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Welcome to Art in Everyday Life, an exploration of how art shapes, informs, and influences our daily routines, ranging from ancient times to the present. Art is often thought of in a traditional sense, as something historical or classical, belonging to distant times and old-fashioned customs. However, it also mirrors and molds the human experience, crossing into the routines and rituals of everyday existence. In societies like ancient Egypt and Greece, art was seamlessly implemented into life itself. Egyptian tomb paintings and Greek statues were not mere objects of beauty; they embodied beliefs, preserved legacies, and symbolized ideals that shaped the lived experiences of all who encountered them. These artworks served as visual guides and sources of inspiration, often appealing to the heart, mind, and spirit in profound, layered ways.

Today, while we might actively seek out art in galleries, curated spaces or traditional/historic spaces, we also find it in the details of our urban landscapes, in personal belongings, or on screens we use daily. Art continues to appeal to the eye, but it also reaches deeper, evoking emotional and intellectual responses that add meaning to our routines. Through this exhibition, we will explore how art, both ancient and modern, has been and remains a fundamental part of the human experience. We’ll ask: does art enrich life just by existing, or do we assign it meaning when we make the conscious decision to pause amidst our busy lives and look deeper?

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Title: Fowling in the Marshes; Findspot: Tomb of Nebamun, Thebes, Egypt; Period / culture: 18th Dynasty; Production date: 1350BC (circa); Posted by: Ambre Abdellaoui: Week 3 Discussion

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1. Fowling in the Marshes ("Fowling Scene")

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1. Fowling in the Marshes ("Fowling Scene")

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The Fowling in the Marshes, scene from the tomb of Nebanum in Thebes, vividly captures a scene of leisure and prosperity in the marshes of the Nile. This idyllic setting, with Nebamun surrounded by his family, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife, symbolizes the joy and prosperity that were integral to Egyptian ideals of a fulfilling life. The vibrant colors and intricate details, such as the textures of the lotus flowers and butterflies, engage the viewer’s eye, creating an immersive experience. The detailed depiction of nature—lotus flowers, butterflies, birds —reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, which was seen as a source of sustenance and happiness. This scene also carries religious and spiritual meaning, as it features multiple symbols and hieroglyphics. The smaller figure, presumably a child, and the cat, which are seen as sacred and a representation of deities, supports this connection. In Egyptian culture, scenes like these were also painted in tombs to represent the deceased’s hopes for an afterlife filled with similar pleasures, reinforcing the belief that life’s joys would continue beyond death. Using religious iconography to convey that life’s deepest pleasures—family, security, and prosperity—would accompany the individual into the afterlife. By depicting Nebamun actively engaging in leisure and abundance, the artwork promises a continuation of life’s richness, suggesting that the pleasures he enjoyed in life—nature, family, and prosperity—would also be part of his afterlife. The artwork thus serves as both a celebration of earthly joy and a vision of an idealized afterlife, merging the two realms into a single, harmonious image.

Art in this context shapes our understanding of daily life by intertwining the mundane with the sacred, suggesting that enjoyment of nature and family bonds transcends earthly existence. It appeals to both the heart, through its emotional resonance, and the mind, by inviting reflection on themes of life, death, and rebirth. While it may not be obvious, the artwork requires an attentive viewer to appreciate its layered meanings. This connection between art and daily life is highlighted by associating our ordinary routines with deeper significance, reminding us of the beauty and richness of existence.

https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/painting-of-the-week-fowling-in-the-marshes/

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Title: Liberty Leading the People; Created by: Eugene Delacroix; Culture: Romanticism/French; Date: 1830 during the July Revolution; Medium: oil on canvas; Posted by: Matthew Michael Osorio: Week 5 Discussion

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Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix is a powerful representation of revolutionary spirit and the quest for freedom, represented by the July Revolution in France. The center of the painting features Liberty, also known as Marianne, a symbol of France and the French Republic, leading a diverse group of people—workers, soldiers, and intellectuals—toward "a brighter future". Her draped yellow dress is reminiscent of Greek goddess, while her facial features resemble Greek and Roman statues. Her posture—standing tall atop a barricade amid chaos—also engulfs both modern struggle and the ideals of freedom rooted in Antiquity. This dynamic composition not only captures the eye with its bold colors and dramatic contrasts but also evokes certain emotions by emphasizing themes of struggle, sacrifice, and hope. The inclusion of various social classes signifies the collective pursuit of liberty, reflecting how art can serve as a mirror to societal aspirations and unrest. The young boy on the right, holding two pistols, symbolizes youthful insurgency and vitality, reflecting the urgency and necessity of change. Surrounding these figures are the bodies of fallen soldiers and citizens, including a nude figure dragged from his bed, which powerfully conveys the high cost of the revolution.

In everyday life, this artwork embeds itself in the symbol of resistance and empowerment. It appeals to the mind by prompting reflection on the values of freedom and justice, while its emotional resonance connects deeply with the viewer. Though the painting may not be evidently applicable to everyday scenarios, it requires an attentive observer to appreciate its layers of meaning. By incorporating our daily routines with themes of courage and solidarity, art like Liberty Leading the People plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of history, identity, and the ongoing struggle for human rights. Ultimately, it reminds us that art can also inspires us to engage with the world around us and express ourselves.

https://blog.artsper.com/en/a-closer-look/art-analysis-liberty-leading-the-people-by-eugene-delacroix/

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This exhibition showcases a diverse group of artworks, each reflecting the distinct ways art implements itself into daily life and shapes our perceptions. Ancient Egyptian artifacts reveal art’s role in capturing pleasures and beliefs, providing a window into how daily experiences and aspirations transcend time. In Liberty Leading the People, Delacroix’s allegory uses art to capture the collective spirit, showing art’s power to unite and inspire. Dior’s Resort 2022 Collection draws on ancient Greek influences, blending historical and contemporary aesthetics to reflect how art informs even fashion’s everyday statements of style and identity. Similarly, Rodin’s The Walking Man emphasizes resilience and motion, illustrating art’s ability to mirror universal human experiences through form and movement. Finally, La Grande Café by Peter Sebastian Graham connects modern viewers with scenes of familiar life, utilizing an expressive style to invite personal reflection within ordinary settings. Together, these works compliment art’s role in daily life, whether through historical inspiration, emotional resonance, or an appeal to collective memory. Art is not confined to grand expressions but flourishes in routines, fashion, community, and memory, through both our personal and shared experiences.

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Title: Christian Dior’s Resort 2022 Collection Outfit; Culture: Fashion/Contemporary; Date: 2022; Posted by: Tyler E. Davies: Week 6 Discussion

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3. Christian Dior’s Resort 2022 Collection

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3. Christian Dior’s Resort 2022 Collection

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Christian Dior’s Resort 2022 Collection outfit showcases the seamless integration of art into daily life through contemporary fashion, drawing deep inspiration from the elegance of ancient Greek culture. The striking white off-the-shoulder dress, paired with gold jewelry and modern sneakers, captures the viewer’s attention alongside the flowing silhouette. This reflection of simplicity and fluidity-- a characteristic of classical Greek attire-- effortlessly merges with today’s innovative fashion styles. The artistic connection between the past and present resonates on multiple levels, appealing to the eye with its aesthetic beauty and also carries cultural significance. The outfit stands as a testament to how art infuses our daily routines, offering a means of self-expression that connects us to historical legacies.

Furthermore, the similarity in the flowing lines of Dior's dress to the attire depicted in Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" creates a compelling narrative across time. While Liberty, with her classical draped garment, symbolizes the struggle for freedom in 1830, Dior’s modern interpretation showcases how these classical influences endure in contemporary design. Fashion has shown to become a living art form, reminding us that beauty, history, and self-expression intertwine in our everyday lives.

https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/resort-2022/christian-dior/slideshow/collection#1

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Title: The Walking Man (L'homme qui marche); Artist: Auguste Rodin; Culture: French; Date: modeled before 1900, cast before 1914; Medium: Bronze, green patina; Classification: Sculpture-Bronze

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Auguste Rodin's "The Walking Man" (L'homme qui marche) is a compelling testament to how art infiltrates our daily lives as a profound exploration of the human condition. Rodin’s work evokes a more timeless strength, drawing inspiration from classical forms. His decision to exclude arms and a head, instead opting for a rough, fragmented textured surface, challenges traditional expectations of how sculptures typically look. Rodin strips down to the essentials of movement and existence which urges viewers to find meaning in each step, a symbol of perseverance in both daily life and the broader human journey. The sculpture's wide walking stance and arching torso also conveys an imminent step in contemplating our own journeys and resilience in life. This choice creates a sense of universality, suggesting that the act of walking transcends individual identity, embodying the collective human experience.

Overall, the movement suggested in "The Walking Man" resonates with our everyday experiences, prompting us to reflect on our own lives and choices. In this way, Rodin's work infuses our ordinary routines with deeper meaning, emphasizing that art is not merely something we observe; it is an essential aspect of our existence that shapes our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

https://smarthistory.org/rodin-walking/

https://www.fundacionmapfre.org/en/education-outreach/covid-19/out-of-lock-down/now-more-than-ever/encourage-your-creativity/the-walking-man/#:~:text=The%20Swiss%20artist's%20sculpture%20on,the%20universal%20symbol%20of%20humanity.

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Title: La Grande Café; Artist: Peter Sebastian Graham; Culture: Contemporary, 20th Century; Date: 2011

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Lastly, this modern piece, La Grande Café, by Peter Sebastian Graham, captures an atmosphere familiar to many: the lively, inviting ambiance of a café. The scene feels timeless, evoking the charm of everyday gatherings, shared moments, and human interaction in a public space. Graham’s use of warm colors and expressive brushstrokes shares a resemblance with Van Gogh's Café Terrace at Night, drawing connections between contemporary and historical representations of café culture. Art like this resonates through shared experiences, grounding itself in familiar settings that invite viewers to examine their daily lives. While visually engaging, it also appeals to the emotions, highlighting the café as a space for connection and reflection. In this way, La Grande Café blurs the line between public and private spaces, drawing art into our daily routines. This work is easily accessible and brings a slice of communal life into an artistic frame, specifically how art continually accentuates our surroundings and enriches ordinary moments.

https://owlcation.com/humanities/20-Greatest-Paintings-of-Modern-Art