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Painting, Sketches & Prints
Religious Art Through the Eyes of a Protestant
In the 16th and 17th centuries art world of the Northern Renaissance, styles developed to distinguish themselves from Catholic art in the South. New Protestant values aimed to de-idolize figures in art, turning the focus towards God and God alone. Many Netherlandish artists still took…
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Annie Leibovitz and the Collection Controversy: Analysing the Risks
In 2013, Harley Mintz purchased over 2000 Annie Leibovitz photographs for $4.75 million, intending to donate them to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. However, disputes over copyright and display have left them in storage for over a decade, with the Nova Scotia government refusing…
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Digital Art & Graphic Design
Design Objects
Architecture
The Structure of Cold Indigenous Architecture
In cold climates, architecture often protects against harsh weather, a concept influenced by European colonialism. In contrast, Aboriginal communities in Canada, emphasizing nature, have adopted biophilic design in modern structures. Their architecture reflects historical connections to the environment and integrates Traditional Knowledge, increasingly relevant amid…
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“Coptic” Tapestries in Late Antiquity Egypt
Between the 1st century and the Muslim conquest of 639 CE, Egyptian elites valued decorative textiles blending Ancient Greek and Roman figures with Middle Eastern and Asian artistic elements. Surviving fragments, like The Side-Eye Girl, exemplify this artistry, reflecting familial values in elite domestic settings…
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Medieval Embroidery, Women, and God
Medieval embroidery, primarily associated with women, emerged as a significant craft with roots across various cultures. It flourished from the 6th to the 16th centuries, especially in Europe, and served both devotional and decorative purposes. The technique evolved over time, with contributions from convents and…
Keep ReadingFashion History
British Colonial Dress
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the British Empire expanded dramatically through war and annexation, gaining territories worldwide. Military uniforms reflected colonial ideologies and cultural symbols, showcasing British dominance and ethnocentric views. These designs transformed soldiers into representations of empire, illustrating clothing’s role in shaping…
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The Sexless on Earth: The Medieval Bestiaries and the Beings that Exude Asexual, Non-Binary and Unsexed Physical Forms
Medieval bestiaries served as educational tools, emphasizing the spiritual lessons derived from animals and plants, believed to teach humans about moral and behavioral virtues. These texts illustrated the connection between the asexuality of certain creatures and concepts of purity within Christian theology, influencing the design…
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Food
Lamb to the Table
During the Medieval and Early Modern periods, lamb became the central feature of Easter feasts in Europe, symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Its consumption allowed Christians to engage in a sensory experience while commemorating the Last Supper. Eating lamb represented unity and gratitude for Christ’s…
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From Weirs to Aboiteaux: Mi’kmaq Use of Tidal Waters and Acadian Sluice Systems
The Acadian aboiteau system, developed in 17th century Nova Scotia, uses layers of wood or stones to manage tidal waters, allowing fresh water to flow while blocking saltwater. The Mi’kmaq fishing weir, used for centuries, employs a similar principle for fish trapping. Their trade connections…
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