Globalisationand Art

Marlborough Science AcademyHome Learning Project, Week 1

What is globalisation?Globalisation is when different parts of the world

become more and more connected. In Art, globalisation results in the art and culture from

one part of the world being shared with others.

In ancient timesIn ancient times, civilizations that travelled to other parts of the world took their artwork with them. For example, there are still many fine examples of Roman artwork in St Albans. The 1,800 year old floor mural within the hypocaust in Verulamium Park is an incredible piece of artwork reflecting Roman culture.

The Silk Road The Silk Road was 4000 miles of ancient routes that linked traders in China, India, Arabia, Egypt and Europe. It was most active between the 2nd century B.C. until 1500.

Silk came westward, where it was in high demand, while wool, silver and gold went east.

The Silk RoadThe Silk Road made it possible for art pieces and art techniques to travel to different parts of the world.

For example, China had no glassware before high-quality blown glass from Egypt and Middle Eastern Arab cities.

The Silk RoadChinese landscape painting (on the left below) was heavily influenced by India's Buddhist muralists (on the right).

ColonialismDuring colonial times the British empire (and other European countries) collected artwork from all over the world and brought them back. The British Museum contains aboriginal art from Australia and sculptures from Greece. In many cases the original countries want these pieces of artwork back.

John ConstableIf you go back in time, many artists were focused entirely in the part of the world they lived in. John Constable is a good example of this.

He lived in Suffolk, England, and is mainly known for his landscape paintings of Dedham Vale. This is the area surrounding his home and which is now known as ‘Constable Country’.

But now...TV, film, ease of travel and the Internet means that we all know more about different parts of the world. Globalisation of art is increasing.

Most artists tend to be well-informed about other parts of the world and a wide range of art styles. This can influence their artwork.

Globalisation also means that artists can seek an international audience for their work.

Peter Fischli and David Weiss are an example of artists affected by globalisation. They create films, photographs, sculptures and more.

They are artists who travel all around the world to create and share their art. They have celebrated all of this travelling around in their photographs of airports.

Take the test!Now that you have learned about globalisation and art, take the Week 1 test. Remember, the pass mark for the test is 80%.

If you don’t pass you should read this presentation again and then have another go at the test.