The BBC documentary series How Art Made the World offers a compelling argument that art is not merely a decorative or historical footnote, but a fundamental engine of human evolution and self-understanding. Through its multi-part exploration, beginning with "The Big Bang" and concluding with "The Fall of the West," the series posits that art's power lies in its capacity to make us "more human than human." This assertion suggests that art allows us to transcend our biological limitations, to process abstract thought, to forge deeper social connections, and to grapple with existential questions in ways that purely instinctual behavior cannot. The series demonstrates this by tracing the development of artistic expression from the earliest cave paintings to contemporary installations, revealing how each stage reflects and shapes our perception of ourselves and our world.
From its opening episodes, How Art Made the World establishes art's role in early human cognitive development. The Lascaux caves, for instance, with their astonishingly sophisticated depictions of animals, are presented not simply as early attempts at representation, but as evidence of advanced symbolic thinking. These paintings, dating back approximately 17,000 years, suggest a capacity for imagination, memory, and planning that set early Homo sapiens apart. The series argues that the act of creating and interpreting these images fostered a shared understanding and narrative within communities, solidifying social bonds and facilitating the transmission of knowledge. This ability to create shared meaning, to imbue abstract symbols with significance, is a distinctly human trait, amplified and refined through artistic endeavors. It allowed early humans to conceptualize things not immediately present, to plan hunts, or to articulate spiritual beliefs, thereby granting them a cognitive advantage.
Further episodes illustrate how art has been instrumental in shaping societal structures and collective identity. The monumental architecture of ancient Egypt, from the pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak, served not only as tombs for pharaohs but as powerful statements of order, divine authority, and the continuity of civilization. The meticulous planning, vast labor, and enduring aesthetic of these structures reflect and reinforce a complex social hierarchy and a profound belief system. Similarly, the Greek sculptures of the Classical period, such as the Doryphoros by Polykleitos, are analyzed not just for their anatomical accuracy but for their idealization of the human form. This pursuit of an idealized physical and moral perfection speaks to a cultural aspiration, a desire to define and achieve human excellence, moving beyond the merely physical to the philosophical. This artistic pursuit of ideals directly influenced concepts of citizenship and virtue in ancient Greece.
The series also highlights art's capacity to engage with and challenge the human condition, exploring themes of mortality, spirituality, and the cosmos. The intricate religious art of medieval Europe, exemplified by the stained-glass windows of Chartres Cathedral, aimed to convey complex theological narratives and inspire awe, offering solace and a framework for understanding life's mysteries. These works, designed to be experienced within sacred spaces, sought to elevate the viewer beyond the mundane, connecting them to something transcendent. In contrast, the series examines how modern and contemporary art, from Picasso's Guernica to Ai Weiwei's installations, uses artistic expression to confront violence, political oppression, and environmental concerns. This ongoing dialogue between art and the challenges of human existence demonstrates art's persistent relevance in helping us process difficult realities and imagine alternatives, proving its enduring function as a tool for human resilience and critical engagement.
Ultimately, How Art Made the World concludes that art’s unique ability to translate subjective experience into tangible form, to build shared meaning, and to push the boundaries of perception is what makes us "more human than human." It is through art that we explore the full spectrum of our potential, from our deepest fears to our loftiest aspirations. The series, by meticulously documenting this trajectory, argues compellingly that art is not an optional extra to human existence, but an intrinsic and essential component of our evolution, shaping who we are and how we understand our place in the universe.