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Body Proportions 20

The document provides an introduction and discussion questions for a session on the theme of "The Body" in art. It discusses how art has used the human body to define identity, gender, power, and representation. It prompts consideration of who determines what art is appropriate and issues of censorship. It also asks how body imagery varies across cultures and time periods, what female figures convey about gender roles, and the significance of body art like tattoos. Between sessions, learners are instructed to explore related artworks online and compare pieces while considering the questions.

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48 views1 page

Body Proportions 20

The document provides an introduction and discussion questions for a session on the theme of "The Body" in art. It discusses how art has used the human body to define identity, gender, power, and representation. It prompts consideration of who determines what art is appropriate and issues of censorship. It also asks how body imagery varies across cultures and time periods, what female figures convey about gender roles, and the significance of body art like tattoos. Between sessions, learners are instructed to explore related artworks online and compare pieces while considering the questions.

Uploaded by

hector_gomes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Body

Theme 13:
The Body
Introduction
From painting to sculpture, body art to performance art, the body has figured prominently in the creative
expression of nearly all cultures from the beginning of civilization. Through art, the body becomes a site for
defining individual identity, constructing sex and gender ideals, negotiating power, and experimenting with the
nature of representation itself.

Session
Review:
1. Share your responses to the comparison questions for Conflict and Resistance.
2. Share any other questions or ideas prompted by the previous assignment.

Watch The Body video (30 minutes).


Consider/discuss the following:
1. While artworks depicting nude images have appeared throughout much of history, issues regarding their
appropriateness have often been linked to predominant religious or spiritual beliefs, or the prevailing social
mores of a society. Who should determine whether a work of art is obscene or immoral? Should an
individual have the right to view art that others may find indecent or obscene?
2. How do idealized images of the body vary in the artworks of different cultures and in different time
periods?
3. What do images of the female figure featured in the program convey about the role of women in their
respective cultures?
4. How are such stylizations in prehistoric figurines and African figurative sculpture similar/different to Takashi
Murakami’s sculpture of Miss ko2 ?
5. What is the significance of body art—tattoos and scarification—and the pain individuals endure to
acquire it?

Between Sessions:
Go to the Web site at www.learner.org/courses/globalart and:
1. Explore featured artworks from this program, including the descriptive text and the expert perspective
commentary.
2. Read the chapter about The Body in the downloadable text.
3. On the Web, compare selected artworks by considering the questions posed. Prepare to share your
responses by taking notes. Bring your notes to the next session.

Art Through Time: A Global View - 55 - The Body

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