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We often forget how prehistoric values have shaped our life today. Regarding artwork, it is particularly important to preserve the history that comes with it, so we do not forget about it when we make art today. Some important things to think about when looking at old works are the cultural aspect of the piece so we can understand the reason behind the creation of it. The physical object so we can figure out what materials and techniques were used. Lastly, the visual experience because looking at a piece of artwork always makes people have huge revelations about life. Another key factor of prehistoric art is conservation because then we can analyze the art and use these facts to figure out what our values were a long time ago. Overall, I appreciate the individuality that comes with the different artwork in the world. It’s very humanistic that we all have our own individual styles, and how these styles tell a specific narrative about our lives.  

One piece of work from before our time that I want to talk about is the paintings and drawings in the caves at Chavet-Pont-d’Arc, Lascaux, Pech Merle, Altamira. The oldest cave, Pech Merle, dates all the way back to 25,000-15,000 B.C.E. The preservation of these cave paintings is important because it shows where the original method came from.

Another piece of artwork that interests me the most is Venus of Willendorf. This piece of artwork is interesting to me because it is a sculpture which is closely related to ceramics which is my preferred medium. I like how the texture, the way it is carved, and the style tells a lot about the culture behind the piece; also, the artist. I know if one of my pieces was in a group of other ceramic artists’, my friends and family would be able to pick out which one belonged to me. My favorite part about it is the fact that no one knows the meaning behind it, so the interpretation is left up to the viewer’s discretion.