Examples of Fine Art From the Middle East and Asia
In early academic days, fine art was defined by the culture and politics in European countries. In Europe, fine art had to justify its existence against prevailing standards of what was socially correct. The only exception to this rule were the art forms and creations of the French Renaissance era. In European academic histories, fine art has always been considered as art developed mainly for beauty or aesthetics, separate from other more practical applications, such as metalworking or pottery. However, in the 21st century, fine art has been subject to a new reappraisal based on its increasing role as an educational and societal force.
For decades, the major focus of academic study in the United States has been the visual and performing arts. Paintings and other decorative arts have long been relegated to the private collections of the wealthy. Much of the Western world’s fine art comes from Europe, the birthplace of the fine arts. European artists like Rembrandt, Jan van Eyck, and Hans Memling played important roles in the evolution of Western art through their innovative use of color and form. They introduced a bolder palette and new materials in the decorative arts that have remained staples in the Western artistic tradition.
Examples of European fine art include the Old Master paintings of the Chinese region of China and Japan, ancient Greek sculptures of the Mycenaean era, and Egyptian sculptures from the New Kingdom period. Western art also owes a great deal to the works of the east, which have become widely prized because of their intricacy and symbolism. Examples include the colossal structure of the Great Wall of China, the beautiful Taj Mahal in India, and the elaborate craftsmen jewelry that adorn the wares of Asia. China and India are today both major exporters of fine art pieces, thanks largely to the boom in outsourcing to the Asian region.
While many Western fine arts have become modern, some of the most innovative works of European art have been around for centuries. Two examples include the frescoes (painted church walls) and the double enthrallment (a painting with two different views). In the case of the frescoes, the artist used pastel colors to produce an original and highly colored work of visual art. In the double enthrallment example, an artist combined a fresco with a portrait to create a spectacular work of art.
The Middle East is home to many artists who produce one-of-a-kind works of the fine arts. Islamic art, for example, blends religious imagery with iconography to create powerful and inspiring works of religious and secular imagery. Islamic pottery and carpentry have been a vital part of the evolution of art throughout the Middle East. The unique forms of regional pottery have been produced in such a way as to emulate the patterns of the world’s most famous cultures. Examples include the carpet of the Persian rug (Persian rugs are of course one of the most durable and attractive floor coverings) and the beautifully crafted wood carvings from the Qalqal tiles of Jordan.
Modern art movements also have roots in the east as well. Some of the most interesting works in this part of the world can be found in museums and galleries dedicated to the history of art in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. Some of the most popular exhibits include Japanese carvings (mosaics) and Chinese wood carving. One of the most famous works of Chinese art is the Tiger Gate in Beijing. This stunning structure consists of five stories and was constructed over a century ago, to welcome Chinese emperors on their triumphant return from the west.
