The Sacred Realm of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Sacred Realm of Art - Essay Example The essay provided distinct art forms exemplified by four religions, to wit: the jade statue of the ancient Olmecs, revealed to have existed some 1500 to 300 b.c.; the masks of the indigenous Bwa from West Africa; the painting of images of the Tathagata Buddha from Central Tibet; and the painting of the image of the Virgin Mary, as Madonna Enthroned from Italy. There were marked differences but also intriguing similarities depicting prominent figures, profound meanings, portrayal of messages through expressions, positions of body parts and symbolisms. The jade figure of the ancient Olmecs, for instance, revealed contrasting expressions of two images manifesting the significant role of a shaman, an intermediary between two worlds. The masks of the Bwa people, on the other hand, likewise serve as a spiritual manifestation of presence that provides guidance and assistance to humans through various traditions and practices. The comparative discourse provided by the paintings of the image s of the Tathagata Buddha and the Madonna Enthoned showed remarkable similarities despite the diversity in religious beliefs. Depicting the central image as the signifying the most reverent role in the respective religions (Buddhist and Christian), the juxtaposition of body parts (hand, face, and other images) give meaning to the viewers.