Cave Art or Graffiti? What was art? What is art? What will be art? The image is a communication vessel. Leonardo da Vinci knew in practice…the image in itself is a form of knowledge.

The earliest known European cave paintings date to 32,000 years ago. The purpose of the cave paintings is not known, and may never be. The evidence suggests that they were not merely decorations of living areas, since the caves in which they have been found do not have signs of ongoing habitation. Also, they are often in areas of caves that aren't easily accessed. Some theories hold that they may have been a way of transmitting information, while other theories ascribe them a religious or ceremonial purpose.

Questions to prompt Analysis 1.What colors, shapes, and/or materials are used? 2.What emotion does the artwork communicate? 3.Why do you think the artwork was created?

Artwork made by hunters!

Discussion Questions 1.Can we assume that the art was produced for the intrinsic rewards of art for art's sake. Or is there another reason for creating art? 2.Does art have to have a meaning? 3.Do we always need to have a “cut and dry” answer for everything?