Art as a Culture

Interpreting the cave paintings

The specific message or intention behind the cave paintings vary. Depending on the singular image or a series of characters can depict different meanings (spiritual or religious beliefs) or stories, significant events, and myths. The predominant themes of animals can suggest a deep connection to their environment and the world around them. Overall, the paintings were a way of expression, showing how they fit into their environment as well as what they believed. 

There area few reasons for why animals dominate the paintings

1. Survival and dependence: Animals were crucial for the survival of Paleolithic people. Providing food, clothing, tools, and protection. 

2. Spiritual significance: Animals might have held some kind of spiritual significance, such as totems or deities. Believing there was some kind of spiritual connection between man and animal. 

3. Cultural emphasis: the portrayal of animals could indicate a cultural aspect referring to the natural world and their environment, which was integral to their survival. 

Aspects of Paleolithic people and the difficulties in navigating how to paint these pictures 

The paintings provide insights into various aspects of Paleolithic life. The focus on animals suggests a society centered around hunting and gathering, with knowledge of animal behavior being crucial. The painting depicts or acknowledges the understanding the Paleolithic people had for their environment. The animals that were depicted mostly were that of herbivores while very minimal representation of carnivores. According to archeologie.culture.gov.fr “carnivores keep a low profile in the real world, and this is also true in the cave”. The Paleolithic people recognized the structure or inner working of their environment and thus represented this in the placement and style of the drawings. When looking at the painting of the carnivores they are depicted in some of the innermost workings of the caves as well they are drawn in a minimalistic way almost disguising them into the walls. Additionally these paintings show technological skills. Showing advanced cognitive and motor skills, allowing them to create detailed images, pigments, and the creation/use of tools. Although it is important to acknowledge the difficulties that the Paleolithic people must have faced to create these paintings. They had to overcome a number of environmental challenges; insufficient light source (painting in the dark), damp caves, and working in confined spaces. Further difficulties might have been material acquisition, obtaining and preparing pigments from natural sources, and technical execution, creating large representations on uneven cave walls. All of these challenges had to be overcome and required skill, adaptation,  and patience to be able to depict an accurate representation of these animals or events.  

Speculating the functions of this art to early humans

1. The paintings could have served as the means of sharing knowledge about their environment, animal behavior, survival strategies,  and stories of their culture. Allowing for further generations to understand and learn the ways of their ancestors. 

2. Creating and viewing the art could have strengthened social bonds and group identity, fostering a sense of community and a shared cultural heritage. 

3. The paintings might have been used in rituals or ceremonies to invoke the favor of spirits for successful hunts or protection. 

Commonalities in Function

Despite the vast differences in time and context, early art from the Lascaux Caves and modern art share several common functions. Like early art, modern art often plays a role in rituals, either religious, policialt, or social. For example,similar to cave paintings,  stained glass windows in a church represent the religious or spiritual beliefs of many people. Both early and modern art serve as a means of expression. Expressing cultural identity, beliefs, and values. Whether through cave paintings or contemporary installation, art reflects the emotion, perspectives, and worldview of its creator. Additionally art continues to be a powerful tool for education and communication. Art can convey complex ideas and emotions that might not be able to be verbally communicated. Art is something that narrates across generations and cultures whether early ages or modern.

Claude Monet: Irises In Monets Garden

Introduce Us to Your Favorite Art

My favorite form of art is fine art, specifically oil painting. Oil painting serves multiple functions and purposes for those who engage in it. Primarily, it serves as a medium of expression, allowing artists to convey their emotions, thoughts, and narratives. Artists often use oil painting to comment on society, capture moments in time, or to express their innermost feelings and perspectives. I am someone who uses oil painting as a way to express my emotions and escape from the stress of life and immerse myself into the art form and create. The medium’s versatility, the ability to layer and manipulate the depth of colors, to its long drying times allows for alterations and complex bending enables the partist to communicate their vision effectively. 

The culture surrounding oil painting is rich and diverse, steeped in centuries of history and tradition. This culture includes a specific language of terms relating to techniques, materials, and styles. Behaviors tied to this culture incles the dedication to practice, the value placed on originality and creatively, and the pursuit of aesthetic beauty or meaningful commentary. The form of dress is less pronounced in this community than in other cultural practices, but there is a certain romantic image of the painter in the studio wearing an apron, surrounded by brushes and palettes, which persists in popular imagery. Furthermore, in terms of features, this culture embraces exhibitions, both in galleries and museums. It includes the critique and analysis of art, where works are discussed in terms of their technical execution, their emotional impact, and their place within the broader history of art. When showing artwork it allows for the audience to not only understand the artist's emotions and perspective but also allows the audiences to curate their own emotions and perspectives about the piece. There is also and educational component, with a system of apprenticeships and art schools dedicated to passing down techniques and history, encouraging new generations of artists

The benefits of this art form and its culture to society are various. Art contributes to the well-being of individuals by offering a source of beauty, inspiration, and emotional catharsis. Oil paintings serve educational purposes, offering visual insights into historical periods, societies, and ideologies they foster critical thinking and empathy, as views engage with perspectives and experiences different from their own. Art stimulates the economy through the sale of artworks, the operation of galleries and museums, and the hosting of events. However, there can be detrimental impacts as well. The art world can be seen as exclusive and elitist, often accessible only to those with the financial means to collect art or the educated background to “properly” appreciate it. It can limit the access to underprivileged communities to art education and appreciation. Additionally, the pressure to succeed in a highly competitive field can lead to issues of mental health and stress among artists. Overall, oil painting is an outlet that fosters creativity, expression and a deeper understanding of the human experiences.