Grant Wood

This painting has a calm feeling to it. It is a little dull but that makes it feel old. It seems like it is a cartoon rather than real life. There are very suddle shapes used it almost seems like it is made from clay. Like in the bushes and trees there is a repletion of shapes. This painting could be 3D but also could be flat at the same time. My favorite thing about this painting is the composition. Its laid out like a close up on a rose. The more i look at it, I can make out objects within the trees and fields. I chose this painting because it reminded me of the puzzles that my grandmother and I used to do. I can see how this was pleasing in this time period because it is just a releaf, clam, very plain.

Kuba Funerary Mask

 
This is a mask made to honor an important dead person. It was worn in the celebration of the persons death. A ceremony will be held where a king or chief will ware the mask and act out the good deeds you have done. Usually these where made for high-ranked and other high government people. The mask symbolizes achievement and wisdom. In Kuba culture, it is believed that if you do not make one of these for the recently deceased, they will haunt your family. These masks are made of carved wood, embroidered palm fronds, beads, shells and pearls. A white long beard means he was a wise old man. There are different patterns that are used by each tribe. All of the decorations show respect. I found these masks interesting because it is different from our customs. I think it would be odd being the person waring the mask in the ceremony because you are waring a mask that represents a dead person and you are suppose to act like them too. Seems creepy to me.