專八真題:2007年Mini-lecture(6/7)

It is something on a museum wall or in a glass case. It makes homes more attractive. People look at it and admire it,"Oh, what a beautiful painting. " Besides, ideas are often expressed in this art. "This is a wonderful statue," an admirer might say, "It makes such a strong anti-war statement." But in other places, art is not considered to be separate from everyday existence. It has a function. It has a practical role to play in people's lives. A person in a tribal society might look at a mask and say, "Oh, this is a good mask, it will keep my house safe." In brief, the way in which people enjoy or appreciate art depends on their culture. To conclude my lecture, we can say that art is a reflection of various cultures. But at the same time, we have to remember that art also reflects the changes in society that take place when different cultures influence one another.