By Isabel Ivery
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Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by the cosmos. To look at the sky and wonder what is out there or contemplate one’s existence is a practice that human beings have been engaging in since the dawn of humanity. For many cultures, the concept of the cosmos is closely tied to religion. Things that are essential to life, such as sunlight and rain, come from the sky, giving them a divine quality connected to human existence. Many gods and goddesses are associated with the sky, sun, moon, rain, and other things that are related to the cosmos. Religions around the world, whether monotheistic or polytheistic, always seem to connect divine figures to the cosmos. This human fascination with the cosmos has led to a great many artworks produced. Whether they seek to honor deities, represent tangible aspects of the cosmos, or bring people closer to the cosmos, these artworks are present in many different cultures. This exhibition seeks to explore some of these artworks. Religion is particularly important to consider when looking at early human artworks (the artworks explored in this exhibition span from 100 BCE-1300 CE), because religion played an integral role in life and society for people around the world during this time period. For many cultures, religion and the cosmos went hand in hand, and this is a theme that we will see throughout the exhibition.
Most of the pieces here are great works of architecture that have a direct relationship with the cosmos, but “Socorro black-on-white storage jar” shows that not every interpretation of the cosmos required grandiose construction. As you look at these artworks from cultures around the world, think about how they are similar and different. While noting stylistic and cultural differences, remember that all of these artworks center around the fact that humans have always been captivated by the cosmos.
Most of the pieces here are great works of architecture that have a direct relationship with the cosmos, but “Socorro black-on-white storage jar” shows that not every interpretation of the cosmos required grandiose construction. As you look at these artworks from cultures around the world, think about how they are similar and different. While noting stylistic and cultural differences, remember that all of these artworks center around the fact that humans have always been captivated by the cosmos.