Different Aspects of Aesthetic in Latin American of Visual Arts 4206-FC121z
The lectures will combine topics in such areas as art and architecture, cultural anthropology and history. They will cover a two thousand year span.
1. Some aspects of aesthetics in material culture and customs making up the contemporary image of Latin America.
The identity of Mesoamerica as seen through art.
1.1. Heterogeneous community and its bonding factors.
1.2. The dichotomy (duality) of culture; the duality of origin themes.
1.3. Pre-Columbian traces in customs and art.
2. Overview of formal phenomena in Pre-Colombian architecture and fine arts.
- the concept of form in the artifacts produced in such culture centers as: the Olmec, Chavín, San Agustín, Cultures of West Mexico, Zapotec, Teotihuacan, Mochica, Nazca, Maya; Totonaca; Mixtec; Toltec, Maya-Toltec, Tiahuanaco, Chimu, Aztec, Inca, Rapa Nui, et al.).
3. Folk Art of Mesoamerica.
4. Selected phenomena in colonial architecture and art.
4.1. The Spanish conquest reflected in architecture and art created by its witnesses.
4.2. The overview of architecture and art in the first period following the Spanish conquest.
- adaptation of forms for the sake of evangelization.
- eclecticism, mestization and syncretism of forms.
4.3. The image of the colony seen through the prism of the works by such:
- artists as: José Kondori, Jerónimo de Balbas, Lorenzo Rodríguez of Cádiz, Antônio Francisco Lisbôa, called O Aleijadinho, Miguel Cabrera;
- schools of painting, e.g., la escuela cuzqueña (Cuzco School of Painting) (16th -18th centuries).
- Baroque in Viceroyalties of New Spain, Peru and Brazil.
(Baroque style varieties in New Spain).
5. The image of the 19th century Latin America seen through the prism of the works by such artists as sculptor, Manuel Tolsa (Mex.), painters: Juan Cordero (Mex.), Pancho Fierro (Peru); Augustín Ariete, Hermenegildo Bustos, Rodrigo Gutiérrez, José María Velasco (Mex.), Pedro Américo de Figueiredo, José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior (Braz.), Joaquín Pinto (Ecu.), José Guadalupe Posada (Mex.).
6. Latin America during the war for independence and the period of its sovereignty building seen through the prism of the 19th century arts.
6.1. travelogues by artists
6.2 . patriotic trend
- native landscape;
- academic history painting.
- communal painting: portrait, votive.
7.Social contents in the art during the struggles for sanation of political system at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
7.1. drawing and painting with social significance.
7.2 . the image of the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
8. The recovery of identity in the arts. Rehabilitation of local realities. Canon of the “cosmic race”.
Overview of aesthetic aspects of:
a. the forms in Latin American architecture and art that are a legacy of pre-Columbian, European, Moorish and other (African and Asian) cultural heritage that forms part make of ethnic and cultural amalgamation.
b. the elements of pre-Columbian art that have penetrated into modern art (e.g. as a medium for the development of “indigenes” at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, or inspiration for the 20th world art),
c. the stages of emergence of the indigenous face and fair representation of its traits in the art. The rise of the local type of beauty to the canon of pulchritude called the "cosmic race").
9. Mexican muralism - the first art movement originated in America.
9.1. symbiosis of architecture with fine arts.
9.2. means of expression serving the idea of "rescuing the Mexican past, and resurrecting the country".
9.3. social and ethical renewal.
9.4. dual attitude to the Christianity, clergy, and Western civilization.
9.5. muralism outside Mexico.
10. The panorama of developments in Latin-American art and architecture in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- artists: Saturnino Herrán, José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Miguel Covarubias, Antonio Ruiz, Gerardo Murillo, Julio Castellanos (Mex.), Francisco Zúniga (Cost.), Frida Kahlo (Mex.); Tarsila do Amaral, Emiliano Di Cavalcanti (Bra.), Carlos Mérida (Gua.), Roberto Matta (Chile), Wilfredo Lam (Cuba), Oswaldo Guayasamín (Ecu.), Rufino Tamayo, Juan Soriano (Mex.) Fernando Botero (Col.), Fernando de Szyszlo (Peru), Antonio Henrique Amaral (Bra.), Julio Le Parc (Arg.), Francisco Toledo (Mex.);
- architects: Felix Candela, Enrique de la Mora, Enrique del Moral, Mario Pani, Luis Barragán, Pedro Ramírez-Vázquez, Oscar Niemeyer, Orso Nuñez, Ricardo Legorreta;
- formal quests: social realism, surrealism, public and collective art, symbiosis of architecture with the fine arts and landscape.
11. Specific phenomena in the visual arts and architecture in Latin America throughout its history.
Aesthetics, means of expression and formal quests serving to reflect topics troubling L.A. in the art, as e.g.:
a. search for and consolidation of identity;
b. indigenism;
c. ethnic diversity, its artistic representation;
d. human rights: Indians, Negroes, indigenous;
e. cultural dichotomy: contrasting homeliness and universalism, the New and Old Worlds, North American and Latin American;
f.- intense attitude towards the role of Christianity in the history of Latin America and the different attitudes towards this issue;
g. socially engaged art.
12. Latin America and the world. The interactions in the field of architecture and arts.
12.1.Inspirations deriving from Latin America (Henry Moore’s sculptures; muralism ,"cosmic race", Canela shells and organic forms in architecture, breaking the canon of cubicoid architecture).
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
During the course the student will receive basic knowledge of key formal and intellectual phenomena characteristic for the art and architecture in Latin America from the pre-Columbian times to the present. S/he’ll learn historical, social and psychological influences shaping the art.
The analysis of the objects and the circumstances of their creation refers to the history of societies, artistic heritage, ethnic background and characteristics of the natural environment thus deepening the overall knowledge of the culture of the continent.
The classes focus on specific features of art and architecture.
As a result, the student should acquire enough knowledge to be able identify topics in the visual arts of Latin America.
S/he should understand the processes occurring in the arts and architecture in Latin America over the centuries.
After completing the course, the student will have the following skills:
1. will be able to indicate key examples of: pre-Columbian art and architecture of major cultural centers (mainly in Mesoamerica and the Andes).
2. will be able to recognize diversity of:
2.1. pre-Columbian cultural heritage;
2.2. Mexican folk art;
2.3. outstanding works of art and architecture in Latin America of the times of: the conquest, colonial era, sovereignty building and recent times.
3. will have a general idea of the aesthetic aspects of architecture and fine arts of:
- the colonial era, acquired through participation in the review of selected works of prominent artists, such as: see full item description, item 4c.
- the 19th century, acquired through participation in the review of selected works of prominent artists, such as: see full item description, item 5
- the 20th century, acquired through participation in the review of selected works of artists and architects: see full item description, paragraph 10
4. will be able to distinguish:
- major epochs in the history of architecture and fine arts prevailing in the territory of contemporary Latin America.
- reasons for profound revaluations in the architecture and fine arts that occurred in the past in the territory of contemporary Latin America (conquest, liberation from the colonial yoke, ...).
- processes that took place in architecture and art of Latin America after the conquest during the first period of evangelization, especially in the areas where the conquerors found developed civilizations ("meeting of two worlds", churches erected on the foundations of temples, atriums in front of churches, open chapels, large monasteries, stylistic eclectism, specific form transformations in order to adapt them to local realities.)
- in the 16th and 17th centuries, causes of genuine transformations of the architectural and artistic forms that were presumably based on European models but performed by indigenous craftsmen (aesthetic phenomena, such as "tequitqui” style in the Viceroyalty of New Spain, mestizo style in the architecture of the Viceroyalty of Peru and in the territories of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, the architecture of Jesuit missions, called reductions).
-regional diversity of Baroque architecture in Mesoamerica, Viceroyalty of Peru and Brazil.
- differences in the canons of art and architecture of certain areas of Latin America. S/he'll be able to explain causes of these differences.
5. will be able to recognize:
- some varieties of the Baroque in the Viceroyalty of New Spain ("salomónico","estίpite","anástilo"). S/he will be able to complete a limited comparative analysis of sample European and New Spanish Baroque sacral pieces of architecture, some manifestations of mestizaje and syncretism in art and culture of Mexico from the conquest to the twentieth century.
- some cases of the penetration of elements of the pre-conquest art and culture into modern art and custom (e.g. in the form of medium for "indigenism" in Mexican art and architecture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, or as inspiration for twentieth-century world art, eg.Henry Moore);
- stages in the emergence of the indigenous face, fair presentation of portraits of local inhabitants and realities in the art of Latin America.
- signs of local patriotism as expressed in the forms of architecture and art of the eighteenth century.
- developments in architecture and art of sovereign states serving the construction of national identity, such as:
- reference to local realities and traditions;
- rehabilitation of the local type of beauty: the canon of "cosmic race" (with reference to the work of José Vasconcelos, "La Raza cosmica" 1925);
- Mexican muralism whose objectives were to consolidate the national identity and achieve ethical and social renewal.
- social realism.
6.S/he will have some idea of:
- the diversity and originality of contemporary Latin American art
- characteristic artistic currents and themes in painting, such as: indigenism, patriotism, Christianity, duality of culture and dual perception of the reality, social realism, surrealism, the symbiosis of architecture and art.
- ideological themes in Mexican muralism and the extent of its impact on world art and architecture.
- the work of muralists: José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros.
- outstanding achievements and contributions of Latin American architects in the development of architecture (in the field of Candela shells, symbiosis of architecture and art, breaking the canon of cubicoid architecture, organicity and specific surrealism of architectural forms, symbiosis with the landscape and the use of colors);
- means of expression used by distinguished architects: Felix Candela, Luis Barragan, Oscar Niemeyer, Ricardo Legorreta.
Assessment criteria
Written test during the semester and final examination in form of an open test, to be graded;
In the case of more than 3 absences, coursework (essay) in addition to the final test will be required;
In the case of unsatisfactory results of previous tests, or failure in the final test it will be possible to retake an oral exam.
Mandatory attendance to the lectures due to the lack of proper (covering all topics raised during the course) literature in Polish in the libraries.
If one misses more than 3 meetings - apart from taking an open test, will have to write an essay on the theme given by the teacher.
In the case of more than 5 absences - no credit.
So two tests - one in the middle and the other at end of the course - Written open tests, mandatory for all participants. Students solve a test using their personal notes as well as chronological tables and summary texts provided at the lectures.
The test is composed of several (up to 10) questions, some of which examine the reflection of the author on a given topic, encouraging to provide broader answers (e.g., a few sentences), and his/her knowledge requiring concise, headword answers).
In effect of the series of lectures the student should be able to understand a in the first place:
- processes taking place in the visual arts and architecture in Latin America,
- the origins and nature of formal rules, and aesthetic habits formed over the centuries.
Due to the pace of the lectures I do not expect detailed, encyclopedic knowledge, or the precise names or dates. In every test, I positively assess independent, creative reflection on a given subject, and signs of understanding.
My assessment not only takes into consideration merely attendance to the classes but also genuine interest, activity in the classroom consisting in responding, and sharing insights.
Bibliography
Obligatory literature:
in polish language
Białostocki Jan:
„O SZTUCE DAWNEJ AMERYKI, MEKSYK, PERU”. książka Wydaw. Warszawa: Wydawnictwa Artystyczne i Filmowe, 1972;
Vasconcelos José:
„LA RAZA CÓSMICA” (prolog i fragmenty) [tekst w oryginale i w języku polskim].książka Wydaw. CESLA ,Warszawa: Uniwersytet Warszawski, 1992.; seria: Idee i Ludzie / Ideas y Semblanzas nr 4, w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA i Uniw. Warszawskiego,
Fuentes Carlos
„POGRZEBANE ZWIERCIADŁO” książka Wydaw. „Opus”, Łódź, 1994;
Paz Octavio
„LABIRYNT SAMOTNOŚCI”, Książka Wydawca: Kraków : Wydaw. Literackie, 1991
Kettenmann Andrea:
„FRIDA KAHLO, 1907-1954. Cierpienie I pasja”. Książka, Wydawca: Benedikt Taschen/TMC Art, Niemcy, 2002. [96 stron, 93];
Additional literature:
in polish language:
Gamboa Fernando:
“SKARBY SZTUKI MEKSYKAŃSKIEJ - OD CZASÓW
PREKOLUMBIJSKICH DO NASZYCH DNI” Wystawa, czerwiec – lipiec 1961”. Katalog wystawy, Wydawca: Muzeum Narodowe Warszawie, 1961. [katalog wyst.]; w zbiorach biblioteki Muzeum Narodowego w Warszawie
Łepkowski Tadeusz:
“HISTORIA MEKSYKU”. książka Wydaw. „Ossolineum”, 1986; w zbiorach biblioteki Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
SKARBY KULTURY I “PRZYRODY ŚWIATA. AMERYKA ŚRODKOWA I POŁUDNIOWA”
w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA książka z serii: UNESCO. Światowe dziedzictwo kulturalne i naturalne, Wydawca: PENTA,w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA
Henri Stierlin:
„MAJOWIE. PAŁACE I PIRAMIDY W DŻUNGLI” Książka z serii: „Architektura Świata”. Wydawca. „Muza SA.” „Taschen”, 1998;
„JOSE GUADALUPE POSADA – Współczesna Sztuka Meksykańska” katalog wystawy, Wydawca; Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie; w zbiorach biblioteki Muz. Narod. w Warszawie [bibl. Muz.Nar. 04015 S II];
Barucki Tadeusz:
„ARCHITEKTURA MEKSYKU”. książka Wydawca: Arkady, 1984; w zbiorach biblioteki Wydz. Arch. PW
in english language:
dzieło zbiorowe The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, wstęp: Paz Octavio:
„MEXICO, SPLENDORS OF THIRTY CENTURIES - INTRODUCTION BY OCTAVIO PAZ”. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK.
książka Wydawca: Little, Brown and Company, Boston, Toronto, London;
Smith Bradley
„MEXICO - A HISTORY IN ART”. książka Wydawca: Gemini Smith Inc. Library of Congress, Catalog Card No 68-28 219; 1968; [296 stron, 270 ilustr.];
Wayne Attoe, assisted by Brisker Sydney H.:
„THE ARCHITECTURE OF RICARDO LEGORRETA”książka Wydaw. Berlin: Ernst & Sohn, 1990; w zbiorach biblioteki Wydz.Arch.P.W. w W-wie [14259/III];
Vargas Lugo Elisa, Schroeder Arturo i inni:
„Retablos Mexicanos – Mexican Retables”. w czasopiśmie: ARTES DE MéXICO, 1968 nr 106, ano XV, 2-época; Meksyk:[kwartalnik];
AMERICAN DESIGN Southwest Pueblo Style, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California. Adobe.Książk (styl meksykański w architekturze południowo zachodnich obszarów USA) w zbiorach biblioteki IWP Nr 14917 747.03 (73)
in spanish language:
Gutierrez, Ramon
“ARQUITECTURA Y URBANISMO EN IBEROAMERICA”- Książka z serii: Manuales Arte Catedra Wydawca: Ediciones Catedra, S.A., 1997, Madrid w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA
Rodrigo Gutiérrez Viñuales
Ramón Gutiérrez (coords.)
“PINTURA, ESCULTURA Y FOTOGRAFÍA EN IBEROAMÉRICA, SIGLOS XIX Y XX” Książka z serii: Manuales Arte Catedra Wydawca: Ediciones Catedra, S.A., 1997, Madrid w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA
Leopoldo Castedo
“HISTORIA DEL ARTE IBEROAMERICANO, 1 PRECOLOMBINO. EL ARTE COLONIAL” książka Wydawca: Sociedad Quinto Centenario, Alianza Editorial S.A., Madrid 1988 w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA
“HISTORIA DEL ARTE IBEROAMERICANO, 2 SIGLO XIX. SIGLO XX” książka Wydawca: Sociedad Quinto Centenario, Alianza Editorial S.A., Madrid 1988 w zbiorach biblioteki CESLA
Gendrop Paul:
„ARTE PREHISPANICO EN MESOAMéRICA”. książka Wydaw. Meksyk: Editorial Trillas, 1979;
dzieło zbiorowe, m.in.: Fernandez Miguel Angel:
„LA PINTURA EN LOS MUSEOS DE MéXICO”. książka z serii: „OBRAS MAESTRAS DE LA PINTURA”. Tom II: Wydawca: Barcelona: Editorial Planeta, 1983;
Vargas Lugo Elisa, Schroeder Arturo i inni:
„RETABLOS MEXICANOS – MEXICAN RETABLES”. poświęcony tematowi zeszyt kwartalnika ARTES DE MéXICO, 1968 nr 106, ano XV, 2-época; Wydawca:. Meksyk: Artes de México, [kwartalnik]; [artykuł o inspiracjach sztuką prehiszpańską w architekturze meksykańskiej]; Zeszyt z serii CUADERNOS DE ARQUITECTURA MESOAMERICANA, 1987 , Zeszyt nr 9,Wydawca:. Meksyk: UNAM;
Salas Portugal Armando:
„BARRAGáN – Fotografías de la Arquitectura de Luis Barragán por Armando Salas Portugal”. książka Wydawca: Barcelona: GG. Gustavo Gili, S.A.; w zbiorach biblioteki Wydz. Architektury PW
and additional literature:
in polish language:
Jan Gać
“W OJCZYŹNIE MAJÓW” książka Wydawca: WAM, 2007, 336 stron
“RAJ UTRACONY. PIERWSZE MISJE JEZUITÓW W AMERYCE” Książka z serii: “Śladami chrześcijaństwa” Wydawca: WAM, październik 2007, 216 stron
Thomas Hugh: Cortes and the fall of old Mexico” 1993).
„PODBÓJ MEKSYKU”. (tytuł orygin.: „Conquest, Montezuma, książka Wydawca: Książnica, Katowice, 1998;
Starczewski Jerzy Andrzej:
„SPOTKANIE Z FELIKSEM CANDELĄ – TWÓRCĄ KONSTRUKCJI ŁUPINOWYCH”. W czasopiśmie: INŻYNIERIA I BUDOWNICTWO, 1984 nr 5 [mies.]; w zbiorach biblioteki Inst. Urbanistyki i Architektury
in english language:
„FRIDA KAHLO - Poster Book”
album Wydawca:. Berlin: Benedikt Taschen Verlag, Berlin GmGH, 1993
von Wuthenau Alexander
„UNEXPECTED FACES IN ANCIENT MEXICO. The historical testimony of Precolumbian Artists 1500 BC–1500 AD.książka Wydawca: New York: Crown Publishers, INC.,1978, Second Edition 1980;
Richter Nora:
„THE HAUNTING ART OF LUIS BARRAGáN - he is the winner of the 1980 Pritziker Prize, richest in architecture”.
artykuł w czasopiśmie: AIA JOURNAL, 1980 czerwiec [mies.] Wydaw. AIA Journal, w zbiorach biblioteki Wydz. Arch. PW
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: