Instructions: Read Which Is the Most Influential Work of Art Of the Last 100 Years (Plagens, Peter, Newsweek, 7/2/2007, Vol. 150, Issue 2) and review ‘Picasso and American Art’ (Associated Press, 2006). These resources better explain how artists were influenced and inspired by other artists, social influences and cultures, including Picasso himself while painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”. Write a 1-2 page paper discussing the following topics:
- How art was understood, appreciated and shared historically, both by artists and the general public
- How the discovery and appreciation of art has changed due to advances in technology
- How social and political happenings have influenced artists
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Introduction:
The field of art has always been a medium of expression for artists, a way to convey their emotions and ideas to the world. The discovery and appreciation of art have evolved throughout history, and with advancements in technology, it has become much easier to appreciate and share artwork. In this paper, we will explore how art was understood, appreciated, and shared historically, the impact of technology on the appreciation of art, and the influence of social and political events on art.
Answer:
Historically, the understanding and appreciation of art were limited to a small group of people such as the wealthy and the royals. Art was not accessible to the general public, and the emphasis was more on the skill and techniques of art rather than the message conveyed. However, with the emergence of art movements such as impressionism and the availability of cheaper printing techniques, the appreciation of art became more widespread. Artists now had more freedom to express themselves, and a wider audience was able to appreciate their work.
With technological advancements, the appreciation and understanding of art have changed, and art is now more accessible than ever before. The internet, social media platforms, and online galleries have made it easier to share artwork and reach a larger audience. People can now easily discover new artists and artworks from different parts of the world and in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, technological advancements such as high-resolution images and 3D modeling have enabled us to appreciate art in greater detail and with more realism.
Social and political happenings have always influenced artists throughout history. From the Renaissance period to the contemporary era, events such as political revolutions, wars, and social movements have inspired artists to express their opinions and emotions through their work. For instance, Picasso’s painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” was influenced by African masks and the social changes of the time, such as the rise of feminism and the changing role of women. It is evident that social and political changes have played a crucial role in shaping the art we see today.
In conclusion, the appreciation and understanding of art have evolved throughout history, and it is evident that technology and social/political changes have played a crucial role in this evolution. Art has become more accessible to the general public, and artists have more freedom to express themselves. As a result, we continue to see new art movements and styles, as well as a greater appreciation for art from different cultures and backgrounds.
