From colossal Olmec heads to the paintings of Frida Kahlo, Aztec temples to Mexican murals, this survey of Latin American art sweeps through the centuries and locations including ancient Mesoamerica, coastal Peru, and the top of the Andes. Michele Greet, professor of art history at George Mason University, traces the significant creators, works, influences, and trends that defined and shaped the arts of Latin America from their earliest expression through the 19th and 20th centuries.
October 9 The Arts of Ancient Mesoamerica
Working in stone, paint, gold, and feathers, ancient Mesoamerican artists rendered images of their leaders and gods, myths, and sacrificial rituals. Artisans also played a major role in chronicling Mayan ball games and designing calendar systems. The session covers various Olmec and Mayan sites, as well as the great cities of Teotihuacan and Tenochtitlan.
October 16 The Arts of the Andes
Start with a bird’s-eye view of the giant geoglyphs (large designs on the ground) known as the Nazca Lines, then survey the distinctive pottery, textiles, and gold work from coastal Peru. Travel high into the Andes to Cuzco and the royal retreat at Machu Picchu to examine the intricate masonry of Incan cities, temples, and fortresses.
October 23 The Arts of Viceregal Latin America
What happens when worlds collide—and mix? Through an examination of religious architecture and religious and secular painting, Greet discusses the unique expressions of cultural identity that emerged in the Americas during the colonial era.
October 30 Modern Art in Latin America
Key figures in Modernism included the Mexican muralists, the artists of the Taller Torres-García workshop, and numerous women artists (Frida Kahlo, Maria Izquierdo, Remedios Varo, Amelia Peláez, and Tarsila do Amaral). Look at how these artists employed Modernist visual languages to communicate on regional, national, and global levels.
4 sessions
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