Art Defines Civilizations
by Sara Penny, CCAC Vice President for Iron County Today
Art crystalizes human history, whether it is the ancient cave drawings of bison and horses or the paintings and sculptures of today. The 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry is on display in London this year. The original embroidery is on rare public display at the British Museum through July 2027. The 230 foot linen has been transported from France
to England for public viewing. It tells the history of William the Conquerer in 1066, starting with diplomatic negotiations and ending up with lots of dead bodies during war. When my husband Des and I visited northern France we were able to see it, but I didn't understand it as much at the time. Sometimes we need to learn more about an art object
before it resonates.
During that same visit, there were commemorations for D-Day and American school choirs were singing at the huge American cemetery. Music helps us mark important landmarks. The French have rebuilt bombed buildings from World War II. A large photo of a bombed church was on display next to the reconstruction. Architecture as an art form also helps define countries and history.
New finds in Peru from the Chimu Kingdom unearthed an undisturbed tomb which included colorful textiles decorated with monkeys and birds as well as jewelry. The capital city Chan Chan was the biggest city in the Americas at nine square miles up to 1470 when it was captured by the Incas. As with many peoples, the Chimu used artistic items to honor their dead. A more recent example of the importance of art helping
us define a moment was when legendary American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein was buried with a pocket score of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.
When I think of ancient Greece I think of the stone temples, sculptures, and the amazing pottery with gold dancers on a black background. When I think of Australia I think of the Sydney Opera House as well as kangaroos.
In the Middle East there are 4000 year old letters that are being deciphered by x-ray. They are encased in clay envelopes and used to be opened by hammer. "Researchers have traded brute force for technological finesses when it comes to reading ancient letters," wrote Katherine Korme. Cuneiform is the world's oldest documented
writing. The literary arts teach us about world history. The joke is that history is written by the victors and, of course, there are always new interpretations as information becomes available.
As you visit museums notice how the arts help us understand other people and ourselves. Photos and paintings of family and friends help us capture a special moment and build our personal history. As we continue to learn about our amazing history we can enjoy the art from centuries of people who have tried to capture a moment in a song, a painting, or a story.
to England for public viewing. It tells the history of William the Conquerer in 1066, starting with diplomatic negotiations and ending up with lots of dead bodies during war. When my husband Des and I visited northern France we were able to see it, but I didn't understand it as much at the time. Sometimes we need to learn more about an art object
before it resonates.
During that same visit, there were commemorations for D-Day and American school choirs were singing at the huge American cemetery. Music helps us mark important landmarks. The French have rebuilt bombed buildings from World War II. A large photo of a bombed church was on display next to the reconstruction. Architecture as an art form also helps define countries and history.
New finds in Peru from the Chimu Kingdom unearthed an undisturbed tomb which included colorful textiles decorated with monkeys and birds as well as jewelry. The capital city Chan Chan was the biggest city in the Americas at nine square miles up to 1470 when it was captured by the Incas. As with many peoples, the Chimu used artistic items to honor their dead. A more recent example of the importance of art helping
us define a moment was when legendary American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein was buried with a pocket score of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.
When I think of ancient Greece I think of the stone temples, sculptures, and the amazing pottery with gold dancers on a black background. When I think of Australia I think of the Sydney Opera House as well as kangaroos.
In the Middle East there are 4000 year old letters that are being deciphered by x-ray. They are encased in clay envelopes and used to be opened by hammer. "Researchers have traded brute force for technological finesses when it comes to reading ancient letters," wrote Katherine Korme. Cuneiform is the world's oldest documented
writing. The literary arts teach us about world history. The joke is that history is written by the victors and, of course, there are always new interpretations as information becomes available.
As you visit museums notice how the arts help us understand other people and ourselves. Photos and paintings of family and friends help us capture a special moment and build our personal history. As we continue to learn about our amazing history we can enjoy the art from centuries of people who have tried to capture a moment in a song, a painting, or a story.
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