Art Through Time: A Global View 2011
Distributed by Annenberg Learner, PO Box 55742, Indianapolis, IN 46205-0742; 800-532-7637
Produced by THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG
Director n/a
DVD, color, 30 min. programs (6.5 hours total)
Sr. High – General Adult
Anthropology, Art History
Date Entered: 12/21/2011
Reviewed by Samantha Quell, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkArt Through Time: A Global View provides a new perspective for introductory art history courses. Rather than focusing on a linear analysis, this series organizes information based on prominent themes in art, including domestic life, death, and the body. This series uses individual works as examples of themes, but does not focus on any particular time period, culture or artist, thus creating a diverse curriculum. There is also a non-fine art example for each theme, including pattern weaving in Indonesia and fantasy coffins in Ghana.
The themes are discussed by art historians, anthropologists and contemporary artists, in combination with footage of the artwork examples. These videos do not provide any in-depth information about the individual works referenced, but additional information can be found on the accompanying website, which offers descriptions of individual works, bibliographic data, downloadable texts, streaming video, and image comparisons based on theme.
These materials are designed to be used together as a ready-made course, but could also be used to enhance the curriculum of any introductory art history course.