Human Culture
Select a cultural work from the world around you, one with cultural or historical interest, and briefly describe it in your submission. This cultural work should meet the following conditions:
It can take any form and be from any physical modality (visual, aural, tactile, and so on).
It should be a form of expression that you might encounter any day, which intrigues you and makes you want to know more about it.
It must be a specific work; for example, instead of choosing the American flag, you might elect to analyze the flag at the capitol building in Washington, DC.
It should be artificial in nature, with aesthetic design elements.
After choosing a cultural work to evaluate, answer the following questions:
What characteristics or elements of the work stand out to you?
What do you think the creator intended to express?
Were they successful?
Sample Solution
Characteristics or elements of the work that stand out to me:
- The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, which has been the subject of much speculation and interpretation.
- The painting's realistic depiction of the sitter, including her facial features, skin texture, and clothing.
- The use of perspective in the painting, which creates a sense of depth and realism.
- The painting's sfumato technique, which gives the sitter's face a soft, hazy appearance.
- The painting's overall composition, which is balanced and harmonious.