Looking at Durga Slaying the Bull-Demon at Mahamallapuram what do images of heroic women imply about traditional Indian society? Looking at especially the two Shiva and Parvati on Kailasa reliefs at the Ellora site, what changes do you see over time in the importance of Parvati (vs. her consort Shiva)? Do you think the differences are the result of social or religious changes? Translate that to today. What do images of women you see today in American advertising and popular culture tell you about the position of women in Western society? What about in Asia? Do you see any similarities or differences?
Durga Slaying the Bull-Demon (Mahamallapuram)
Shiva & Parvati on Kailasa (Dhumar Lena Cave, Ellora)
Shiva & Parvati on Kailasa (Ellora, Kailasanatha)
Exercise #2- Latin American Art History
In this discussion, you will collaborate with your peers to analyze the diverging political ideals, artistic style, and approaches to indigenismo among the Mexican muralists studied in this module.
Instructions
- Choose one of the works of art presented in this week’s lessons.
- Compose an original discussion post :In your post, you will
o Name the artist and provide the name of the work of art (if known).
o Is indigenismo, or the “return to indigenous sources”/the”wish to return to indigenous roots” (Optional textbook: Lucie-Smith, 62, 69) evident in the work? If so, where?
o Explain how the artist’s cultural reality affected the artist’s formal choices or influenced the theme of the work of art. Be sure to use the terminology you learned from the lesson on the elements and principles of art and design and refer back to lessons on themes for help.
Readings:
Mexican Muralism in Post-Revolution Mexico
Introduction: Muralism and Indigenismo
Mexican Muralism is one of the most celebrated topics in the history of Latin American art. Its forms were compelling and popular. Its geographic sphere of influence was vast. But what was it? Who were the three men, also called “Los Tres Grandes” (“The Three Great Ones”) often credited with its international popularity? And what was the concept of indigenismo that many of these artists adhered to? Read the following selections and watch the films to find out.
• The Mexican Renaissance (Links to an external site.)
• Tarica, Estelle. 2016 (Links to an external site.)”Indigenismo.” (Links to an external site.) Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History. 6 Oct. 2018. NOTE: Read just the introduction and the section on “Mexico.”
• Watch the 4-minute introductory film on muralism below. The film is captioned. Activate captions by clicking on the CC symbol in the lower right corner of the video frame.
Mexican Muralism in the United States
Introduction
Mexican Muralism had a profound impact on the United States. It influenced the art of the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Mexican muralists themselves also created several murals at locations across the United States. In this lesson, you will learn about this impact through a closer study of two murals by Diego Rivera, one of which is located on the CCSF Ocean campus.
Reading and Films
Read the article on Diego Rivera, Man at the Crossroads (Links to an external site.).
Watch the film below on a similar work titled Man, Controller of the Universe. The film’s captions can be activated by clicking the “CC” in the lower right corner of the film frame.
As you read and watch the films, think about the strategies Rivera adopts. Does he apply indigenismo in this work? How was his work controversial in its time?
Film credits: Diego Rivera, Man Controller of the Universe (or Man in the Time Machine), 1934, fresco, 4.85 x 11.45 m in the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.
Sample Solution
