Lecture Notes: Colonial Architecture and Indigenous Art

Introduction

• Discussion of an outdoor chapel where the priest stands in the center with the congregation facing him.
• Example of "To Kiki Art," a blend of indigenous and Spanish styles.
• Context of church building: Between 1530-1800, 100,000 churches were built; 200 friars founded and staffed 300 monastery churches.

Indigenous and Spanish Art Fusion

• Artisan Work:
  • Indigenous artisans (To Kiki) created European-style art without having seen it firsthand.
  • Example of a lion on a shield, showing European style with indigenous techniques.
• Spanish Influence:
  • Priests utilized indigenous artisans for church murals and stone carvings as teaching tools.

Colonial Architecture Styles

• Stylistic Influence:
  • Renaissance designs arrived in Mexico but lagged behind Europe.
  • Styles followed European trends but were delayed, e.g., Plateresque style.
• Church of St. Augustine (Aqwal Mon):
  • An early example of Plateresque style.
  • Facade completed in 1560, initial building in 1539.

Indigenous Symbolism and Artistic Techniques

• Indigenous artisans incorporated hidden symbols into artwork.
• Use of low-relief sculptures, symbolic art, and syncretism.
• Atrial Cross at Aqwal Mun:
  • Represents blending of Christianity and indigenous art forms.

Building Structure

• Plan Views and Elevations:
  • Understanding architectural layouts: plan view, section view, and elevations.
  • Description of the building's layout, including outdoor chapels and cloisters.

Notable Artworks and Symbolism

• Frescoes and Mural Cycles:
  • Last Judgement scenes, influenced by European books.
  • Black and white illustrations linked to book prints.
• Iconography:
  • Contrapposto weight shift in St. Peter sculpture.
  • Use of Greco-Roman columns with indigenous knots.

Conclusion

• Unique fusion of indigenous and European art during colonization.
• Art served as a teaching tool and a means of syncretizing different cultural elements.