Chapter 18 of Living with art, 7th edition.

I would have to begin with contrasting and comparing,

18.6 Page from Quar’an 1307:

18.7 Bahram Gur and the Princess in the Black Pavillion, Bukhara 1538:

I both works are beautiful in their use of shapes within shapes, and colors. I like the spade like shapes attached to the left side of the former, and the contrasting layered colors. Such amazing details in both artworks! The former has calligraphy writing that also has complementary details. I also like the organized balance that makes up the page, all margins nicely framing the framed artwork. The Princess piece is also appealing for the same artistic balance, colors and details, however, the organized shapes connect and flow from one to another, adding more to look at and admire. I especially like the figure watching from the above window behind the curtain, and I think the artist was very smart in that choice. Both artworks are staggering in their effort at detail and colors, and without even knowing the details; I would have bought these if the price was right and hung them on my living room wall.


Also of interest in this chapter, were the sculptures:
18.14 Seated Couple. Dogon

18.15 Gwandusu, Bamana, 13th to 15th Century.

To begin, 18.14 is fun to look at the exaggerated bodies of this couple. How the legs attaches, the belly buttons etc. I find the male touches of genitals an interesting cultural statement, and the best part is the arm around her shoulder. Both have so many similarities and the differences stand out more. I think it is the kind of sculpture that I would want to do…realism exaggerated.

18.15 also has the same similar sitting position, length exaggeration, but less so, and the simple facial features. The boobs are the focal point with the hat, all very pointy. But there is continuity so that the entire piece gets admired and the way the child is carved onto the mother I think stands out more that the boobs. I can’t say I would buy this, but I think I would have stopped and admired the details, including the arm band decoration, and appreciated the work that went into sculpting this artwork, especially because it was made in the 14th century approximately.