How Art Made The World Season 1 Episode 4 One Upon a Time

In the fourth episode of How Art Made The World season 1, titled 'Once Upon a Time,' the host, Nigel Spivey, explores the role of storytelling in art throughout history.

Spivey begins by explaining that before the invention of writing, humans used art as a tool to convey stories and myths, passing these tales down through generations. He goes on to analyze different forms of art such as cave paintings, sculptures, and architecture, and how each has played a role in storytelling.

The episode features various examples like the ancient cave paintings in Lascaux, France, which was created over 17,000 years ago and depicts bison, horses, and deer, along with mythical creatures. Nigel Spivey also looks into other ancient cultures like ancient Egypt and how they used their art to perpetuate their belief system.

Moving on to the importance of storytelling in Greek myths, Spivey gives a brief introduction to some of the popular myths passed down from the ancient Greeks that still fascinate people today. He shows how the myths have been illustrated by artists throughout history and how these illustrations have evolved with time.

Spivey further delves into the world of medieval art, particularly illuminated manuscripts, which were decorated texts that were popular among the elites. He explains how medieval artists used their imagery to support the written text and create a cohesive story that would have been visually engaging for the reader. Spivey also takes a closer look at the art of heraldry, the practice of designing and displaying coats of arms, and the role it played in telling stories of family lineage and the power of nobility.

The episode concludes with a discussion of modern and contemporary art, where spivey demonstrates how even in the 21st century, art is still being used to tell stories. He talks about the political motives behind the works of Banksy and other graffiti artists, who use their art to convey political messages. Spivey also discusses modern installations and performance art, where artists seek to push the boundaries of their art and create new stories that challenge traditional ideas.

'Once Upon a Time' is a fascinating exploration of how art has been used throughout history to tell stories and express human experience. The episode takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring different art forms, and the different ways in which people have used them to convey meaning and belief systems. It is an engaging and informative episode that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of art or storytelling.