PProject Part One Exploration Document

Project Part One Exploration Document Brittany Lopez Southern New Hampshire University HUM200: Applied Humanities February 9, 2024 Exploration Document Draft Cultural Artifacts The first cultural artifact selected for analysis is the renowned painting titled "Mona Lisa" by the artist Leonardo da Vinci. Executed between 1503 and 1506, this masterpiece is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris (Isbouts, 2022). The Mona Lisa is celebrated for its enigmatic portrayal of emotions, mainly through the subject's subtle smile and contemplative gaze. In contrast, the second artifact chosen is "The Tower of Babel" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Created around 1563, this painting depicts the biblical story of the construction and subsequent collapse of the Tower of Babel. While the precise location of the artwork may vary, it is historically associated with Antwerp, Belgium. Bruegel's composition serves as a visual narrative, metaphorically exploring themes of human ambition and consequences. Common Themes The theme chosen for exploration in both artifacts is addictions. In the Mona Lisa, the theme is expressed through the mysterious smile and contemplative gaze, inviting viewers to ponder the alluring nature of desires. Meanwhile, The Tower of Babel metaphorically focuses on the consequences of unchecked ambitions, cautioning against the pitfalls associated with unrestrained desires and grandiose goals. Personal Experience The theme of addictions holds a personal resonance for me. Observing the Mona Lisa, da Vinci's portrayal prompts deep reflection on the balance between fascination and restraint in my own desires. The enigmatic smile becomes a mirror reflecting the complexity of my inner emotions. Similarly, The Tower of Babel serves as a metaphor for moments in my life when unchecked ambitions have led to unforeseen consequences. Together, these artifacts become not only artistic expressions but also reflections of my own journey, adding a layer of personal connection to the exploration of the theme of addictions within the realm of humanities. Profession In the expansive domain of psychology, the theme of addictions casts a significant impact on the theoretical and practical landscapes of the discipline. In their dedicated endeavors, professionals in this field analyse emotional landscapes, seeking to comprehend the connection between factors that contribute to the manifestation and perpetuation of addictive tendencies. The artworks, namely the Mona Lisa and The Tower of Babel, emerge as invaluable tools in this psychological odyssey, providing rich visual narratives that illuminate the depths of human experience. The analysis of these artistic masterpieces serves not as an aesthetic endeavor but as a great aid in the field. Humanities Resources Three relevant humanities resources to investigate the theme and artifacts are: 1 "Mona Lisa and the elusive art of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings" by Jean-Pierre I...