Non Western Art Critique

Paige Becker-

Professor Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

February 14, 2016

                                                         Non-Western Art Critique

            Pieces of Non-Western art can be found in many places around the world and have such unique characteristics that make them beautiful works of art. An example of a piece of Non-Western Art, that it not only aesthetically pleasing, but also shows the great detail that went into the pieces of art that were produced during this era, is the Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami. The unique elements of this work of art make it a remarkable sight to view. Not only does the use of the small tiles that form the mosaic look intrinsic, but they also are part of a larger meaning behind what the mosaic is used for.

            The Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami was found in Iran, Isfahan in the year 1354(Kindred Subjects), but is now is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The medium is a "mosaic of cut tiles that were set into mortar"(Kindred Subjects). By the great detail that was put into this piece there is no doubt why it may have taken much time to complete. The mihrab has artistic value but functions at a higher level because it is used for worship by many Islamic people.

            In the Islamic religion a mosque is the center for prayer rituals, a place where people go to worship what they truly believe in. One of the focal points of a mosque is the mihrab, a nook in the mosque that is position in the direction of Mecca. The importance of this is that in the Islamic religion this city is viewed as among the holiest of cities because of it being the birthplace of Muhammad, founder of Islam.(Kindred Subjects)

            At first glance, when viewing the mosaic, it looks like a picture but it is not. It is a nook that is carved out of the wall inside the mosque. It is amazing to look at and would be quite a sight to view in person. The colors that are used in this beautiful work of art are many shades of blue, white, and a burnt orange hue. The pattern has geometric shapes and also floral patterns that can be viewed throughout the entire mosaic. The use of all of the colors and different tiles throughout the mihrab come together to create a strong unity amongst the elements.

            The mosaic is composed of stucco, tiles, and woodwork. The detail that went into creating this work is astonishing. When viewing the piece it can be concluded the time and effort that went in creating this masterpiece truly shows the meaning that this mosaic was something that was created in order to be a focal point for worship. The inscriptions on the art state verses spoken by the prophet Muhammad and were recorded in the Qur’an(Kindred Subjects). The culture flows out of this piece, evoking the sense of religious community amongst those who visit this work of art.

            The Mihrab stands eleven feet tall drawing the attention of those wish to worship toward the direction of the holiest of cities (Mihrab, Prayer Niche). The use of contrast between the shades of blue against the pure white makes the piece pop with color. The orange hue that is perfectly placed within the tiles draws attention to those areas on the Mihrab. The pattern used by the placement of the tiles is mesmerizing and it suggests the movement of the tiles toward the middle of the niche. The tiles height and width in comparison to the entire piece is that of comparing a NBA players end of his shoelace to his overall height and width, in that the tiles are very small and the overall mosaic is very large. The use of these small tiles allowed the artist to add extreme amounts of detail in order to further meaning behind the piece.

            Overall the use of great detail when creating this astonishing piece of, not only Non Western Art, but also non-western history, made the piece a well-known and adored mosaic. The fact that it is not just art, but it also functions in the use of worship is amazing. It would be incredible to be able to worship while viewing such a beautiful mihrab that is pointed to what many believe to be the holiest of cities. This piece of art caught my eye as soon as it was introduced within the lecture and I knew right away that this was a piece of art that I wanted to inquire about, which is why I chose it. It is beautiful and I could spend much time looking at it, and would like to view it in person one day. I am glad that I did inquire about the Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami because I learned not only about the artistic components of the piece but also the religious functions. 

(Mihrab, Prayer Niche)

Works Cited

"Kindred Subjects: Art Stories from New York City: Mihrab (Prayer Niche), A.H. 755/ A.D.

1354–55, Iran, Isfahan; Mosaic of Polychrome-glazed Cut Tiles on Stonepaste Body; Set into Mortar." Kindred Subjects: Art Stories from New York City: Mihrab (Prayer Niche), A.H. 755/ A.D. 1354–55, Iran, Isfahan; Mosaic of Polychrome-glazed Cut Tiles on Stonepaste Body; Set into Mortar. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.

"Mihrab, Prayer Niche | 39.20 | Work of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The

Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Web. 20 Feb. 2016.

           

Architecture Critique

Paige Becker

Robert Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

February 5, 2016

Classical Architecture in Hanover Pennsylvania

            Throughout any city that a person may choose to visit there are classical influences within modern architecture. An example of the influence of classical architecture in modern architecture is the Warehime Myers Mansion in Hanover Pennsylvania. The mansion is located at 305 Baltimore Street in the small town of Hanover, PA but still has many attributes that refer back to the Greek classical period. When viewing the exterior of the building it can be determined the influence by the features that make up the exterior such as the columns, entablature, and the symmetry of the building.

            In the Greek classical period there were three prominent architecture types designed by the Greek people: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The program of architecture that relates most to the Myers Mansion is the Ionic architecture style. The Ionic style “originated in Asia Minor and Aegean Islands” and has many of the same features that can be found of the exterior of the Warehime Myers Mansion (Fiero 123). The reason that this connection can be made are the features such as the columns, volutes, and many other attributes.

            The first attribute that can be found on both the Ionic style buildings from the classical Greek period and the Myers Mansion, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, are the volutes that are found at the top of the column, the capital. Out of the three types of architectural style the Ionic is the most ornamental which can be seen by the great detail put into the volutes at the top of the shaft. Though this is an important connection that can be made between the Greek architectural styles, it is not the only connection to be made.

            Within the Ionic architectural style the frieze tends to be plain in comparison to the other two styles (Classical Orders of Architecture). This can be viewed when looking at the Myers Mansion, the frieze has no detail. Another attribute that connects the Ionic style to the Mansion is that the bases are very large. When visiting the Mansion, from a farther distance the bases do not seem very large, but when a person stands next to the bases one can determine that they rise about three to four feet off of the ground.

            There are many parts of the exterior of the building that point to the classical Greek Ionic style of architecture but there are also other influences that can be viewed when visiting the Myers Mansion. When viewing some of Andrea Palladios’ architectural work, the use of columns can be seen, just like when viewing the Myers Mansion. Another architect that may have influenced the Warehime Myers Mansion is Christopher Wren. When viewing some of his architectural masterpieces it can be viewed that he too incorporated the use of columns in his works.

This exterior not only is appealing to the eye, but it also has qualities that make the building look extravagant which helps for what the building is used for: events. Many people do not know that there is a second Mansion that is a replica of the Warehime Mansion, this is located at 117 Fredrick Street Hanover, Pennsylvania. This building is a bed and breakfast, though the use of the buildings are different, the exterior of the buildings are exactly the same. A person can see the Greek influences not only in one historic building in Hanover, but two! It is amazing that the architectural styles from hundreds of years ago are still used in today’s modern world.  

            People may wonder, why choose this style of architecture? I believe that this style was chosen because of the ornate style of the Ionic architecture. This style is appealing to the eye and has a certain regal quality. I say this because it makes the building look expensive and has a high quality appeal to it, attracting many people to admire the look and inquire about the services the building provides. This building hosts parties and other events. I attended a party there about three years ago and the building was, and still is, exquisite. The Greek influences in the architecture is amazing and the interior is quite superb. The attention to detail on both the interior and exterior creates a certain atmosphere of that fit for royalty.

            Through studying the Greek Classical Architecture now when driving through Hanover and other towns, it makes me appreciate the architecture of the buildings. It is amazing that the styles from such a long time ago are still relevant and are used even though the styles are hundreds of years old. The attention to detail when constructing these works of art is astonishing and people should appreciate the detail and history of a building more often instead of just driving by. The Warehime Myers Mansion is great example of the influence that the Greek Classical Architecture had and still has on today’s society.

            

(Main Street Hanover,  http://mainstreethanover.org/explore/details/warehime-myers-mansion)

Works Cited

Fiero, Gloria. Humanistic Tradition Prehistory to the Early Modern World. New York: Mcgraw-  

Hill Education, 2015. Print.

"Doric, Ionic, Corinthian." Classical Orders of Architecture. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic

Landmarks Commission. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.

Myers Mansion. Digital image. Main Street Hanover. Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce.

Web. 05 Feb. 2016.