Among the most popular posts on Green Comet is the Cave Art series, parts One, Two and Three. They make a nice summary of the state of the discipline for anyone with a casual interest. A good way to get a sense of what is out there in the way of cave paintings and rock art in general. On Scienceblogs I found a post by Greg Laden that goes into it in more depth, with emphasis on when and where our human ancestors began to produce it. From his post, How are art and human evolution related:
“Art is almost certainly important and has a place on (the) list of things to consider when wondering about the evolution of our species.” – Greg Laden
Laden does a good job of exploring the subject and makes useful suggestions for further thought and exploration. If you enjoyed the Cave Art series, I recommend furthering your education with his blog post.
Hi rjb. I have come out of my cave. I have heard of and read some of Greg Laden’s work. I probably just skimmed. I can’t seem to get my eyes to concentrate on something long. I will just have to remain uneducated. 🙁
Subjectively speaking, art is the result of a creative impulse brought on by an awareness of a sensory experience. We see something of note and we want to fix it in time, record its existence in one way or another. The production of art also implies( to my way of thinking) an awareness of time. How those thoughts fit in with the evolution of man I have not a clue. ..;)
I think you’re right about the impulse to record it. I’d guess it’s because something seems significant, and we want to share it, or at least show that we’ve seen it. I’d further guess that “significance” requires a certain level of cognitive complexity having evolved in our brains. There, I got that down.-) Call it my spotted horse on the cave wall.
Hi rjb. I have come out of my cave. I have heard of and read some of Greg Laden’s work. I probably just skimmed. I can’t seem to get my eyes to concentrate on something long. I will just have to remain uneducated. 🙁
Actually she is just a bit lazy.
Now ladysighs, really. Telling tales on your twin sister? tsk
rjb
PS It’s good to see you out and about again, meme.-)
Subjectively speaking, art is the result of a creative impulse brought on by an awareness of a sensory experience. We see something of note and we want to fix it in time, record its existence in one way or another. The production of art also implies( to my way of thinking) an awareness of time. How those thoughts fit in with the evolution of man I have not a clue. ..;)
I think you’re right about the impulse to record it. I’d guess it’s because something seems significant, and we want to share it, or at least show that we’ve seen it. I’d further guess that “significance” requires a certain level of cognitive complexity having evolved in our brains. There, I got that down.-) Call it my spotted horse on the cave wall.
rjb
The man is good. 🙂