There is no doubt that the history of the transatlantic slave trade still leaves a bitter taste in our mouths. What were its short-term effects on African society and how do we feel its effects today? What good or bad has slavery done to the black race and what lessons have we learned from it?
Debates on whether Britain should apologise for their role in colonialism is still on and while many are asking for it, a majority of others remain indifferent. But, should the British feel remorseful about this past act or not? What are your thoughts on this?
Of all the famous 19th century furniture and textile designers, two names remain relevant. William Morris, for his outstanding textile and wallpaper designs, and Michael Thonet whose bentwood furniture styles remain popular till this day.
In early 19th-century America, a group of landscape painters, led by English-born American artist, Thomas Cole, came together to form a school of art called the "Hudson River School of Art".
18th-century American folk-art painters were amateurish, simple everyday people that had some creative flair and a passionate urge to draw and paint. Their drawings lacked proportion and are mostly characterized by a naïve style where the traditional rules of perspective are not existent.
Art can't be evaluated without historical information about the works of famous Renaissance artists who influenced the philosophies, activities, and thoughts of mankind over the centuries.
Metal art are practical and decorative works of art made from metals like bronze, silver, gold, tin, copper, lead, brass, and iron. They are crafted as ornamental and functional objects that are both aesthetically pleasing, and useful to us all.
Metals have a variety of physical traits that limit the shapes and forms into which decorative metal works can be fashioned.
Art styles of the medieval period (Middle Ages) were highly influenced by the church because religion was the mainstay of life...
The technical perfection of ancient Greek pottery shows us that the handmade earthenware pieces they crafted required an unusual kind of concentration and deft hands to be able to fashion such perfect works of ceramic/pottery art.
The purpose of prehistoric cave art drawings and symbols is still unclear, but they must have possessed some decorative or ritualistic value. Probably they were not really meant to 'pretty up' their enclaves but rather, have some sort of religious significance.
Early American pottery was not made for decorative purposes, but rather, were created for functional everyday-use objects in the home environment. They lacked finesse and style, neither did they have any known value.
The 9th and 10th centuries saw an interested Spanish Caliphate yearn for the pottery objects and styles of the Islamic clay potters who were known experts in the field of ceramic ware production.
Artwork discoveries show that pottery and ceramics production goes way back. Even the cave men made similar objects with basic painted designs, crudely inscribed etchings, and inscriptions...
The late 19th century ushered in the American Eclectic period, a time when America became a ready market for Parisian decorators who promoted antiques and Louis style art and furniture reproductions.
Victorian-era home styles evolved in the 19th century and were built during the reign of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) of Great Britain. The style evolved at a period in American history when the Greek revival styles no longer reflected wealth, strength, and art consciousness of the nation.
The American Greek revival style first appeared in the 1820s at a time when America was looking up to ancient Greece for art inspiration. It soon grew to a state where it became the "national style"
Post-Colonial art of European Neoclassical period design and styles largely influenced much of America’s Federal period’s art and architecture. About thirty years after the declaration, it brought about a frenzied interest in the creative arts and the art of furniture crafting.
Although largely decorative, the interior style of Georgian homes was understated as being much simpler and less ornamental than other period styles.
What is the Eyo Festival and what is its origins? It is a custom that still holds sway and considered the foremost cultural event in Lagos, Nigeria. Called the Adimu Orisa Play, it is a grand masquerade festival with a display of pomp and pageantry; a tradition with deep historical roots.
Eyo masquerades don’t speak to anyone; apparently, it is a ‘no-no’. However, they do have a strange way of communicating with observers and spectators. Throaty short words, almost inaudible but uttered in strange eerie-like sounds. What is the message they give and what does it mean?
There may now be an overwhelming number of Eyo masquerade groups that take part in the Lagos cultural festival, with claims of as many as a hundred, but the top and most prominent of them all are the 5 Senior Conclaves. They are the most cherished and respected. Who are they?
Spectacular costumes worn by the Eyo masquerades on the festival day are brilliant-white flowing, sweeping robes which conceal them from head to toe and colourful hats with bold conclave insignias. In their thousands, they first visit the Oba's Palace to pay homage, before all activities commence....
Looking for a unique tourist attraction deep-rooted in history, culture, and tradition? Well, the grand Eyo festival which holds in Lagos, Nigeria is what you need to experience. With a dramatic and splendid display of white-clad masquerades, this cultural event is held as a tribute to the past.
Early American furniture of the 17th century was limited to the bare essentials required for everyday life. Comfort was never an option and furniture pieces were basically tables, chairs, and beds.
The very early Colonial homes were spartan structures with interiors barely decorated, except for functional furniture items and furnishings that were an absolute necessity.
Homes of the first American settlers were crude structures built not for aesthetics or comfort, but strictly for functional purposes. They were simple sturdy homes; just enough to meet the demands of a people who required only the basics. Aesthetics were non-existent; a non-essential luxury.
A notable influence on the development of the styles of the American art periods has always been due to the varied origins and culture of its early settlers.
What is the meaning of the Renaissance, when and how did it begin in England, and how did it differ from the Italian Renaissance?