Art Disc #3

Discussion #3 Destroying History

There are five videos here. All rather short, but powerful messages. Please take some time to watch each one and then answer the prompts.

 

I know this topic is a touchy subject right now, but one that deserves critical conversations. Destruction of civilizations has been going on since the beginning of time, so it is nothing "new", but it is a very contemporary and timely topic to discuss in art and historical context.

Watch the video (Trailer)

The Rape of Europa (WWII)

Watch the video

 Destruction of Memory (Syria)

Watch the video

Erasing Memory: The Cultural Destruction of Iraq

Watch the video

  Can Art Amend History? (Titus Kaphar's TED Talk)

Watch the video

  Cash Crop Exhibit by Stephen Hayes 

PROMPTS

After watching the videos answer the following questions:

1-What is your initial reaction to the destruction of historical artifacts, whether you agree with their purpose or not? Explain.

2-Do you think the destruction of such artifacts should be a topic of concern during war times? Explain.

3-Under the current climate of the United States, without getting too political, what do you think should be done with our historical artifacts (i.e. statues, monuments, etc)? Explain.