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Art of Andalucía
Early migrants from Africa are said to have lived in the caves in Andalucía in Southern Spain. There are cave drawings and paintings that originated from these people that initiate the art of Andalucía. This land was later invaded by numerous cultures that brought with them their cultures and influences. These combinations of people infused their different cultures, art, language and architecture that finally made Andalucía what it is today. The history of Andalucía is demonstrated in this paper as of movement, absorption, and overthrow. (Gill, p. 6)
There is an amalgamation of many cultures and religions such as Indians, Muslims and Christians. The first settlers in Andalucía are the Phoenicians and the Greeks. The Phoenicians’ structures and buildings can still be found in Andalucía. They are also responsible for trade in Spain and thereafter introduced musical instruments and wine cultivation. They were later overthrown by the Romans and Germans who are said to have passed through the land but did not stay long. Each of these religions and cultures has left a bit of themselves in their conquest of Andalucía. The Arab Muslims commonly referred to as ‘the moors’ influenced significantly the religion in the 13th -15th century. (Head, p. 16-24)
The art of Andalucía can be described as immensely dynamic with the different people who settled there. The art include paintings on the walls, sculptures, music, poetry and writing. There is an essential deal of styles in art and their presentation in Andalucía’s art. There are gold artifacts that can be found in Museums all over Andalucía. The Romanian and Arabic influence can be seen in the infrastructure, churches and in the structural planning in the streets. The Muslim Arabs mostly referred to as ‘moors’ contributed a lot in architecture in mosques, earthen ware and in the jewelry. Their dance and music culture is most dominant until the present day. The Christian influence is seen in the construction of cathedrals and gothic churches in the medieval era. (Riuz, p. 6-8)
The architectural master piece of Andalucía was the home of Nasrid Dynasy who ruled for close to two and a half centuries. In the Muslim sculptures of Andalucía, the fountain of lions dated back to the 11th Century is considered to be great. It is made of white marble with 12 sculptured lions pouring water from their mouth. The construction is decorated with fountains, and lush gardens. (Ruiz, p.125-126)
Most familiar in Andalucía is the bullfights and flamenco dance that is categorized by color and passion. The dance was inspired by Arab poetry, Spanish culture and later by Gyps artists. The Ibn al-Baytar sculpture is a common figurine also found in Malaga in Spain as part of the art and sculptures in the region. Ibn al- Batytar was a Muslim scholar from Malaga Spain who studied, researched and wrote volumes on plants and foods for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. He travelled extensively in his research work.
In the Muslim era designs were created from plasters and wood carvings. The paintings in Andalucía have evolved from Romanesque to gothic art that included oil paints and later more complex forms such as the renaissance which was more colorful and decorative to the 20th century art as seen today. Andalucía has produced some of the greatest painters of the 20th century such as the famous Pablo Picasso. (Head, p. 26-30)
The architectural influence from the Phonecians to the Mislims has undoubtedly made Andalucía a site of history. It is therefore expected that people from all over the world would jump at the opportunity to take a glimpse of this historical site. Photography ahs therefore has been a way to take a bit of Andalucía back home for many photographers. Andalucía has a lot to offer in their miraculous landscaping, art, culture, music and dance. The old streets provide a history that provides incredible photographic opportunities.
In conclusion, notably, Andalucía is seen as a centre of metamorphosis of art and cultures with the invasion of the different cultures and religions. This element has influenced its tourism in the present day. I can truly say that Andalucía has gained a lot from its diverse conquers and people. Andalucía is truly a cultural history. (Gill, p. 8)
Work Cited
Ana Ruiz. Andalusia: the spice of life in Southern Spain. Algora Publishing United States. 2007. Print.
Jeremy Head. Frommer’s Seville, Ganada and the Best of Andalisui, Wiley Publishing, Inc. West Sussex, UK.Vibratnt 2011. Print.
John Gill. Andalucia: A Cultural History (Landscapes of the Imagination). Oxford University Press. New York. Print.
Prince, Danforth, and Darwin Porter. Seville, Granada & the Best of Andalusia. Hoboken, N.J: Frommer’s, 2009. Print.
