One of the fondest memories of my youth is visiting an art museum. It was my first exposure to "real" art and I was fascinated by the different types of artwork: oil paintings, sculptures, and modern art. There was artwork spanning many different time periods and it was fascinating to see the differences in how Van Gogh saw the world versus how Monet saw the world. I remember spending tons of time staring at the artwork of Monet and Renoir who are, to this day, my favorite artists.
This is Civilization debuts on DVD from Athena June 19, 2012. Host Matthew Collings, travels the world from London to Beijing in this four-part documentary, a contemporary update to BBC's 1969 Civilization series.
Originally premiering on the Ovation Channel in March, 2009, this latest update presents a greater focus on non-Western art than the original series. This is Civilization was shot on location in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, China, Turkey, Egypt and the United States.
The series follows the various historical influences that have impacted and shaped artwork. Factors such as emotion, money, and politics all play a part in the types of art created during any given time period.
Episode 1 "Ye Gods" examines the bronze dieties created by ancient Greeks and contrasts them to the saints and saviors portrayed by early Christians. This episode also examines other ways in which religion is reflected in both art historically and in present day. Episode 2 "Feelings" is the story of two artists - Jacques-Louis David and Francisco Goya. David's paintings were influenced by the French Revolution and Goya's paintings portrayed monsters and suffering as his reaction to the Napoleonic Wars.
Episode 3 "Save our Souls" looks at 19th Century artist John Ruskin, who took a stand against urbanization and the factories that were becoming more and more common in this time period. Also examined are the landscapes of JMW Turner, pre-Raphaelite paintings and even Gothic building practices. Episode 4 "Uncertainty" looks at how advancements have impacted existing traditions and institutions, and how this has translated into today's modern art.
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