Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Artistic Endeavors


Zhong Zeduan (1085-1145)
Spring Festival Along the River

What do you think about when you read the word 'Art'? Do you think paintings, statues, or expression? Here is the definition of art:


art
/ärt/
the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

For me, it is not easy to define art. First thing that comes to mind with art is paintings such as Picasso's work or Mona Lisa. Art, in regards with the game, does tackle these common ideas of art.

Art in the game is expressed in the architecture (specific to each civilization) and in the Great Works of the people a civilization can spawn.

Below is a collection of three civilizations; China, France, and America. If you look closely at the images, you can tell an architectural difference in the cities. Each civilization has a certain "style" to their building designs (much like in real life). To me, the different styles is an artistic approach.


China



France



America


Architecture in the game can also be represented by the buildings or wonders you construct. Any civilization can construct the Great Wall of China or Hanging Gardens. A few of these wonders are architectural achievements, artistic monuments. Much like the film we watched in class discussing human form. Human form can take the shape of statues. One that comes to mind (in the game) is Statue of Zeus. His human form is unrealistic (portrayed as a god) and appeals as a wonder for the people. It raises happiness levels and improves culture for the civilization.

Another note-worthy feature from the game is great works. These are NOT culture specific. China (in theory) can have Jean Clouet - Portrait of Francois I or Vincent van Gogh - Starry Night. Artists are not restricted to their specific culture (Note: Great Works are only features from Brave New World).



According to Civilization V Wikia,  They represent exceptional achievements of the culture of your civilization, capable of spreading its fame all over the globe. Unlike general Culture, which consists of, say regular theater presentations, novel writing, or the occasional inauguration of a new Monument, etc. Great Works contribute to the 'external' pressure your civilization exerts to the other civilizations, represented by the stat Tourism.



0 comments:

Post a Comment