Communication Between Cultures

into the people of the Renaissance can be gleaned by observing the popularity of por-

traits. In China, the goal was to commemorate the emperor; hence,“paintings of the

emperor had to show him with individualized features representing the humanistic

Confucian values of compassion and virtue while conveying the imposing demeanor

of the absolute ruler, the Son of Heaven.”^54 In countless other cases, the stories about

any culture and its people can be seen through their art. Strickland highlights the

critical effect of these“stories”when she writes,“Art’s goal can be communication

or expression, a way of interacting with and trying to make sense of the world. All

art grows out of a specific climate and culture, giving expression to the ideas and emo-

tions of a particular time and place.”^55

Having established the nexus between culture and art, we offer a few more exam-

ples to remind you that art is a vital conduit of the important messages of any cul-

ture. We begin with two cultures that for thousands of years have linked religious

expression to their artistic displays. Indiahas always had an artistic tradition that

has used art for religious purposes. The art, employing countless gods and goddesses,

has attempted to fuse spiritual messages with various aspects of culture. As we will

discuss in detail in Chapter 4 when we examine the topic of religion, because

Hindus believe that God is everywhere and in everything, generally no space is

left empty in their paintings. That is, in addition to the main character of the paint-

ing, all the space on the painting is filled with images of animals, flowers, and even

geographic designs.

A similar link between art and religion can be detected in Islamic art. Through the

use of brilliant colors and distinctive geometric patterns and shapes, Islamic art creates

a vivid and instantaneous impact. A trip through any Middle Eastern country will

reveal stunning and beautiful tile work. Another special quality of Islamic art is its

calligraphy. Calligraphy has traditionally been considered by Muslims as the most

splendid form of art because of its relation to the Koran. Nydell points out,“Calligra-

phy usually depicts Qur’anic quotations or favorite proverbs, and patterns are often

beautifully balanced and intricate. Calligraphic designs are widely used to decorate

mosques, monuments, books, and household items such as brass trays.”^56

This Islamic art form, with its emphasis on shape, form, design, style, and

calligraphy—not people, landscapes, or other representations of reality—is unique.

Whereas the Roman Catholic tradition has made wide use of depictions of Christ,

the Virgin Mary, and the saints, Islam disallows the use of religious images of any

kind. That even includes images of the prophet Muhammed.

We turn next to sub-Saharan Africa and mention two major themes in their art—

children and nature. According to Ferraro and Andreatta, much of the art of Africa

reflects the important social value of having children.^57 Hence,“prominent breasts on

female figures are a major theme in much of the wood sculptures from West Africa.”^58

You can observe nature’s role in the symbolic art of Africa by looking at masks, fig-

ures, and jewelry. Here, you will see a great many animals displayed, demonstrating a

strong belief that everything in nature is related and alive.

As we alluded to earlier, for centuries, the Chinese have used art to transmit cul-

tural and spiritual values. According to Hunter and Sexton, Chinese art often repre-

sents“Buddhist and Taoist concerns with the mind in meditation, with the relative

insignificance of human striving in the great cosmos, and with the beauty of nature.”^59

This is very different from the art of North America and Europe, where the artistic

tradition often emphasizes people. Whether in portraits of a single person or pictures

of an entire family, people are the main focus. You will notice when you visit most

Characteristics of Culture 51

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