LAC - Conquering for Independence Lesson

Conquering for Independence

From Colonial Literature, the literary period known as 19^th Century Literature evolved. The themes from 19^th Century Literature appeared in response to the difficulties and struggles faced during Colonial times of struggling for some kind of independence and identity. Countries and people groups were displaced and mixed together, so during the 19^th Century, the theme, national identity, emerges in the literature.

To explore this theme, we will look at art, short stories, and epic poetry from Latin America.

Art

Similar to literature, art is often open to interpretation. The ability to see an image and think deeply about the image involves thought and creativity from the observing party. Like literature, the style of art often depends on the time period and the issues of the period.

In Latin America, many different types of art appeared throughout history. Pre-Columbian art stems from the indigenous cultures, Colonial art focused more on religious paintings (due to the Spanish invasions), Modern art rejected traditional ways of creating art, Constructivist art focused on art and architecture, and Surrealist art focused on the formation of everyday objects in illogical forms.

 

See each topic below to learn a little more about the styles of art.

Pre-Columbian Art

Notice how the sculpture portrays the indigenous people of the time period. These representations are commonly found in Pre-Columbian art.

Colonial Art

In this piece, the painting reveals the religious undertones brought over by the Spanish conquistadors.

Modern Art

Notice the difference of this painting from the previous paintings. The shapes and colors are different, and you can see a sense of freedom in the painting with how the character waves the flag. This could represent freedom from previous structured art forms.

Constructivist Art

This is a picture of the first Constructivist art exhibit. Notice the emphasis on the industrial, angular style.

Surrealist Art

Notice how the art form shows these figures, or people, but the way they appear do not reveal logical human forms. Many artists create variations of Surrealist art. Frida Kahlo is one such artist.

Frida Kahlo is a well-known Mexican painter and is often classified as a Surrealist who blends other styles. She combined surrealist elements with the bright colors of Mexican tradition. Her most famous paintings are her self-portraits, which are symbolic of physical and psychological wounds she experienced in her life.

View the painting below by Frida Kahlo.

Latin American Art Interactivity

Now you will have the opportunity to practice your understanding and interpretation of Latin American art. What time period do you think these paintings belong to? What do you think the paintings reveal about Latin America?