The four most important and common Andean worldviews are: collectivity, reciprocity, transformation, and essence over appearance. The first feature, collectivity, means that they worked as a whole instead of as an individual. Rather than focusing on the actual artist, the concept was to focus more on the art. I think this is a great way of thinking because there is more power as a whole. The second feature, reciprocity, means that dualistic thinking was used. This includes opposites, pairs, and mirror images. This is also a great worldview, especially for the Andeans, because they had to work together to survive. The harsh environments made it a necessity to work together: giving and receiving. The third feature is transformation. The Andeans believed in transformation from one place to another or from one thing (creature) to another. This is seen in shamanism by transforming into other creatures and having a connection with both realms. This offered a dynamic form of art. The fourth feature, essence over appearance, directs the attention to the inner story or symbolism rather than actual appearance. Although we might not be able to visibly see or interpret a painting, it was the intention and purpose that makes the work so special.
The concept of "essence over appearance" has been very helpful as I look at more abstract art. Abstract art is hard for me to connect with because I try so hard to make sense of it, and most of the time I can't. Now that I know about this view, I can take a step back and just appreciate the art because the most important aspect is not the actual appearance, but the symbolism of the piece.
The concept of "essence over appearance" has been very helpful as I look at more abstract art. Abstract art is hard for me to connect with because I try so hard to make sense of it, and most of the time I can't. Now that I know about this view, I can take a step back and just appreciate the art because the most important aspect is not the actual appearance, but the symbolism of the piece.
Sallie,
ReplyDeleteWhat I find very interesting is how their artistic expressions are symbolic to their way of life and worldview. This seems to be another way to express their belief in reciprocity as both tie together and are connected. I like how you recognize the significance of the overall impact of the piece, versus seeing the piece simply for the image. I think that stepping back and understanding the historical and figurative meaning of a piece can definitely create more emotion from the viewer and ultimately help the viewer to gain respect for the piece and it's origination.
Sallie,
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with you on and found it hard myself to make meaning of abstract art. But like you and after listening to the teachers voicethread, reading our book about essance over appearance and reading more about Pollock, I found that my simplistic views of art had a lot of room for growth! And now I am actually starting to view this art as art and in my own mind I have now been able to make meaning of such abstract pieces of art.
Yes, after reading the "essence over appearance" concept, abstract art makes much more sense to me, too.
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