Exhibition Proposal of Mayan Art - Essay Example

Exhibition Proposal：Mayan Art Exhibition This exhibition proposal features the works of Mayan artistsobtained from existing Mayan galleries and ancestries. All the works demonstrate the Maya’s overall amusement with their cultures and lifestyles as the themes appearing in the featured works depict scenes of their everyday activities. Apart from depicting their lifestyles and cultures, the Mayan artists seemingly applied similar techniques and themes in creating their works. The objectives of this exhibition include presenting some ancient works which have in general played integral roles in informing of the Mayan cultures, beliefs, history, and development. These roles were played by artists who used mural art, architecture, stone sculptures, ceramic art, and wood carvings to depict the stated awesomeness of the Mayan diversity. Featured works Mayan art is split into numerous forms ranging from painting on ceramics, stucco modelling, stone sculpture, mural paintings to wood carvings and bookmarking. Bearing in mind the dating of Mayan art, that is in the Preclassic (500 BC to 200 AD) period and later Preclassic period (C. 200 to 900 AD), this exhibition will only offer selected artworks, and in very few quantities. The reason behind this is that tracing ancient art of such age is challenging and quite out of reach most of the times; owing to the placement and costs of acquiring it. However, it is fortunate that this exhibition will have several samples of artworks from each of the stated categories with exceptions only in architecture and mural paintings. The reason for this is that murals and architectural art are immobile. This will be compensated in that to fill in that gap, professional photography was used to capture images of some exotic mural and architectural pieces, and these will be presented framed and hang on walls at normal eye level. Finally, it should be noted that most of these works are untitled and lack artists’ names since, unlike contemporary art; Mayan artists did not indicate these on their pieces. This will be however compensated in most cases by including didactic wall texts below each piece containing as much relevant information concerning the pieces as was found. Exhibition details The total number of presentations expected to be presented is 46 individual units whose breakdown is as follows; 6 painting on ceramics, 6 stucco modelling, 6 stone sculptures, 6 framed photographs of mural paintings, 6 wood carvings, 6 framed photographs of Mayan architecture, and 10 ancient Maya bookmarks. In addition to these presentations, there are 7 supporting panels to act as the displays measuring 3 meters high by 2.5 meters wide each. The seven displays will each act as a division for a particular type of Maya art, that is, there will be a display of the paintings, another of the sculptures, and so on. The panels can be arranged in any manner, either all the seven in a straight plane, or organized according to the walls of the displaying area. They can fit anywhere as long as there is a wall where they can be affixed to. Space The minimum approximated space required measures about 300 running feet, and a height not less than 2.5 meters high. The display panels also require a flat base to stand on, and vertical penetrable background so that the holding screws can fasten them onto the walls. In addition to the space, the environmental requirements demand of constant relative humidity (not fluctuating), room temperatures within a – or + 2oC fluctuation, standard UV lighting not above 75 microwatts for every layman, and below 150 Lux. Finally, constant CCTV surveillance should be provided when the exhibition is on public access and under security alarm systems when public exhibition time is over. Sample exhibition works The following section highlights samples of some of the works to be displayed, chosen from each of the7 categories (“Maya Religion” n.p.). Stone sculptures Fig. 1 Tajal Chan Ahk from Cancuen (panel) Fig. 2 Lady Xoc and the Vision Serpent from Yaxchilan (lintel) The two above stone forms are both Mayan sculptures representing some contexts of the Mayan cultures. Figure 1, a stone tablet, has the inscriptions of a king seated on his throne and beside him are two subordinates. Additional decorative relief carvings have been added to create a frame line. The carving represents kingship or the political context of the Maya. Figure 2 represents a “Lady Xoc” who seems to have held a supernatural ability as is shown with her existence with a serpent-like creature. It is possible that this represented a spiritual context of the Mayan cultures. Paintings Fig. 3 Smoking winds Fig. 4 Maya Game The two above paintings are derived from the Maya cultures as well. As is visible, the same materials have been used, particularly color pigment, working area, and the creation of form. The first painting titled Smoking Wind might be a representation of a pass-time practice closely related to smoking. The second figure, Maya Game, represents a kind of game between two Mayan figures. This might represent a recreational sport. Wood carvings Fig. 5 Maya Pakal Head Fig. 6 Miguel Uc Delgado (The Maya Goddess of Childbirth and Weaving) Figures 5 and 6 are wood carvings from ancient Maya. These wood carvings were used idolatry purposes applied in mostly religion and politics. Figure 5 is a possible representation of a ruler of the days. Figure 6 represents a goddess who is believed to be the giver of children and the skill of weaving. They were either used to represent influential figures in society, wherein this context, a leader and a spiritual figure are shown. Stucco modelling Fig. 7 Mayan Stucco Medallion Fig. 8 King Pakal Stucco Mask Panel The creation of Stucco models dates back to the Late Preclassic period in which artists used stucco plaster to create heads of influential deities in their society. Apart from creating the stucco heads, the plaster was also used on building exteriors or creating environmental monuments. The medallion in figure 7 is created in stucco, and has the face of a mythological figure of the Maya. It is unclear what it represented, but it might represent a belief. Figure 8 is the same King Pakal in figure 5 only that this time it is done in Stucco plaster and not wood. Ceramics Fig. 9 Vessel with Battle Scene Fig. 10 Vessel in Form of Cormorant Ceramics in the Maya culture have been a valued possession, often used as gifts during ceremonies and feasts. The ceramics were not done as purely that; rather, they had extra techniques of art added such as painting on them as in figure 9. The painting is that of a battle scene. It can be stated from the painting that the vessel was used as a remembrance or trophy to show winning a war. The second ceramic, figure 10, is yet another ceramic with a complex design. Such vessels were used in serving drinks during feasts, and the forms copied in coming up with the shapes are used to add to the aestheticism. Mayan architecture Fig.11 Mayan temple One of the most outstanding aspects of Mayan cultures is their architecture. Their unique structures were made of limestone plastered with stucco. The Corbel Arch, which is amongst the most popular architectural works in the world was created by the Mayan. Summary of exhibition This exhibition chose to go for Mayan art because it is a rare show and is therefore bound to attract more views. Mayan art is unique in that it is rare to find, and the styles applied in coming up with the art works are unique to the periods of creation. The dominant unique factors include the pigments used in the paintings and the mythological forms created in stucco plaster. In addition to these, many people are likely to be attracted to art dating back to the 8th century. The reason why these works are chosen is because they reflect on some form of art regarded as the richest in the modern world in that in incorporating complex patterns and different media. These are rare and unique as compared to the modern form of art. The other unique factor is the architectural styles they used are impressive to this day, as is evident with their pyramid-like structures. From these forms of art, the viewers will be able to see the differences between contemporary art and ancient art from the 8th century, and how it was used in representing everyday life of the Maya people. Maya art highlights the concepts of Maya authenticity and cultural landscapes through unique imagery. These factors combined, it means that the exhibition will be equally unique. Works Cited “Maya Religion”, Authentic Maya, 2011. Web. 19 May, 2014. Read More