- Published: September 26, 2022
- Updated: September 26, 2022
- University / College: University of Cambridge
- Level: Intermediate School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 47
The paper ” African Artworks as a Part of Living Cultures and Different Education Standards in Different Eras” is a good example of an essay on culture. Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty. In Benin, the Fon people define art as something made by hand. Art, when taken from their local context, might seem different from how they were seen by local viewers. A debate has been there on whether African art if it is really an art. African artworks are a part of living cultures. Its presentation is what brings the whole difference of whether it is to be called real art or just a piece. Museums tend to display art differently, from all regions. An African piece of art is treated and displayed differently compared to Western art. This is due to a difference in lighting, isolation or photography thus these museums are tasked with work to ensure that they treat every art with respect and importance. African art is broad and beautiful and very vast. The little airplay of African living culture is not enough to display the richness and unique antiques that are found on the continent. Museums, anthropologists and archaeologists should research well and vastly and present the art as it is with minimal interference to its naturalist.
Africa has been called primitive, under-developed and less striking continent in the world. Little do they know of its awesome people, diverse cultures and dynamic art and scenic views that this land possesses, not forgetting the creativity, innovativeness, and beauty? What is said and published outside there have made many artists from Africa abandon their motherland and search the outside world for inspiration and new ideas. It’s true to say that Africa is rich when it comes to ideas since across many art pieces, all of it is has been conceived on a human scale, that is, human beings and derived elements are mainly used. This is originality and creativity at its best, yet African art is still referred to as primitive. This is a statement that should be deleted from all works and start appreciating this art and culture. Primitive art as it is put should, however, be displayed as original as it is, without too many effects or anything to preserve its originality. Also, the messages and description accorded are of relevance since it attaches some importance to the art. In addition, primitive is not seen in artwork alone but also in some systems that were there long ago. They seemed to work and were largely adopted by people through their relevance today is very insignificant. Take for example education systems that are in place now and those used centuries ago, they are so different and they have conflicting ideas and philosophies. A school should work with the natural curiosity of a child’s mind to stimulate creativity and understanding…It should not be an “ education factory” that warehouses students and teaches them in ways not convenient for adults”. These words were said by Rabindranath Tagore in one of his lectures to teachers. He was a scholar, educator, novelist, musician, painter, and poet. He believed in something we can say education for democracy. He went to start a school where the classes were often held outdoors; since he had a belief that students learned best when they were close to nature. His mode of education is so much different from the 21st century as he never had timelines for learning as the students and instructors could leave as they pleased as long they were satisfied from each other’s interaction. In his tours, he conflicted with students he gave lectures on his philosophy of education, considering that things were changing during that time.
He saw and believed that the education system was rigid and seemed like a prison and this made him detest school. True, that many would agree with him and also if there was a way they would do away with education a long time ago. But, the true but sad reality is that it is here to stay, and though not all will be scholars, education has helped everyone in this world in one way or the other. He argues that children should not be limited to the walls of a classroom or the syllabus at school and countless stream of lessons but should be left to stumble upon new things and their minds be awed by what they can find out and grasp. Parents and teachers want us to follow the system they used since they see and feel its importance and success but what can be done is to show them new ways of education that can be used to making learning not only enjoyable but also lively. Creating a conducive atmosphere to learn is way better off than to just fill a student’s mind with countless reading materials yet he or she sees it as irrelevant and tiring.