The term convention, in art, (artistic convention) is defined as established ways of representing forms. The Egyptians used the artistic conventions to specifically represent humans and their actions and expressions. These were to be followed out for three thousand years to ensure minor changes to the people. The people represented in the artistic conventions were proportioned to have multiple viewpoints. The heads’ profiles were shown so that the nose, forehead, and chin are clearly seen. Also, the Hips, legs, and feet were drawn by profile. To show that the figure was walking, the figure would have the other leg exposed. The only difference in from all of the profile representations is that the torso of the figure is fully frontal. They used this to depict royalty and other dignitaries. When they would represent people of lesser social statuses, they would have them engaged in active tasks so it seems more lifelike to our standards.
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| Narmer Palette |
I believe that creativity in art can come from anything. Being in love with all types of art forms, you can really find creativity and inspiration from anything. Being creative shows people what you see through your imagination and/or original ideas. By using different kinds of means through painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, film, and expression, creativity has a whole door to come through and be seen by everyone.
I can see controversies through which Egyptian artistic conventions can be considered either art or not. Since these representations are of real people it seems that they are more like pictures of actions and perhaps portraits. I can see the sense that any abstract markings on the people are clothes and accessories they wore but who is there to say that those were not art? I find that they’re way of life and their depictions of clothes and head gear were an art form in itself. The Egyptian artists and their way of representing their people is a classic way of art and creativity. Whenever we see the “Egyptian pose” we think of the classic arms out and legs in front with the profile. The Egyptian artists’ creative art of humans has had a lasting effect thousands and thousands of years later AND throughout the world.
I believe that the Egyptians felt their creativity was important to them. Who wouldn’t want their art to be important? Especially when they wanted these depictions to last thousands of years into the future. They’re use of tools and other means of creating art was special and specific to these people and their appreciation of these are widely known to any who have seen these marvelous creations.
I do not believe that ancient art needs to be a manifestation of creativity in order to be valued today. When the people of ancient times started to create these pieces of art, they might not have believe what they were making were “art.” They would usually makes these to show and depict lifelike or real people of their times. As the pieces become older and worn and our world starts to develop a sense of what art is and how it comes to be made, we start to also appreciate the “artists” and their stunning success of making lasting pieces of creativity.
I like how you mentioned that the depictions of clothes and head gear was an art form itself. I think this is very true because they used their creativity to form the ideas of how to depict them because they are not necessarily 'true to life'.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you mentioned that the Egyptian's artistic conventions are still easily distinguishable today and around the world. That is important to note because not every ancient society people can be picked out easily, and Egyptian art is so well known that most people known their artistic conventions without even realizing it.
I completely agree with your statement that “Egyptians felt their creativity was important to them.” I feel like every artists creativity is important. Behind every creation is a purpose and a meaning. Like the Narmer Palette, it shows the bringing together of the northern and southern parts of Egypt together. Who knows if that the artist, who created it, meant for it to be one of the most interesting pieces of art left behind by the Egyptian culture? The Narmer Palette is a piece of Egyptian history that is portrayed by pictures, which to me, makes this piece a very interesting piece of art. There is a purpose for this piece and the pictures within the piece itself is a unique form that people worldwide can recognize and acknowledge as Egyptian art.
ReplyDeleteI admire how you said art can come from anything. It is true! So many people these days tell us that there is certain kind of art -- the kind that is a certain way or meaning a certain thing. But I am with you when you say it can be created from any form. Contemporary, Egyptian, modern -- whatever it may be, is still art, and is still beautiful. No matter what people or society says.
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