Here’s another tidbit about me: I am an intended Art History Major.
Sometimes, I fear that my love for art and its history isn’t passionate enough for me to survive such a huge commitment as declaring a major in Art History.
But, these two artworks that I learned in my CORC Intro to Art Class and in my Arts in New York City Seminar reinforce my fascination for art. When I learned about them, they really impacted me. They struck me with awe. Although many of the artworks that I learn about in my art classes fascinate me, these two specifically stayed in my memory. I did not expect them to impact me so greatly or even at all. These two artworks are different from the art I tend to like.
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is a collection of more than 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 calvary horses, all made from terracotta, depicting the army ofQin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. They were made to be buried underneath the emperor’s tomb mound. It’s a necropolis! And what’s so fascinating about these sculptures is that each soldier has individual features! And that there are THOUSANDS of them, all made for ONE emperor’s funeral. That is sheer insanity, in the most amazing way possible.
These sculptures were made with such precision and such dedication. I think this is one of the most fascinating man-made things in the world. If only I could see this in person! I imagine that in person, this burial mound is even more unbelievable than I can even envision.
I was never quite a fan of Oriental art, even though I am an Asian-American, albeit, a very westernized Asian-American. But the Terracotta Army and my visit to Pearl River Mart are enough to turn me into a Sinophile. (That’s right! I am not Chinese. I am actually Vietnamese.) I am getting in touch with the Asian cultures now!
Michelangelo’s Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
In my Arts seminar class, we watched this video on the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Before I watched this video, I only knew of this artwork simply as one of the most well-known artworks of all time. Therefore, I never really looked deeply into the paintings on the ceiling. However, this video discussed all these details I would have never noticed on my own (one reason being that I currently do not have an extensive knowledge on art history or the Bible). After listening to the speakers note the narratives and the symbolism, I felt enlightened! I gained a much higher regard for this artwork. Not only because he painted everything with exact detail, standing up with his neck arched backwards for hours and days and months and years. But because now I understand the narratives and symbols behind the pretty images. I love the intricate details of each panel. Although this is not one of my favorite artworks and although I do not consider these paintings as some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen, I consider the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel as one of the most interesting and fascinating artworks.
Watching a 22 minute video on a discussion of the details of the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel can be hard for most people to digest, especially younger students, such as me. However, knowing that I stayed captivated the entire video reassures me of my decision to study art history. I will survive! Hopefully, the classes I will take for the major will be equally intriguing.
