I loved having Ravi Shankar in a picture right next to Norah Jones! They are Father and daughter but look world's apart with their music. I don't believe that there are any parts of Norah Jones' music that reflects any Indian influence. Also, it is great that Ravi is still playing in this photo. He looks very, very old.
This is a picture of an Egyptian Oud. I love the inlay work on it. The detail work on the front also reminds me of some of the artwork that Dr. Weeks brought in for us. This was a deluxe version for sale online and it stated that the shipping weight was 70 pounds! I also found out that eventually this instrument evolved into a Troubadour's lute. It is interesting to see that it also resembles the short-neck lute, called the gadulka, in Bulgarian music. However, the gadulka is played with a bow. I love the different instrumental connections that you see from one country to the next.
This is actually a painting by Ravi Varma. It sells for $60-100. He was the first Indian artist to become well known as other artists were just anonymous. He was born in 1848 into a family of princes. Even during this time, he was influenced by Europeans. He strove for realism in his paintings. It seems like verismo even affected India. You should google some more of his art. He mainly painted women and his work is beautiful.
I agree that Ravi Shankar’s continued contribution to the music world is wonderful, especially since he will be 90 years old in April.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful; how do you find such good ones? The painting reminds me of the Cultural Collisions course I took last semester, in which we looked at what happens when different cultures encounter each other. One of the frameworks and examples we examined was that of British/French Orientalism, in which they created an exotic (and manipulative) stereotype of the Orient, namely the Middle East and India. “Orientals” were seen as effeminate, sensual, and weak, but having a noble past and much potential if Westerners come and restore them to a modern glory like that they once had. I can see this European influence in Ravi Varma’s soft, beautiful, almost over-luxurious depiction, although he may have meant this painting more as a sentimental praise of Indian arts rather than as an Orientalism.
I love the pictures! You did a great job finding "cool stuff". Just like your presentation, your "cool stuff" is very interesting. I feel like I have a hard time finding interesting and useful things, how do you do it?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alexandra, the pictures are exquisite. Norah Jones has always captured me with every song she has ever sang. I love listening to her music, but little did I know her father was Ravi! That is so neat and I can truly see the similarities in the two now that I know they are family. The Egyptian Oud is absolutely gorgious. I have never seen anything like this before, but if Dr. Week's takes a group to Egypt next Jan Term, I am definitely going to find one to bring back. The patterns and designs are both beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI was seriously so shocked when Dr. Vaneman told us about them being father and daughter. The ouds in this picture are so detailed and beautiful. They really do have such a beautiful sound. The painting is so detailed and pretty. I would think the painting would be more expensive. Its kinda funny how much has been influenced by the Europeans.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful pictures, especially the painting. It is fastinating the relation between cutures, how they are mixed and defined. I love the care that is put into making the instruments. Art can be as simple or complex as wanted.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard any indian influences in Norah Jones music, but I was told she and her father aren't familiar with each other...yet they both share a passion for music...that's pretty cool.
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