When comparing two different cultures, art may be used to bridge gaps as well as solidify separation between the two cultures. Cultures express themselves through the art they produce. In specific, Japan and South America share many similarities and differences in the historical context, symbolism, form, and content of their artworks. The Japanese respected nature, disciplined themselves mentally and religiously, and practiced a specific religion, Shinto, collectively as a country, and their art displays those things. The South Americans were made up of several different subcultural societies, who practiced their own religions and were very rhythmic with the natural and supernatural worlds. The forms of art used by these two cultures shed light …show more content…
Symbolism is mostly used in story telling artworks involving religion or mythology. The Japanese were a mostly Shinto culture, which is a native belief system of the country, and they infused it with Buddhism (DeWitte 340). Basic principles of the Japanese belief system include meditation along with rest and rejuvenation. Japanese artist symbolize this using tea ceremonies called chanoyu, which is the Japanese phrase for the traditional tea ceremony (DeWitte 340). The artwork involved in the tea ceremonies are the cups and utensils used for delivering the tea and the environment in which the ceremony occurs (DeWitte 341). The ceremonial artists were highly focused on preparing the perfect conditions for the ritual. South American cultures use symbolism for the same purpose, but in a different way. South American cultures were involved in mythology, which was used to communicate stories across each and every tribe. Many cultures used symbols such as animals to encapsulate specific realms of the earth (DeWitte 350). For example, Figure. 3.81 from Gateways to Art is a picture from the Chavín culture that shows an image of the Staff God. The Staff God is holding a snake, a cayman, and a bird, which symbolizes the earth, the watery underworld, and the celestial realm respectively (DeWitte 350). Both cultures are very specific with their use of symbolism. Both cultures use symbolism to help …show more content…
The Japanese often used art to teach religious lessons. A specific example of this concept comes from the Ukiyo-e artists in Japan. These artists specialize in teaching a classic Buddhist principle, that life should always be enjoyed, by painting pictures of beautiful women or epic scenery (DeWitte 344). South American cultural artwork was focused primarily on the natural and supernatural worlds. These cultures portrayed images of their gods and the realms of the universe that they ruled over (DeWitte 348-351). Specific tribes also honored their animals in death, such as the Incas (DeWittee 352). South American tribes also used specific designs on cloths to portray social status: the more elegant the cloth design, the more important the person. While both culture’s artwork content included stories and religious or mythological meanings, the Japanese were more oriented toward religious instruction, and the South Americans leaned more toward deity identification and social status