The movie is a juxtaposition of the modern and abstract, industrialization v/s modernization and has themes of the Second world war and Hitler’s enforced opinion of art to the modern abstract painting that cam by more so influence by architecture and all having deeper meaning of life connected with it.
Art of Rome and Greece was a pure reflection of the view of Gods that divinity lies in man, his shape and form reverberated throughout their architecture and various statues that dot this ancient city. The story of civilization is slowly woven though art wherein it is expressed that changes are evident but happen as a reflection of our past and not because humans are susceptible because of the era they live in. What brought about the massive changes in the art scene is the industrial revolution where mass commercialization became nouveaou art and anything unique wasn’t encouraged. In the 1940’s Hitler came in with his Nazi views and through the use of sheer power brought about changes in art where the woman is seen as the fertile home maker and the power resting with the man.
The movie moves through massive galleries and stunning locations across Europe, America and China. Lessons to be learnt vary from the moral code of ethics that we live in today to the glamour that followed art exhibiting the uncertainty of life. Parallels are drawn time and again between the past and present and how art influenced and connected the two. Through this the viewer the can form his own perspective to connect the various dots that explain the transition of civilization through the century. Some may find it a bit brooding on a war that shaped the world and taught all about the power of nuclear force and the destruction that followed through or the brighter side that humanity and civilization has survived the uncertainty to come out much stronger in a world filled with neon lights and blazing advertisements that count for modern art.
Art through the eyes of Klee, Mondrian and Picasso are a testament to the journey art has helped an individual go through. It can also be viewed as a personal journey of someone who has passively observed these vital changes in society and a view they hold of civilization through the various art forms. The emotions of pain sorrow and hurt after the war to the unattached lifestyle that people lead today in hurry that only they can ever overcome.
References
Civilization. By Matthew Collings and Art Critic. Prod. Matthew Collings. 2007. Online. 25 November 2014. <http://art.docuwat.ch/videos/this-is-civilization/this-is-civilization-04-uncertainty/?channel_id=24>.
