SGS n'ART : Theme 2

Ok. Moving on to theme 2. After self (theme 1) the next biggest influence on our art is our SOCIETY and CULTURE. They are very similar but also different.

Society is where you live, who you live with and how it affects you.

Culture can be about where you live, but its more about your ancestors, religion and family beliefs.

In the pursuit of globalization and rapid development, it is easy to leave behind cultural practices and forget our heritage. Although current day technology enables us to document the significant and step back in time through photographs or digital records, it is feeling, experiencing and knowing about traditions and heritage that ultimately keeps them alive. Museums are wonderful places to learn about different civilizations from all over the world through artworks, artefacts and antiques. It is important to do so because it allows us to retain our individuality and remember our roots – how far we have progressed and what our ancestors were like.

Art is an interesting way of looking at heritage and culture because our perception is filtered through the artist's opinions – the aesthetic and technical expressions of the artwork communicate the artist’s conceptions to the viewer. This helps to deepen our insights and broaden our interpretations of what culture and heritage can mean to different people and how it affects people’s lives.

General Questions:

What do the subjects or objects in the artwork tell you? Are they unusual and unique or do you encounter them in your daily lives?

Can you identity what cultural practices or beliefs from the past you can see in this artwork? Is it familiar to you? If not, is it similar to something you have experienced yourself?

What are the emotions conveyed through this artwork? What do you think the artist is trying to express?