French and Spanish Upper Paleolithic cave art was drawn forty thousand to eleven thousand years ago, and it was motivated by climate change. Kieran D. O'Hara, a geologist and professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky, explains why we know that to be true in this groundbreaking book. His goal isn't to explore the meaning of cave art but to show why it was done. While many scholars argue that the art depicted in these caves don't depict the animals of that period, O'Hara argues just the opposite - putting forth the controversial theory that the cave paintings accurately reflect the climate and animals that existed alongside the artists. For far too long, cave art specialists have incorrectly concluded that cave art doesn't match up with the reality of life at the time because they've been comparing archaeological bone remains with cave imagery of a different age. Paleolithic people survived through the most severe swings in climate this planet has experienced in the past two million years, and it was a major factor in what cave artists depicted. Examine the facts, and discover a new interpretation with Cave Art and Climate Change.

French and Spanish Upper Paleolithic cave art was drawn forty thousand to eleven thousand years ago, and it was motivated by climate change. Kieran D. OHara, a geologist and professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky, explains why we know that to be true in this groundbreaking book. His goal isnt to explore the meaning of cave art but to show why it was done. While many scholars argue that the art depicted in these caves dont depict the animals of that period, OHara argues just the opposite putting forth the controversial theory that the cave paintings accurately reflect the climate and animals that existed alongside the artists. For far too long, cave art specialists have incorrectly concluded that cave art doesnt match up with the reality of life at the time because theyve been comparing archaeological bone remains with cave imagery of a different age. Paleolithic people survived through the most severe swings in climate this planet has experienced in the past two million years, and it was a major factor in what cave artists depicted. Examine the facts, and discover a new interpretation with Cave Art and Climate Change.

Global awareness of climate change is increasing, and the scientific evidence is incontrovertible: an environmental crisis is upon us. Art and Climate Change presents an overview of ecologically conscious contemporary art that addresses the climate emergency, as artists across the world call for an active, collective engagement with the planet, and illuminate some of the structures that threaten humanitys survival. Across five chapters, curators Maja and Reuben Fowkes examine artworks that respond to the Anthropocene and its detrimental impact on our world, from scenes of nature decimated by ongoing extinction events and landscapes turned to waste by extraction, to art from marginalized communities most affected by the injustice of climate change. What guides the artists gathered together here is an ardent concern for the living, breathing subject of the Earth and all fellow terrestrials caught up in this fast-moving climate drama.

The discovery of pre-historic decorated caves in western Europe transformed the way we think about the development of art. The earliest known evidence of human artistic endeavor, the awe-inspiring paintings, dramatic engravings and small, delicate sculptures of animals and humans found in these caves still hold a unique power and fascination, more than a century after they were first discovered. In this book, internationally renowned expert on prehistoric art Jean Clottes explores the origins of art and creativity. He takes the reader on a guided tour of 85 caves and rock shelters, many of which are not open to the public, revealing the extraordinary beauty of the works of art within them. Cave Art features more than 300 works from the Paleolithic period, made between 35,000 and 11,000 years ago, presented in geographical and chronological order.This comprehensive, accessible introduction to prehistoric art includes such spectacular works as the famous horses of Lascaux, the buffalo in the Altamira cave in Spain and the ivory carving of a woman's face found at Brassempouy in the south of France, as well as examples from less well-known sites. A wonderful range of animals is presented, from cave bears to reindeer, as well as mysterious abstract signs and schematic representations of human beings. Examples of portable art and sculpture are also included. While most of the caves described in the book are European, Cave Art also includes examples of open-air rock art made after the last ice age at sites around the world. With an unparalleled selection of images, Cave Art offers a unique guided tour of the earliest expressions of human creativity. Each work in Cave Art is illustrated by a color photograph, and accompanied by a clear, vivid explanatory text. A concise introduction tells the story of the discovery of the caves, and gives a clear outline of current knowledge, research and debate on the subject of prehistoric art. The book also includes a chronology, maps of the main caves and sites, a glossary and a list of sites that can be visited.

Whitley, one of the world's leading experts on cave paintings, rewrites the understanding of shamanism and its connection with artistic creativity, myth, and religion by interweaving archaeological evidence with the latest findings of cutting-edge neuroscience.

Annotation Fossil finds from 10 years of research show the effects of climate change on North American mammals during the Pleistocene era, about one million to 400,000 years ago.

Publisher Description

The Cave Painters is a vivid introduction to the spectacular cave paintings of France and Spain—the individuals who rediscovered them, theories about their origins, their splendor and mystery. Gregory Curtis makes us see the astonishing sophistication and power of the paintings and tells us what is known about their creators, the Cro-Magnon people of some 40,000 years ago. He takes us through various theories—that the art was part of fertility or hunting rituals, or used for religious purposes, or was clan mythology—examining the ways interpretations have changed over time. Rich in detail, personalities, and history, The Cave Painters is above all permeated with awe for those distant humans who developed—perhaps for the first time—both the ability for abstract thought and a profound and beautiful way to express it.

This book reveals a personal artistic journey to sacred sites around the world (such as Stonehenge, Caves in the South of France, and Ayers Rock in Australia) and the art that was inspired by the symbols and connections at each location. It contains beautiful spreads in full color of the artist?s work, photographs of the sites where she gained her inspiration and personal observations written especially for each of the ten chapters.

Puchner ranges across four thousand years of world literature to draw vital lessons about how we put ourselves on the path of climate change. He proposes a new way of reading in a warming world, shows how literature can help us recognize our shared humanity, and discusses the possible futures of storytelling