jade in ancient China. The Bi disc, characterized by its central hole and smooth, symmetrical form, was believed to hold immense spiritual power and was often used in rituals and ceremonies.
Presentation: The Bi disc will be displayed on a pedestal under a soft spotlight, allowing visitors to admire its intricate details and appreciate its profound cultural significance.
- Terracotta Army Soldiers (Qin Dynasty, 221-206 BCE)
The iconic Terracotta Army Soldiers, unearthed from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, stand as a testament to the grandeur and artistry of the Qin Dynasty. These life-sized sculptures, meticulously crafted from clay, depict an army of warriors, archers, and horses, guarding the emperor's afterlife.
Presentation: A selection of Terracotta Army Soldiers will be showcased in a dimly lit room, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Visitors will be able to walk among these imposing figures, imagining their role in the emperor's eternal realm.
Japan
- Haniwa Figurines (Kofun Period, 3rd-6th centuries CE)
These terracotta Haniwa figurines, unearthed from ancient burial mounds in Japan, offer a glimpse into the social and cultural practices of the Kofun Period. These human and animal figurines, often depicted in dynamic poses, were believed to protect the deceased and provide them with companionship in the afterlife.
Presentation: A collection of Haniwa figurines will be displayed on a raised platform, allowing visitors to observe their unique forms and intricate details. Interactive displays will provide insights into the cultural significance of these funerary figures.
- Shōsōin Treasure House Artifacts (Nara Period, 710-794 CE)
The Shōsōin Treasure House in Nara, Japan, houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Nara Period, reflecting the refined artistry and cultural exchange between Japan and China during this era. These treasures include ornate Buddhist sculptures, exquisite silk textiles, and lacquered objects.
Presentation: A selection of Shōsōin Treasure House artifacts will be showcased in a serene gallery, bathed in soft lighting to preserve their delicate beauty. Visitors will be able to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance of these treasures, gaining insights into the Nara Period's artistic and spiritual expressions.
Africa
- Bénin Bronze Plaque (Edo Kingdom, 16th-19th centuries CE)
These intricate bronze plaques, produced by the skilled artisans of the Edo Kingdom in West Africa, depict scenes of courtly life, warfare, and religious ceremonies. The plaques are characterized by their intricate relief work and expressive figures, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of the Edo Kingdom.
Presentation: A selection of Bénin Bronze plaques will be displayed on darkened walls, allowing the high relief and intricate details to stand out. Interactive displays will provide context about the Edo Kingdom and the significance of these plaques within their cultural context.
- Nok Terracotta Figurines (Nok Culture, 500 BCE - 200 CE)
These enigmatic terracotta figurines, unearthed in central Nigeria, represent one of the earliest known sub-Saharan African civilizations. The figurines, characterized by their stylized forms and geometric patterns, depict human heads, animals, and abstract shapes, their exact purpose still debated by archaeologists.
Presentation: A collection of Nok Terracotta figurines will be displayed in a dimly lit room, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. Interactive displays will present various theories about the cultural and spiritual significance of these enigmatic sculptures.
The Americas
- Chavín Stone Heads (Chavín Culture, 900-200 BCE)
These monumental stone heads, carved by the Chavín Culture in Peru, represent a powerful iconography of their spiritual beliefs. The heads, adorned with fanged mouths, bulging eyes, and stylized headgear, are believed to depict supernatural beings or deities associated with the Chavín's worldview.
Presentation: The Chavín Stone Heads will be displayed on elevated pedestals, allowing visitors to appreciate their imposing presence and intricate carvings. Interactive displays will provide insights into the Chavín Culture's cosmology and the role of these
Sample Answer
Title: "Journeys Through Time and Culture: A Glimpse into the Artistic Expressions of Five Civilizations"
Introduction
The Museum of Art is proud to present "Journeys Through Time and Culture," a captivating exhibition that explores the artistic expressions of five distinct civilizations: China, Japan, Africa, the Americas, and Islam. Spanning the period from Prehistory to 1300 CE, this exhibition invites visitors to embark on a fascinating journey through the diverse artistic traditions of these remarkable cultures.