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Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about your artist's style and message (what are they trying to communicate with the viewer). You should find this in their artist's statement. 

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1) What's your name and anticipated major?

2) Why are you taking this class?

3) What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

4) Favorite movies?

5) Do you have any pets? Children? Feel free to share a fun picture of you, or of your pet! Or put your pet in your video!

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about your artist's style and message (what are they trying to communicate with the viewer). You should find this in their artist's statement. 

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at more of their artist's work. Respond to their post by sharing another work you found and give your opinion on this artist and their work. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful. 

Your grade is based on the following:

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I'm Dr. Sluis, and I'd love to share a bit about me!

I studied art history at the University of Oklahoma (BOOMER SOONER!), and I did my graduate work in art history at Oklahoma State University. I earned my doctorate degree in Applied Learning Sciences through the University of Miami.

I live in Tomball with my husband, our 18-month old daughter, and our two pups. In my free time, I like to spend time outdoors with my family, paint, read, and travel! We also have a toddler running around, so we stay busy these days. I've included a collage of pictures from some of our family traditions, trip to Greece this summer, and of my daughter, Cece.

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about the function of the artwork and where it was found.

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In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about your artist's style and message (what are they trying to communicate with the viewer). You should find this in their artist's statement. 

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at more of their artist's work. Respond to their post by sharing another work you found and give your opinion on this artist and their work. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful. 

Your grade is based on the following:

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Your post should include an image of the site you chose and why you liked it. Explain the site to us and why you chose it. What is your favorite feature or artwork within the site? Make sure to give a few sentences about your site's history.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at their site. Respond to their post by sharing another fact or artwork you found that is within the site. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful. 

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In your post, make sure to tell us about your project briefly (200 words or under). Don't forget to comment on your peers' posts too!

Gray's style combines anatomical precision's with transcendental symbolism that bridges The Physical and spiritual realms. Gray hopes to help other people recognized their own divine essence and to foster unity between their body, mind, and their spirit. This artwork made me reflect on how spirituality is not just external rituals but it is also an inner journey for awareness and connections

What stands out to me is how he doesn’t treat art as something separate from real life more of it becoming a tool for connection, healing & growth. It’s like he’s using creativity to rebuild communities from the inside out, and that’s very inspiring. The world definitely needs more of this kind of work! Art that doesn’t just hang in galleries, but actually touches lives and helps people move forward through trial and tribulations. It’s made me think differently about what art can be and how it can serve others in meaningful ways. I just love it !

Ay Tjoe’s style is abstract expressionist. She uses hard lines and heavy brush strokes, there is a tension between clear and indistinct forms. She will often merge human shapes with symbolic or geometric forms, to create a visual metaphor rather than a literal depiction.

In her artist’s statement, she refers to faith as a “God-given task” which she explores through her work: imperfection, struggle, redemption, and connectivity.

Her work is not didactic, it creates a space of emotional resonance where the human and divine intersect.

I selected her because in her art I find honesty: she depicts not only idealized images, but the full chaos and complexity of spiritual life. The forms she creates are both fragile and powerful, and she entices you to enter into mystery rather than explain it.

Another reason why I picked this art because it captures both a personal expression of the artist's inner feelings and a universal sense of wonder when looking at the night sky. The function of this artwork can also been seen as emotional and symbolic. This also reflect on how Van Gogh's had struggled with his mental health while he was also seeing a hope through light in darkness.

Today I present to you Infinity Rooms by Yayoi Kusama - installations that take you on a surreal journey into a limitless universe. The picture above is just one of the most famous Infinity Rooms whichs is called The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. It features twinkling LED lights that reflect endlessly in all directions, making it feel as though you’re floating in space. The experience is meant to be both meditative and overwhelming, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re inside, as the boundaries between space and reflection dissolve.

First created in the 1960s, Kusama Infinity Rooms are immersive installations made using mirrors, LED lights, and reflective surfaces that create the illusion of infinite space. When you step inside, your reflection is multiplied over and over, making the room seem boundless. But these rooms are more than just a visual spectacle—they carry deep meaning tied to Kusama’s personal journey and her reflections on life, the universe, and mental health.They’re also Kusama’s way of expressing her lifelong obsession with infinity and repetition. Kusama has spoken openly about her experiences with hallucinations and mental illness, describing how she sees the world covered in repeating patterns, dots, and shapes. These experiences are central to her art.

Turrell’s work often references the Quaker tradition (in which he was raised), emphasizing inner light, stillness, and direct personal experience of the divine. His artist statement says, "I am interested in the thingness of light itself, and the way we perceive light as a material presence." He aims to create environments that allow us to confront perception itself, inviting quiet contemplation and inner awareness.

I chose this work because it reminded me of how light can be spiritual, how places of worship often use stained glass or open skylights to connect people with something beyond the physical. Turrell’s work does this without symbols or narrative, just light, space, and stillness.

I chose this artwork because it reminds me of how something broken or thrown away can become something beautiful and powerful kind of like how people can grow and change. El Anatsui’s style mixes old traditions with new ideas, and his message is about transformation, unity, and sprit. His art makes me think about how everything is connected and how beauty can come from unexpected places. That’s why I think it fits the theme of spirituality it’s peaceful and inspiring.

For this week, the artist I picked is Miwa Komatsu, and a painting from her recent art exhibition held in Sapporo, Japan, called the “Three Guardians Gatekeeping the Heat and Cold” (2021). The main reason I picked this painting is because I think this piece shows all of the things that she is known for in her art like fantastical creatures, intricate patterns, and a vibrant color palette and also just how eye-catching it was (though pretty much all of her art are pretty eye-catching), with all of the different mixtures of colors and how asymmetrically symmetric it is (if that makes sense), and how curious it made me about what it symbolized and represented to her. Miwa Komatsu is known for blending elements of traditional Japanese art with contemporary styles in her art and her art also shows a deep connection between physical and spiritual parts of life. THis peice depicts three yamainu (mountain dog) spirits that she said would appear in her home prefecture and would give her guidance when she was lost or late getting home (These are also cousins to the horned canine spirits that guard Japanese shrines). These spirits, along with many others, show up a lot in her art and are made to be guardians/guides to the spiritual realm that we as humans rarely access, but to Miwa Komatsu they are her source of inspiration and also part of her life mission to give them a visual form.

I chose Still Life with Absinthe by Vincent van Gogh. The medium used is oil paint on canvas. The painting shows a café table set with a glass of absinthe and a carafe of water, used to dilute the drink. Van Gogh painted this during his time in Paris, where he was heavily influenced by Impressionism and the lively café culture. Absinthe was a popular drink at the time, especially among artists and writers, and it often symbolized creativity, escape, and sometimes even madness. I think what makes this scene compelling is the way Van Gogh captures a quiet, intimate moment in an otherwise social setting.  I like how the table appears to be near a window, suggesting the peaceful act of people-watching from inside a café. Despite being painted in the 1800s, the setting feels familiar and timeless. The carafe and glass are items you could easily see in a café today, which makes the painting feel both historical and relatable. I find it interesting how Van Gogh used a simple still life to reflect the atmosphere of everyday life and the culture of his time.

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about the function of the artwork and where it was found.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at the artwork of your peer. Respond to their post by sharing your thoughts and takeaways from their post.

Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful. 

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For this week discussion, I've decided to choose a painting that I liked since I was in high school. It's an artwork of Tô Ngọc Vân who is from my home country, Vietnam, called "Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ" (Young Woman with Lilies).

It is hard to explain why I like this painting. Since the first time I looked at it, it was always in my mind. Perhaps the girl in the painting possesses an irresistible charm making it is unforgettable once looked at.

The painting is about a young woman in a white "Áo dài" (Vietnamese traditional dress) sits beside a vase of white lilies.

Tô Ngọc Vân’s artistic style in "Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ" is highly distinctive. He uses gentle, bright colors to create a pure and graceful atmosphere. The details in the painting are rendered with subtlety—from the girl’s posture to the white lilies. The harmonious blend of imagery and color not only highlights the beauty of the central figure but also brings the painting to life with emotion and vitality.

It is one of the most iconic paintings in Vietnamese art history.

I like this piece because it’s peaceful and spiritual in a quiet way. It reminds me of faith, love, and hope, and how even a simple gesture can express something deep. The drawing shows how art doesn’t always need bright colors or fancy materials to make people feel something.

The function of this work was originally as a study for a larger painting that Durer was creating, so it was meant to help him plan the final piece. Over time the drawing itself became famous on its own because of how realistic and moving it is. Praying Hands artwork can be found today in the Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria.

I chose this artwork because it feels calm and meditative, like you can almost feel the stillness of the water and the warmth of the sunlight. The function of Water Lilies was to capture the fleeting beauty of nature and show how light changes what we see. The series was inspired by Monet’s own garden which I found very interesting, and many of these works are now displayed in museums such as the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Van Gogh created this painting while in a mental asylum in Saint-Rémy, France, around 1889. The work captures a turbulent sky over the quiet village, reflecting both the external world and the artist’s inner emotional state. It functions as an expressive, almost dreamlike vision rather than a literal landscape, inviting viewers to feel the intensity of his experience.

I chose this artwork because of its dynamic use of color and texture, which feels alive and evocative even after more than a century. The way Van Gogh uses paint to convey emotion is inspiring and demonstrates the power of the medium beyond just representation.

“Moulin Rouge: La Goulue” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is an example of the printmaking medium. It was created using the lithograph printing technique, which allowed the artist to use multiple colors and bold designs. This iconic poster, made in 1891, was designed to advertise the famous Parisian cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, a lively nightclub known for its energetic can-can performances and vibrant social scene. The poster features the dancer La Goulue performing her signature high kick, with crowds of spectators in the background. Toulouse-Lautrec’s work captures the excitement and spirit of Parisian nightlife during the late 19th century and remains one of the most recognized posters in art history. This artwork embodies the energy of modern entertainment and nightlife in Paris. I chose this picture because it reminds me of the rhythm and blues atmosphere found in the southern states, where dance and music create a joyful sense of community. It also shows how rhythm and blues music and dance create a similar energy.  The piece shows how movement, music, and celebration can be beautifully captured in visual art.

I chose this artwork because of its dramatic composition and striking sense of movement. The enormous wave towers over small boats, capturing the power of nature and the vulnerability of humans. Hokusai’s precise lines and layered colors create depth and energy, making it feel almost alive.

“The Great Wave off Kanagawa” was originally created in Japan as part of Hokusai’s series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. Its function was both decorative and educational, illustrating the natural world while appealing to a broad audience. Today, it can be found in museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This print remains iconic for its artistic mastery and cultural significance, demonstrating the enduring power of printmaking as a medium.

The print captures the moment described in the Gospels when darkness fell over the land as Christ died. By using dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, he created a powerful sense of divine presence - a beam of light breaks through the darkness, illuminating Christ on the cross while the surrounding chaos and despair fade into shadow.

Medium: Bronze sculpture with etched and printed surfaces

Process: Sculpture and printmaking combined. Bronze casting, etching, and engraving. This piece is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It has also been exhibited in other major art museums and galleries over the years. Kiki Smith is a well known contemporary artist whose works explore the human body, nature, and spirituality.This artwork looks very strange at first, but the meaning behind it is powerful. While it may not be one of my favorites, it’s interesting to see how Kiki Smith mixes sculpture and printmaking to explore ideas about birth, nature, and the connection between humans and animals. It also shows how unusual art can have deep meaning when you take the time to look closer. Although, when I first saw it, I wouldn’t have understood that meaning right away. Taking to time to read and known more about it helped.

Medium: Sculpture (Bronze)

A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece of art created by forming or accumulating material such as stone, metal, clay, or wood. For bronze sculptures such as The Thinker, the sculptor first models the form in wax or clay. Then a mold is taken around the model and molten bronze is filled into it using the lost-wax casting process. After cooling, the bronze is buffed and possibly treated with chemicals to produce a desired color or texture, called a patina.

The Thinker is the world's most famous sculpture. Rodin created it originally as one of several figures within a greater sculpture titled The Gates of Hell, based upon Dante's Inferno. The work is of a seated figure with his mind in thought, his body strained, grappling with a dominating idea. Rodin wanted to convey the strength of the emotions and inner conflict associated with thinking , something that few pieces of art at the time did not show.

Why I Chose It:

I chose The Thinker because of its raw emotional power and the way that it captures the feeling of intense mental focus. I also appreciate the way Rodin was able to depict something so intangible as "thought" so bodily and alive. The tension in the muscles and pose of the figure give it a sense of life and fight, which I think is incredibly powerful.

Originally intended to be a piece of a ornamented door for an unbuilt museum, The Thinker has lived on as a freestanding sculpture. It's commonly employed as a symbol of philosophy and man's contemplation. The original big bronze casting is located at the Parisian Musée Rodin but is replicated in many other places around the world, like the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia and alongside the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

Da Vinci masterfully utilized charcoal's properties to achieve remarkable sfumato effects. Because charcoal particles are loose, they can be easily manipulated, smudged, and blended across the paper, allowing him to create soft gradations of tone and shadow. This technique eliminates hard outlines, giving the figures a lifelike, gentle quality as they emerge from the shadows. The artist used sharp lines for definition in the eyes and nose, while employing soft blending for the volumetric modeling of the cheeks and forehead.

I chose this work because it demonstrates the full expressive potential of a drawing medium. It is an exceptional example of Da Vinci’s early exploration of light, shadow, and human emotion. The primary function of this piece was likely preparatory, a detailed cartoon or study intended to map out the composition, lighting, and facial expressions for a larger painting, such as the Virgin of the Rocks. This drawing is considered a foundational study for his later painted masterpieces and is currently held in the collection of the British Museum in London.

The medium is paper and water-based ink, but the technique is what's really impressive. It’s not like painting on one surface; it requires a team. Hokusai did the original drawing, but then specialized artisans carved a different wooden block for every single color used in the image. They needed separate blocks for the different shades of blue, the gray, and the subtle yellow of the boats. Then, the printmaker applies the water-based ink to one block, lays the paper on top, and rubs the back of the paper manually with a specialized tool called a baren. They repeat this process for each color block, which means the paper had to be aligned perfectly multiple times just to finish one print!

I chose this print because it’s so cool how dramatic and terrifying that massive, claw-like wave looks. It just captures your attention immediately, especially with tiny Mount Fuji sitting calmly in the background. The function of these ukiyo-e prints was for mass distribution—they were like tourist souvenirs or popular posters back then, showing off famous sights. Today, they are considered priceless, and excellent prints are housed in collections all over the place, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

1. Renaissance

2. Baroque

3. Neo-Classical

4. Gothic Revival

5. Brutalism

6. Beaux-Arts

7. Bauhaus

8. Green Architecture

Your post should include an image of the site you liked and why. Explain the building to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about the function of the site and how it fits the movement you chose.

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Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful. 

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The basilica embodies both Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Bramante's original plan was based on a Greek cross layout, but this was later modified. Michelangelo, who played a pivotal role in designing the dome, introduced massive supporting piers to hold its enormous weight and shifted the plan toward a more centralized layout. Later, Bernini enhanced the basilica’s Baroque character, especially in the richly decorated interior and the dramatic design of St. Peter’s Square, amplifying the theatricality characteristic of the Baroque period.

I chose St. Peter’s Basilica because I have had the opportunity to visit St. John Cathedral in Lafayette, Louisiana, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Each building was constructed with deeply religious stories and adorned with beautiful works of art.

St. Peter’s Basilica remains an active Catholic church, used for daily Mass, sacraments, and prayer. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity, believed to be built over the tomb of St. Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first pope. Each year, millions of visitors come to pray, attend services, and experience the spiritual and artistic richness of this sacred space.

I like it because I like how it is different from others. It looks simple yet powerful.

I love this building because of how elegant and powerful it looks at the same time. The artistry inside and out and create so much awe and emotion. The tall columns, large dome and carvings make it feel alive and full of movement which is what baroque is known for. Even the reflection pool in front adds to the drama. The Karlskirche shows how drama, inspriration, faith, and emotion can exist as one.

I chose St. Vitus Cathedral because it combines old and new elements of Gothic architecture. The building’s towering spires and colorful windows create a larger than life atmosphere that captures the vibe of the Gothic Revival movement.

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church of the Vatican and the holiest place in Catholicism. It was constructed by Renaissance architects who were some of the finest, including Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Its huge dome, conceived by Michelangelo, is a work of Renaissance engineering and symbolistic genius, representing heaven.

Renaissance was a revival of classical ideals of proportion, symmetry, and geometry. This is manifested in St. Peter's Basilica through its symmetrical design, proportional balance, and use of classical architectural vocabularies including domes, columns, and arches. It also demonstrates Renaissance humanism in the sense that it symbolizes human achievement and creative authority.

I chose this building because of how innovative it is, both in design and philosophy. Instead of separating humans from the environment, Wright’s vision connects them, and I really admire that. The house was originally built as a private residence for the Kaufmann family, but it now serves as a museum open to the public. Fallingwater perfectly represents the principles of Green Architecture, sustainability, environmental integration, and respect for natural beauty. It remains one of the most inspiring examples of how architecture can coexist with the environment rather than dominate it.

I selected Michelangelo's David since it is an amazing work of art from the Renaissance era and it conveys the human body in all its beauty and complexity. The sculpture exhibits marvelous detailing in muscles, skin, and movement, and it conveys the dual aspects of power and poise, thus making it a source of inspiration for all times. How the artist did it: Michelangelo carved David by the subtractive process, the carving method. He picked a large block of marble and then slowly chipped it away with the help of chisels, hammers, and other finer tools to let the figure out. Proportions and anatomy were very essential, so he applied his thorough knowledge of the human body, and as a result, he produced a figure that was not only lifelike but also dynamic. Surface polishing was among the final touches done, which gave the marble a smooth and realistic quality.

Your post should include an image of the site you chose and why you liked it. Explain the site to us and why you chose it. What is your favorite feature or artwork within the site? Make sure to give a few sentences about your site's history.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at their site. Respond to their post by sharing another fact or artwork you found that is within the site. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful. 

Your grade is based on the following:

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Reason for choosing: example of very direct Roman contact in North Africa without centuries of European reinterpretation of the space. The site is still mostly structural, rather than reconstructed storytelling.

Key feature: The Arch of Caracalla. Monumental arch, built to convey the power and authority of the empire. The size and the use of the arch as an entryway is a clear statement of the hierarchy. The mosaic floors of the surrounding private houses depict both mythological scenes and daily life in the city. They show the use of Roman visual language, with some adaptation to local pattern.

History in brief: 3rd century BCE foundation. Expanded as a Roman outpost in the 1st century CE. Reached its greatest size under the Severan dynasty. Abandoned slowly after the 3rd century. Stone quarry for later construction in nearby cities. Some earthquake damage visible on structures.

Volubilis is an example of how empire leaves behind both infrastructure and imagery that extend well beyond the political reality.

I chose this site because I’ve always thought bath houses were cool and interesting and I was pleasantly surprised that these were mostly used by men. The Hadrianic Baths were excavated by Italians in the 1920s and are still well preserved due to being convered in sand for over a thousand years!

I chose Karnak because of how layered it is historically. Each ruler added something new, so walking through the site is like moving through different periods of Egyptian architecture. My favorite feature is the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its massive forest of columns rising over 60 feet. Even in its damaged state, the hall shows the engineering skill and artistic ambition of the ancient builders. The carved hieroglyphs and traces of original paint make it clear how vibrant the space once was. Karnak stands out to me because it combines art, religion, and political power in one monumental site, and its preservation allows us to see how ancient Egyptians expressed their beliefs through large-scale architecture.

My favorite feature of Pompeii is the Villa of the Mysteries, a beautifully preserved home with vibrant red frescoes depicting a mysterious Dionysian ritual. The art is stunningly detailed, and it gives us a glimpse into Roman religion and private life that written history alone could never show. I chose Pompeii because it’s one of the few places where you can literally walk the same streets the Romans did and see their world almost exactly as they left it. It’s haunting and beautiful at the same time.

To sum up, Ephesus is like a window into a thriving ancient metropolis, showcasing magnificent architecture, the luxurious lifestyle of its citizens, and its deep connection to both pagan and Christian history.

I picked the Colosseum since it’s among the most remarkable and well-preserved ruins of the ancient Mediterranean world. It is a symbol of the power and architectural genius of the Roman Empire and still remains at the center of contemporary Rome, bridging the past with the present. To me, the Colosseum is a testament to the skill of the ancient engineers. It is unbelievable that a gigantic building that was erected nearly 2,000 years ago still exists today. I also appreciate how it serves as a reminder of both the entertainment and the history of ancient Rome—it is a symbol of survival and cultural legacy.

Notre-Dame is one of the world's most remarkable churches, and that is why I chose it. The Gothic style is a perfect mix of the Middle Ages and modern times (with the construction mainly between 1163 and 1345). The church has not only demonstrated the great capability and creativity of the medieval builders but also been in the limelight of French history for ages. The magnificence of the church lies in that I like the stained glass windows, the flying buttresses, and the detailed sculptural decorations. The light that comes through the rose windows produces a wonderful effect, and I find it fascinating that it brings together art, architecture, and history all in one building.

Sainte-Chapelle is home to 15 high stained-glass windows covering over 6,000 square feet. When sunlight streams through them, the whole space seems to glow in intense blues, reds, and golds. The visual effect of light flooding through this church is my favorite quality of the site. The entire place is about the experience of light, rather than structure. The panels of glass contain over 1,100 biblical scenes. They depict a full cycle of narrative from Genesis to the Passion of Christ.

I selected this church as it is a prime example of the Medieval era belief that sacred architecture should inspire and transport the viewer. The first time I stepped inside, it was the closest I have ever felt to entering a jewel box. Every surface inside sparkles with color and intricate detail. The building’s combination of structural engineering, visual storytelling, and spiritual evocation makes it one of the most powerful examples of gothic architecture in Europe.

Santa Maria delle Grazie was built during the Renaissance, completed in the late 1400s, and it became an important religious and cultural center in Milan. Architecturally, the church has a calm, balanced style typical of the Renaissance. Nothing too dramatic on the outside, but full of thoughtful detail.

My favorite feature is, of course, The Last Supper. Of which is not pictured but a part of the history. What amazes me is how Leonardo captured such a powerful moment with emotion, movement, and storytelling in a single image. Learning it is in the original space where monks once ate makes it feel less like art in a museum and more like a living part of history.

It connects architecture and art in a way that feels personal, human, and timeless.

The site I chose this week is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Florence Cathedral, located in Florence, Italy. I chose this cathedral because it represents one of the most iconic transitions from Medieval Gothic architecture into the early Renaissance. Its massive dome, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, is one of the greatest architectural achievements in Western history. I love how the cathedral blends intricate Gothic detail on the exterior with groundbreaking Renaissance engineering at the top.

The cathedral’s history reflects the cultural rebirth happening in Florence at the time. Construction began in the late 13th century, but the dome wasn’t completed until 1436, when Brunelleschi introduced innovative techniques that had not been used since ancient Rome. My favorite feature is definitely the dome itself, especially the interior frescoes depicting The Last Judgment. They are incredibly dramatic and bring a sense of movement and emotion to the entire space.

I chose this site because it perfectly symbolizes the creativity, ambition, and artistic experimentation of the Renaissance.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1290 (during the Gothic period) but it took several centuries to complete, so it incorporates both Gothic and early Renaissance elements. It was originally commissioned to pay tribute to a miracle known as the Miracle of Bolsena (1263). The bloodstained corporal is still on display at the cathedral which makes this site not only visually impressive but also historically and spiritually important.

What stands out most to me is the exterior design, especially the bronze doors, large gates and pillars as well as beautiful sculptures and mosaics. Each mosaic tells biblical stories, turning the front of the cathedral into a storytelling of important historical events. The intricate artworks create even more layers of meaning and craftsmanship.

My favorite feature is the central mosaic in the upper gable, which shows an elaborate, vibrant religious scene depicting the Assumption of Virgin Mary that pulls your eye upward and gives the entire façade a sense of elevation. The combination of gold mosaics, carved marble, and sharp Gothic spires makes this cathedral feel spiritual andpowerful.

Overall, I chose the Orvieto Cathedral because it perfectly blends art, architecture, and history. Even in photographs, it has a dramatic presence that shows just how expressive and ambitious Medieval craftsmanship could be.

What makes St. Vitus so captivating is how it embodies centuries of history in one structure. Walking through it feels like stepping into a living timeline of European art and faith.

My favorite feature is the stained-glass windows, particularly the one designed by Czech artist Alfons Mucha in the early 20th century. Unlike the traditional medieval stained glass, Mucha’s window blends Art Nouveau style with biblical themes, creating a vibrant, modern twist inside a Gothic masterpiece. The way sunlight filters through the colored glass transforms the interior into a kaleidoscope of light, symbolizing divine presence and artistic innovation across eras.

I chose Sainte-Chapelle because I’ve always been fascinated by architecture that feels almost otherworldly, and the chapel’s glasswork creates an atmosphere that is both spiritual and visually overwhelming. My favorite feature is definitely the upper chapel’s stained-glass panels, which I think is everyone's. Each one is so detailed that you could spend hours looking at the individual scenes. The combination of height, color, and light makes the space feel like it was designed to lift your eyes and mind upward, which I think perfectly reflects the medieval focus on awe and devotion.

It was also a key trading center on the trans-Saharan trade routes, connecting products like gold, salt, and others. 


There were three great mosques (Djingareyber, Sankoré, and Sidi Yahia) and a number of mausoleums that formed part of the architectural landmarks.

It represented a height of Islamic civilization in West Africa, and its manuscripts bear its legacy.Timbuktu is presently included in the List of World Heritage in Danger. The most significant threats are: Man-made destruction During previous conflicts, some mausoleums have been demolished.

War and unrest the region's armed groups are the sources of the main threats. No proper management Plans exist, but the historic management structures are weak. Nature and city strife The old city's character is challenged by urbanization and alterations to the architectural fabric.

This was located on a plateau in the Kingdom of Kongo.  It was one of the largest states of Southern Africa from the 14^th to the 19^th century. The town was constructed with stones by the Portuguese in accordance with European construction methods and archaeological vestiges.  The town retains traces of its customary, colonial and religious past that makes it a place of remembrance.  I chose this site, because the Kingdom of Kongo was one of the most important routes for the trade of enslaved people who were deported to America and the Caribbean.  The condition of the town is fragile, but the foundation has maintained its sacred and symbolic function.  A management committee was established in 2015 to coordinate and manage the site.  Research about the property was extended and a tourism management strategy has also been put in place.  The town of Mbanza Kongo seems like a nice historical site to visit.

-Michael Villlaobos

I chose Angkor because of this incredible blend of art, engineering, and religious symbolism. For instance, the bas-relief carvings and stone architecture attest to an impressively high level of sophistication, corresponding with complete accuracy to the astronomical alignments.

Today, Angkor is threatened by tourism pressures, flooding related to climate and the removal of groundwater because of rapid urban development in the nearby town of Siem Reap-all contributing to structural instability and erosion. Restoration and preservation at the site continue through UNESCO and the Cambodian government, including sustainable tourism practices, the structural stabilizing of monuments, and monitoring of the environment.

The Royal Palaces of Abomey served as the Royal residences and administrative center for the twelve kings from the 17th to 19th century. This site is historically significant because it reflects one of Africa's most powerful, precolonial kingdoms and preserves the traditions of of the Fon People.

The Royal Palaces have been at risk from fires, weather and natural aging of earth materials. The UNESCO and the Beninese government have been restoring the site, training artisans in traditional building methods and protecting it under natural heritage laws.

Petra is currently considered at risk for several reasons. Natural erosion, flash floods, and the constant impact of tourism are slowly wearing away the sandstone structures. There are also environmental concerns like rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. To protect the site, Jordan and UNESCO have created preservation programs focusing on stabilizing the rock, improving water drainage, and managing tourism more sustainably.

Even with these challenges, Petra remains one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world, and its mix of history, culture, and architecture is what drew me to it.

Hancock’s style is a mix of pop culture, personal memories, cartoons, and mythology. In his artist statement, he talks about building a whole imaginary world and using it to explore identity, childhood memories, and the idea of good vs. evil. His message is partly about letting imagination be messy and expressive, but also about how our backgrounds shape the stories we tell. I like how he creates a universe that feels both personal and fantastical.

Arupadhatu {formless world}) made out of the volcanic rock of the area. It's commonly believed the temple started losing itself to time around the 14th-15th century as Indonesia moved away from Hindu kingdoms and got introduced to Islam and the capital moved away from the central Java island to the east. Now while the religious dominant beliefs another big factor that played a role in the general cultural development of Indonesia, the volcanic activity. During a short British administration ruling over present day Indonesia after the Napoleonic wars, on an exploration by Hermann Cornelius was done in central Java in 1814 and found the long abandoned Borobudur temple compounds. After it's discovery the Dutch Gov't shortly after the British rule made attempts to restore the temples but drainage and erosion proved to be quite perilous issues. The 1960s was the UNESCO foundation's biggest restoration project in history as they had to clean one million plus stones and installed a new drainage system. UNESCO listed the site as World Heritage site in 1991. There is still lots of work needing to be done since volcanic eruptions especially from Mount Merapi, over tourism, and the tropical climate play a role in it's constant erosion. I think right now UNESCO is limiting tourist to a certain number to keep the structure limited. With the history in mind, I chose the Borobudur because it's very well designed and also learning about the history got me to appreciate the temple even more. I like history in general so learning about it's origins, and for me at least, about a new country is cool to learn. Especially for such an old temple, it makes you wonder what life was like back then.

Matrell Vigers Contemporary Artist

I chose the are by Angelbert Metoyer called Daughters of Thunder. He is a contemporary and multidisciplinary visual artist from Texas, who draws, paints, and does sculpture, sound, and installation.  Metoyer’s artwork operates as foundational medium with drawings and extension writing.  I chose this artist because Metoyer used a central figure and focus on making it a double woman.  Like twins that duplicated from a single source.  He used this drawing to bring out the dualities of the conscious and the unconscious, the outward and inward, the visible and invisible.  Around the woman is cosmic images of shapes, symbols, and writing.  This makes the woman look like she is in a dreamlike realm as the woman gazes upward as though she is mediating.  The Daughters of Thunder image tells a story of graphic energy while restrained and refined.  This drawing captures elegance, motions, unity, and power that sends a message of how we are connected to the universe.

Karen Gunderson is a contemporary American painter best known for her dramatic all-black paintings, which use light and texture rather than color to reveal the image. She lives and works in Texas, and her technique involves brushing black paint in different directions so that the image appears only when light reflects across the surface.

In Blue Moon, this creates a shimmering lunar surface that seems to shift and breathe as you move around it. What I love most is that the painting is never static. Each glance reveals a new contour, a new glimmer. It’s almost performative: the artwork requires the viewer’s movement to fully exist. That makes it feel alive, like a dialogue between the cosmos and the observer.

Gunderson has said that by painting only in black, she forces the focus onto brushstrokes and light. To me, Blue Moon embodies this philosophy perfectly—it’s not about depicting the moon literally, but about showing how perception itself creates meaning.

The artwork I selected caught my attention because of how it layers different textures and facial features to build a single portrait. The child’s lips, bold eyes, and hands framing the face create a sense of personality. The collage style shows how identity can be pieced together from many influence, culture, expectations, and self expression.

Roberts explains in her artist statement that she uses fragmentation to show how society shapes and sometimes distorts how young Black girls and boys are seen. Her portraits challenge stereotypes and invite viewers to see the full complexity and innocence of her subjects.

I chose this artwork because of the playfulness that the little girl is showing while at the same time, the fragmented pieces can show a different story. Her style makes you slow down and really consider the person in front of you and how many different pieces of themselves that they are showing or concealing.

Hogue’s style of painting is precise and strict: cutting outlines, controlled palette, surreal exaggeration, which amplifies the feeling that the living earth is literally devouring human life. In his artist statement, he said that he was not aiming for the dramatic: he was merely painting the warning of what could and would happen if humans continue to neglect nature. The artist demonstrated that nature has its own response to carelessness, and he tried to show how quickly it can break when mishandled.

It is obvious that the message of the work is also a warning: the landscape has its own memory, and it displays how badly people can treat it. I selected this particular work for this reason as well: it feels historical and yet so symbolic.

To create my Tableau Vivant, I wanted to use resources I had at home so I tried to get creative. I had artificial flowers on my desk that I pinned to my hair to recreate her flower headband look. I also had a piece of twine that I made knots in to mimic the thorns on the necklace she had on. Using make up, I made her iconic Uni brow and red lip.

I used Canva to create a background of leaves, sticks, and the muted background as well as the blood speckles on the necklace. I had a fun time creating this but I was also really stressed because you became the artist and it’s easy to overthink, nitpick, and just wonder if it will be received ok.

I overall enjoyed doing the tableau vivant and I learned a little even outside of the project that I worked on.

To create the look, I focused on matching the headscarf, the warm-toned clothing, and the pose as closely as possible. I used soft lighting to imitate Vermeer’s dramatic shadows and added subtle details like the pearl earring and the over-the-shoulder gaze. Taking the photo required experimenting with angles, lighting, and expression until it felt close to the original while still feeling natural and true to me.

This project helped me appreciate how much emotion and storytelling can exist in a still image. Re-creating a historical artwork made me realize how much thought artists put into light, color, and facial expression. It also gave me a deeper connection to the painting because I had to step into the role myself.

Here is the original artwork alongside my final recreation!

Recreating it in Tableau pushed me to think about composition, proportion, and how small details, like the shine on the earring or the folds in the headscarf, can change the entire mood of the artwork. Overall, this project allowed me to connect with a classic painting in a new way and better understand the techniques that make it so timeless.

In my recreation, I stayed true to the original composition while updating it through photography and digital editing. I used professional-style clothing and a neutral background, then digitally masked the face to mirror the iconic green apple. This process made me think about how people now curate their identities through social media, filters, and online personas, often hiding parts of themselves behind carefully presented images.

Working on this project helped me better understand Surrealism and symbolism, and how older artworks can still feel relevant today. Recreating The Son of Man showed me how art can cross time periods and continue to communicate ideas about identity, perception, and self-expression in modern life.