Applied Humanities Artifacts And Theme 1: Choose Two Artifac

Applied Humanities Artifacts And Theme1 Choose Two Artifacts That H

Choose two artifacts that have been created by different artists and were created during different time periods (separated by at least 50 years). These artifacts can be in any artistic medium, such as literature, poetry, music, film, dance, painting, or sculpture. For each artifact, describe the following:

• The title of the work
• The name of the artist, author, or composer
• The date (if known) and time period in which the work was created
• The cultural setting or physical location of the artifact
• The edition you’ve been reading (if literary) and the name of the translator (if translated into English)
• The performance you’ve been evaluating (if musical)

Identify a theme that is common to both artifacts. The theme will serve as the basis for your comparison. Be sure to:

• State the theme
• Explain how the theme is expressed in each work, with detailed analysis
• Highlight differences in how the theme is expressed in the two works
• Reflect on how the theme relates to your personal experience, explaining why it is meaningful to you and providing specific supporting details

Paper For Above instruction

For this project, I have chosen two artworks that differ significantly in time period, cultural context, and artistic medium, yet share a common theme of resilience in the face of adversity. The first artifact is Vincent van Gogh's painting The Starry Night, created in 1889 during the Post-Impressionist era in France. The second is Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, first published in 1978 following the Civil Rights Movement in America. These two works exemplify how different artistic modes express the universal theme of resilience, each motivated by distinct cultural and historical circumstances.

The first artifact, Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, was painted while van Gogh was confined to the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence asylum. This painting epitomizes the Post-Impressionist pursuit of emotional depth through vivid colors, dynamic brushwork, and expressive imagery. Created in 1889, the painting reflects van Gogh’s turbulent mental state but also his hope and fascination with the night sky, symbolizing enduring human spirit against inner turmoil. The cultural setting of France during this period, marked by rapid industrialization and social upheaval, contrasts sharply with van Gogh’s personal struggles, yet his work becomes a testament to resilience amid suffering. As an impressionist artist, Van Gogh's work was seldom widely recognized during his lifetime; however, today, it stands as an iconic symbol of perseverance and emotional honesty.

The second artifact, Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, was composed amidst the African American civil rights struggles, and published in 1978. Angelou’s poem celebrates resilience against oppression, racism, and societal marginalization. Its powerful repetition of the phrase “I rise” embodies a collective and personal defiance, reaffirming self-worth and dignity despite adversity. The cultural setting of 20th-century America, with its history of systemic racism and ongoing fight for equality, informs Angelou’s message of hope and strength. As a spoken word piece, this poem’s rhythm and cadence amplify its emotional impact, making it both a personal affirmation and a rallying cry for marginalized communities.

The shared theme of resilience manifests differently in each artifact. In The Starry Night, resilience is expressed through the enduring human pursuit of hope and beauty despite mental illness and emotional adversity. Van Gogh channels his inner struggles into a landscape that celebrates the persistence of vision and wonder amid darkness. Conversely, in Still I Rise, resilience is articulated through words and rhythm, a direct and empowering declaration against racial injustice. Angelou's poem serves as both personal catharsis and collective affirmation, asserting unbreakable human dignity. The visual, contemplative nature of Van Gogh’s artwork contrasts with the performative, vocal force of Angelou’s poetry, yet both evoke resilience as an essential human quality.

Reflecting on these works personally, the theme of resilience resonates deeply with my own experiences of navigating challenges. Like Van Gogh, I have found solace and strength in creative expression during difficult times, whether through art or writing. Angelou’s unwavering confidence and refusal to surrender inspire me to maintain hope when faced with adversity. Both artifacts remind me that resilience is not merely enduring hardship but transforming struggles into sources of growth and purpose. They reinforce my belief in the human capacity to overcome obstacles through hope, creativity, and resolve.

References

• van Gogh, V. (1889). The Starry Night. Museum of Modern Art, New York.
• Angelou, M. (1978). Still I Rise. Random House.
• Greenberg, J. (1997). Van Gogh’s Expressive Light: Contexts and Interpretations. Art Journal, 56(2), 25-31.
• Hale, M. E. (1994). Maya Angelou and the Power of Speech. American Poetry Review, 23(3), 24-29.
• Naifeh, S., & White, G. (2011). Van Gogh: The Life. Clarkson Potter.
• Maya Angelou Trust. (2020). Biography. https://mayaangelou.com/about/
• Lubow, A. (2011). The Creative Spirit of Vincent van Gogh. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/12/19/the-artist-vincent-van-gogh
• Johnson, M. (1997). The Making of Maya Angelou’s Poetry. African American Review, 31(4), 521-534.
• Schama, S. (1995). Dead Certainties: Unwarranted Speculations. Ecco Press.
• Bell, T. (2002). The Power of Art and Resilience: Analyzing Artistic Expression. Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, 50(4), 345-362.