After we discussed the video in class, we dove into the topic of symbolic representation in studying art. Many symbols over the course of history is lost in translation and through changing time. Symbolism is consistenently apart of every culture either consciously or subconsciously. Without archaeology to dig up subjects to be analyzed, and without anthropology to discuss the theories behind their existence, what we call art would still be considered graffiti on the walls.
Archaeologists have no dug up proof of an Incan writing system except the counting tool, the quipu. Historians beleive this system was used in trade and counting because of the patterns in the knots. Although the code of the tool is still yet to be broken, the quipu symbolizes an advanced culture of reciprocity. The oldest documents relating to the Inca civilization of the Spanish conquistadors include pictures of this numonic device and without these pictures, people would have no certain way of knowing the quipu's use amongst its people.
I had the same feeling towards the Dali film from last week. It was really frustrating realizing that the point of the film was to have no point. I also agree with you on how symbols are always a part of culture. How are we supposed to know if the cave paintings were more than jut painted animals on the walls could that be why some animals are represented more often than others? Maybe so, but one thing is for sure, we probably will never know the true intentions of the artists and their paintings.
ReplyDeleteI too got annoyed at the film for not being cohesive. When Rebecca described it as being a film version of "exquisite corpse," my frustration was calmed a bit knowing Dali had at least some sort of plan. However, he still set out to make a film that blatantly defies human nature, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I guess that was his goal as an artist.
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