Contextualization

In our journey through the world of Arts, it is essential to explore and understand the various artistic expressions that have existed throughout History. In this project, we will delve into Mesoamerican art, a rich and diverse cultural expression that emerged in Mesoamerica before contact with Europeans.

Mesoamerican art spans from approximately 1500 B.C. to 1500 A.D., covering a vast region that we now know as Mexico and Central America. As a civilization, it carried its own characteristics, traditions, beliefs, and practices, which were reflected in its artistic expressions. This art encompasses a variety of mediums and formats, including ceramics, sculpture, mural painting, textile weaving, and even the creation of codices (ancient books).

The importance of Mesoamerican art lies not only in its aesthetic value but also in its role as an essential communication tool. Unlike many Western cultures, Mesoamerican art did not separate the artist from the craftsman. Each artwork was a symbolic representation of religious, political, and social ideas and beliefs. In a way, art was a link to ancient peoples, a means of connecting the earthly and the cosmic, the mortal and the divine.

In the modern context, Mesoamerican art invites us to reflect on the diversity and complexity of pre-Columbian civilizations. By studying this art, we can appreciate unique aspects of these peoples' lives, allowing us to question preconceived notions about pre-Columbian life and the 'New World'.

The following resources are suggested for further exploration of the topic:

1. Book: 'Mesoamerican Art' by Esther Pasztory.
2. Documentary: 'Lost Civilizations: The Maya and the Aztecs' available on Discovery Channel.
3. Website: Encyclopaedia Britannica for a broader exploration of the topic.
4. Video lesson: 'Mesoamerican Art' available on the ArteHistoria channel on YouTube.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Marks of the Mesoamerican Civilization - A Collective Mural

Project Objective:

A group of 3 to 5 students will develop a collective mural representing Mesoamerican art, choosing one of the styles from the main cultures of that time such as the Maya, Aztec, or Olmec.

Detailed Project Description:

In this project, students will need to conduct research, studies, group discussions, and the practical production of a mural based on their findings about Mesoamerican art. This project will allow students to establish connections between theory and practice while developing teamwork, time management, and creativity skills.

Required Materials:

Books and/or internet resources for research, pencils and erasers, A3 size cardboard papers, acrylic paints, brushes, and other painting materials, ruler, camera or cellphone for documentation.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Research (Estimated Time: 1 hour): Students will research Mesoamerican art and its different manifestations from various civilizations (e.g., Maya, Aztec, Olmec). Each student should focus on a specific aspect (symbols, colors, shapes, themes, etc.) and share their findings with the group.

2. Planning (Estimated Time: 1 hour): The group will discuss the information and decide on the central theme of the mural, as well as the elements that will compose the art. The group should sketch the project on paper, detailing the main elements of the mural.

3. Mural Production (Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours): The students, together, will transfer the sketch to the A3 cardboard and start painting. Each student will be responsible for a section of the mural.

4. Documentation and Reflection (Estimated Time: 1 hour): After finishing the mural, students will photograph the artwork for documentation. They should then reflect on the group work, describing their impressions about the process, what they learned, and how Mesoamerican art influenced their creation.

Project Deliverables:

1. A detailed written report, divided into four parts: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

• In the Introduction, students should contextualize Mesoamerican art, its relevance and application in the current world, the project's objective, and the justification for choosing the mural theme.

• In the Development, students should explain the theory behind Mesoamerican art, detail the activity performed, indicate the methodology used, present and discuss the results obtained. They should include photos of the mural and its creation.

• In the Conclusions, students should summarize the main points, explicitly state the learnings obtained, the conclusions drawn about the project, and their perceptions of teamwork.

• The Bibliography should indicate all sources used to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

2. The presentation of the finalized mural, along with an explanation of the artwork.