Art And Nature A Look At Three — страница 3

computer as viable methods to create appreciable art. This is a kind of subculture an art that right now is enjoyed by only a few. American mainstream culture does not recognize this art; many may not even be aware that it exists. This art form is more self-conscious than Monet s work, in that it is an abstract expression. In impressionism, although it may be the artist s impression of the world, it is an impression that we all most likely share. With Napier s abstract work, we are receiving a glimpse into the mind of one man what Napier thinks is art and how he chooses to express that thought is put down on the Internet. This is a new art and as such can go in any direction. It has not changed much and is not really of any cultural importance to mainstream society. Who can say

what importance web art will take in coming years or what shapes and styles it will come in? The third style of art we will look at here is the most different the art of the Yoruba, which occurs in the mediums of wood and metal. There are serious rituals that go along with the creation of their art. The art is included in the religious rituals of the Yoruba. The Ogboni, a subculture of learned elders and holy men, require the art to perform their ceremonies, most of which involve reverence towards the earth. Staffs and various instruments are required to perform these ceremonies, and much of the art of these people focus around these traditional ceremonies. From an American point of view, there are obvious differences between what we consider to be the norm and Yoruba art. When

an American thinks of art, they typically think of paintings and sculptures in clay or marble. Yoruba art consists of woodcarving, an art that many would consider reserved for the rustic element in America stereotypically the West Virginians or Kentucky native sitting on a front porch in a rocking chair with a pocketknife and a piece of cheap firewood. But in Yoruba society, woodcarving is a highly specialized and meaningful art, with certain practices one must follow and certain tools a craftsman must use to properly create the art. And when an American or westerner thinks of brass, we think of a cheap substitute for gold. Anyone can tell the difference between brass and gold gold is nice, and brass is merely second rate. Yet it Yoruba culture, brass in incorruptible; it is the

medium through which they create their religious icons. And iron is another artistic tool for the artists of the Yoruba; in western culture it is mainly a functional metal one that we use to make fences and tools. Although the art of the Yoruba is not particularly self-conscious, the artist is definitely an important part in the creation of the piece. Their art cannot be created by any method the craftsman chooses; he must be highly trained and skilled to follow the practices of the culture that have been passed on for countless generations. This artistic expression is very important to the Yoruba s cultural identity their religion is a main inspiration in their art, and the religion of a culture is very central to their identity. The art of these three different cultures all

reflect the world they were created in the world was not so much influenced by them as they were by the world. Some of this art is functional; some of it is cutting edge in its culture. All of it is art though, in that it is the creativity of the men who made it that distinguishes it from the world around it