The Functions of Prehistoric Art

The rock art at Valcomonica can determine and explain types and functions of art used 8,000 years ago. During that period, men carved pictures into cave walls with their dingy handmade tools. Their art was very simple- undecorative and inelaborate. Men and animals were portrayed as blank stick figures, without any expression. Other everyday objects and creatures were also roughly carved. The art lacked any emotion or beauty. However, those cave drawings are extremely important artifacts in explaining the extraordinary lifestyle and values of those mysterious cave men. Prehistoric man found it effective to carve drawings in thier caves, establishing a new scribal culture. Drawing provided them with a way to communicate by recording visual images. They basically carved pictures that captured what they saw. Like the picture of the two warriors carved on Naquane Rock, the artist wanted to express an important event. Perhaps this fight was symbolic or involved important men in the tribe. Therefore, the artist wanted to record a historical event most effectively done through artwork. Also, prehistoric art provided an opportunity for the artist to reveal what was important to him, his society and his culture. For example, the crowned figure on the Cemmo 3 Boulder, is believed to symbolize a solar god whom the cave men revered. Therefore, the artist used his artwork as a commemoration to the god. Prehistoric men may have also intended to offer a glimpse into their lifestyle for the future generations. Daggers as weaponry, huts as shelters, carts as transporting devices, etc. explain to us the simplicity of their lives. Overall, however, prehistoric art is evidence of how their minds were growing more complex. Cave men were now able to create art, a skill they have never used before. They finally activated their minds and their imagination to express what they saw and valued. This was a profound step for walking the path to establishing the next six information revolutions that would change life forever.

Today, art has a completely different meaning as well as function to us. Practically everyone, young and old, female and male from every culture expect art to be beautiful, using it for decoration in homes and offices. Artists also create work that purposely convey feeling and emotion through perhaps texture, color, and so forth. It provides them with an opportunity for free expression, an outlet for their personal thoughts and attitudes. We admire and revere such expressive artwork and like to be surrounded by such human emotion and talent. Art today also commemorates important aspects of life, similar to prehistoric art. But today, life is different, thus art content relates to more complex matter than warrior combats and animals. Today, artwork constitutes wars, important figures, monuments, among other things. Finally, art functions as a method to convince audience to posess a particular viewpoint or partake in a particular activity. Art has the ability to persuade people in, for example supporting leaders, participating in events, or accepting ideologies.

As we have seen, the function of art has transformed from 8,000 years ago. Technology has advanced the way in which we create art from carving on caves to painting, sculpting, digital designing on a variety of mediums. Our modern and civilized lifestyle has transformed art from simple topography and rough carvings to more complicated art creations. Consequently, the function and the meaning that we associate to today's art have been radically altered.

does mass media have too much power?

#1:The Influence of the Mass Media

The mass media has played an important and influential role in the arts and our daily lives- both positively and negatively. The arts which create pop culture is comprised of music, film, books, paintings, etc., and are influenced by the media. For example, lyrical content in songs are affected from what is being portrayed in the media. Musicians are often inspired to write songs about issues that are presented to them like war, love, or death. Writers similarly take media content to express writings in books, magazines, and newspapers. A good example of such a writer is former US president Bill Clinton, who took advantage of the media hype circulating his private life and wrote an autobiography that has sold millions. Even filmmakers use highly publicized events like 9/11, the OJ Simpson trial, or the Jon Benet mystery to create their films.

Besides arts, mass media can also influence other facets of pop culture including fashion and entertainment. It can determine which clothing or hair is stylish for the season. We have seen how it can turn normal individuals into big-time celebrities and make reality programming a hit. Mass media can also influence attitudes on certain issues and encourage or discourage certain activities in their lives. The plethora of advertisements found on TV's, magazines, etc. impact what people will buy upon entering a mall or supermarket. The portrayal of political candidates in either good or bad lighting can easily swing a population's vote and impact the outcome of elections. The mass media can control the mindset of its audiences, pertaining to different significant issues, often in times of war. It can purposely impact the audiences' preferences and tastes until they become mere tools for media moguls to capitalize on their impure intentions- whether in terms of money or plain support. Therefore, mass media is not just influential, it is powerful. Another way in which the mass media negatively impacts our lives pertains to its violent and sexual content. Oftentimes, such recurring images disrupt minds and create dangerous personas, particularly in children. Even the picture-perfect models presented on a daily basis, distorts the image of beauty while creating eating disorders and psychological problems within audience members. Obviously, mass media's pervasive influence on several facets of life can be easily viewed as a disadvantage. The ability to deliver continous messages that may be false or biased, instantaneously to masses of people is a great power that we have seen being misued.

However, on a lighter note, such a power can also be used resourcefully. The mass media provides a phenomenal way to educate the masses on all sorts of issues and news events. Thus, the population can easily and efficiently become more educated and civilized and consequently, society can propser. They can become enlightened with all sorts of information and knowledge that the media offers them. Furthermore, audiences can become informed of important and urgent news that helps them make proper decisions in their lives and protect themselves and their families. Audiences can also be satisfied with all sorts of entertainment options which the media provides whether through TV, radio, books, magazines, computers, etc. To escape the continuous chaos of their lives, people often turn to the media to help them forget about personal problems and enjoy their free time with a good comedy program or thoughtful novel.

Therefore, in other ways, the mass media can offer great advantages that will force it to continue to develop and become a prominent part of our lives.