Art as a Culture

1. A. The artists responsible for the cave paintings, to me, were trying to tell a story rather than spread the word of something. I say this because the culture I did my ethnography did the same thing. Their cave drawings were made to tell the story of whatever scenario the picture may depict.
B. As far as the amount of animals in the cave rather than people, I found two possibilities. I believe that the people were dependent on the cattle and animals for food and survival. Their representation in cave drawings may show as a sign of appreciation for the resources they provide. The drawings may also be a sign of hope, or plead for hope rather. Much like many people today make art representing things they aspire for, these drawings may represent the desire for food and cattle.
C. These drawings prove the intelligence and communication that the Paleolithic people had. Many of these drawings were meant to communicate messages, whether it be to warn others of a danger, or to  show signs of happiness. It isn't exactly written language, but something quite similar to it.
D. There had to have been difficulties to this Paleolithic art, as it was not as easy as grabbing a piece of chalk and going crazy like we do today. A major factor would be lighting, the cave can't allow too much light, but based on the tour, there were drawings deep within. Another would be the materials needed to conduct these drawings, and I am curious as to what they used. Lastly, I wonder what they truly meant to be the purpose of these drawings. Did they communicate with each other what each one meant?
E. Three possible functions that these drawings served could have been warning signs, appreciation, and communication. As I said earlier, these drawings could have been used to warn others of a possible danger near the cave. Much like how there are many representations of Jesus Christ to show our appreciation for what he did, these people may have drawn representations of the animals out of appreciation for all they offer to our survival. Lastly, these drawings could have been means for communications. Signaling those who see them as to inform them of something, or claim something. Much like any sign we see every single day while driving, these drawings are there to inform.
2. I can't help but compare these signs to the work of Banksy, a controversial artist. When I see the Paleolithic art, it isn't something I see as made for appreciation much like modern art. I find it more deep, and useful rather than eye-candy. Banksy's art generally is a representation of a deeper meaning. He opens people's eyes to governmental issues, and personal struggles we need not have. These two forms of art may serve a different specific purpose, but they serve a purpose all in all. The greatest commonality I find with these two forms of art is the hidden message, something I find underappreciated and lacking in today's age.

3. A. This type of art is called graffiti, though I think that Banksy is far from your typical graffiti artist. Many graffiti artists just want their name out, and their territory claimed. They leave their signature mark, and that is that. Banksy leaves a message that is so simple, but at the same time meaningful. In the image shown above, the words "Follow Your Dreams" are crossed out by the word "Cancelled". My interpretation of this is how limited society has become, though we are raised to have aspirations following the sky is the limit approach. Banksy also does a great job poking fun at some of the issues rising in the country. The following image depicts it perfectly.

B. Graffiti lacks the sense of a unified culture. In fact, it is far from it. Graffiti is illegal, and those who partake in it can face legal issues. Therefore, to do it, one must be discrete and usually acts alone or with a very small group. Graffiti artists can be considered their own culture, but don't be fooled, they are simply nomads when performing their art.
C. There is a great controversy whether this art is detrimental or beneficial. To me, there is a little of both. I find art like Banksy's beneficial as it reveals the truth behind meaningless arguments, and illusions we have come to believe. However, when I drive home from school and see someones name spray painted on the freeway overpass for no apparent reason, it is most definitely detrimental. This form of art is controversial, and illegal for a reason, it is hard to imagine a universal agreement as to whether it is good or bad.