Culture Entry #3

Throughout artwork over the centuries many of the work created is inspired by a common theme. One of the most common themes is religion. In Latin American countries religion is a major influence in their lifestyles. It is seen through their artwork as well. In the colonial period art was influenced by the Christian teachings, which produced Indochristian art. The Latin American culture has this idea of “visual culture” which means that they rely on art to tell stories about history and religion.

In the Caribbean, creating pottery and the carving of shell and wood were the major crafts that the Spaniards and Europeans made. In Mexican churches, retables (decorative structures constructed out of wood and placed behind altars) were created. Many relief carved structures made out of wood were common, usually out of important figures. Wood like structures were also made to represent a scene or a story in the Bible. The Virgin of Guatelupe