Art, craft, and design history
Art, Craft, and Design History
Prehistoric Art
- Earliest evidence of art dates back to the Stone Age; cave paintings and carvings were common.
- Early artwork demonstrated basic human understanding and interaction with the world; animals, daily life, and spirituality were frequent themes.
Ancient Art
- Civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans produced diverse art: sculpture, mosaic, painting and architectural design.
- Art was often used for societal, religious or political purposes, serving a functional role.
Medieval Art
- This period saw the rise of Christian iconography and ornate architectural designs, like the Gothic style.
- Illuminated manuscripts became popular; these are handwritten texts decorated with gold, silver, and colourful illustrations.
Renaissance Art
- Known as the ‘rebirth’ of art and culture, the Renaissance period emphasised symmetry, proportion, and perspective.
- Pioneering artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael; their works remain influential.
- Humanism played a significant role, impacting themes and subjects in artwork.
Modern Art Movements
- Included Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art.
- Artists began to experiment with new materials and techniques, often rejecting traditional methods.
- Art reflected changes in society, politics, and technology, creating dialogue and challenging norms.
Design and Craft
- Throughout history, design and craft have been vital components of our visual and material culture: furniture, textiles, jewellery and fashion.
- Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction against industrialisation, advocating for handmade objects and recognising the crafter’s skill.
- Bauhaus was influential in modern design, combining craft and fine arts with mass production.
Contemporary Art, Craft, and Design
- An increasingly global and multicultural landscape, responding to complex socio-political, technological and environmental issues.
- New media and forms emerge, such as installation, video art, virtual and augmented reality.
- Conceptual art favours ideas and concepts over aesthetic and material concerns.