Artworks Analysis: Significance of Key Differences or Similarities

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Artworks Analysis – Proposal and Essay
1 Alhkidokihi - Navaho, Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952)
The Navajo, indigenous to the Southwestern United States, incorporate the sacred art of sand painting into their unique rituals. This traditional practice is pivotal in ceremonies focused on healing and spirituality. In 1907, Edward S. Curtis, renowned for documenting Native American cultures, captured a fleeting moment of this ephemeral art form. Navajo sand paintings, intricate creations with colored sands, play a vital role in ceremonies like Chantway or Nightway, led by Navajo medicine men. These rituals aim to invoke spiritual forces for healing, utilizing sand paintings as both visual representations and sacred spaces for communication with the Holy People in Navajo cosmology.[Schaafsma, Polly, and Will Tsosie. "Xeroxed on stone: Times of origin and the Navajo holy people in canyon landscapes." New Mexico Historical Review 90.2 (2015): 8.]
The 1907 photograph is significant as Navajo sand paintings are intentionally temporary, lasting about 12 hours before intentional destruction. This impermanence symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the transient aspects of the healing process. Beyond its artistic form, it is also a way for the Navajo tribe to pass down their culture to the current generation, thus contributing to the preservation of their culture. Located in the Southwestern U.S., in areas like Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, the Navajo's cultural practices are profoundly influenced by the region's breathtaking landscapes. These surroundings shape Navajo spirituality and artistic expressions, highlighting the deep and harmonious relationship between the artwork, the land, and the spiritual beliefs of the Navajo people.[Spickard, James V. "Experiencing religious rituals: A Schutzian analysis of Navajo ceremonies." Sociological Analysis 52.2 (1991): 191-204.]
2 Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989)
Astro Boy, a creation of Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989), stands as a superhero in the realm of manga. Tezuka, born in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan, emerged as one of his homeland's most influential manga artists and animators. The genesis and widespread appeal of Astro Boy can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, particularly the devastating atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The profound impact of the atomic bombings lingered in the Japanese psyche, influencing daily life and inspiring artistic expressions. In this context, Astro Boy serves as an artistic representation of resilience during challenging times. The comic becomes a medium through