written by art historian & curator Mihaela Manolache
Today we are all experiencing cultural assimilation in one way or another. The continuous exposure to major social, cultural, and economic events such as globalization, war, and immigration are some of the predominant issues of contemporary times in which people are interconnected in several ways. Through this exposure, individuals adopt the cultural norms, values, practices, and behaviors of another culture, the dominant culture. Nevertheless, the process goes on both sides as not only does the assimilated culture feel a major loss of identity, but the dominant culture is experiencing a dilution of its own values or practices, creating a cultural gap regarding their ancestors.
Cultural assimilation can also have a significant impact on artistic practices and expressions. It can give birth to new art forms that blend elements from multiple cultures. Artists and communities draw inspiration from their cultural surroundings, which represent a reservoir of symbols and metaphors ready to be employed in their works. These cultural symbols carry layers of meaning that resonate with assimilated cultures. Culture shapes the audience’s understanding and interpretation of art. Art is not created in isolation but is meant to be experienced and understood within a cultural context. How is cultural…
