Civilisations

Civilisations is a thought-provoking and highly engaging BBC One series from 2018 that can be best described as a grand narrative of human ingenuity, creativity, and resilience. This historical and art documentary series showcases the diverse civilisations that have helped shape humanity and the world, figuring prominently in the creation of art, culture, and civilizations.

The series is a suite of nine compelling episodes that span across time, continents, and cultures. It takes the audience on a riveting voyage through 31 different countries, delving into more than 500 works of art. A virtual tour into the world of art, Civilisations is more than just a television show; it is an enriching visual encyclopedia of human history that is inextricably linked to the art we create.

It is delightfully narrated and presented by Simon Schama, Mary Beard, and David Olusoga. Each episode is imbued with its own nuanced theme that is meticulously explored, from the earliest cave paintings to the dizzying diversity of the twentieth century’s art scene.

Simon Schama is a master storyteller, art historian, and an eloquent writer whose charismatic personality brings life to the tales he narrates. Schama transports viewers to art from the ancient world through the Renaissance, onto the Romantic age and concludes with the contentious modern period. His style is a fascinating blend of personal reflection and deep historical analysis.

Mary Beard, an eminent classicist, offers an incisive overview of the impact of art on society and vice versa, taking viewers from ancient Greece and Rome to China and Mesoamerica. Her interpretations are grounded, approachable yet strike a delicate balance between the populist and the intellectual. Beard, with her sharp wit and unique perspective, wonderfully articulates how art communicates across time and space.

David Olusoga, an acclaimed historian, brings viewers closer to the art and culture of the non-European world, focusing on Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Olusoga’s episodes seek to redress the balance by evoking the grandeur, complexity, and often overlooked significances of non-western art. He ventures into the darker aspects of human history, including colonialism and the slave trade, and how they have profoundly influenced art.

Civilisations offers a vibrant and comprehensive exploration of art, not as a mere aesthetic enterprise but as a powerful societal and political force – a testament to human existence, experiences, and emotions. The series consistently undercuts the notion of a single, linear progression of “civilisation”, instead arguing for an understanding of various distinct 'civilisations', defined as much by their contributions to art and culture as by their territorial or political conquests.

Recognizing that there's no singular definition or representation for the term 'civilisation', the series prompts us to question our preconceptions and biases about different cultures, and understand that civilisations are not competition but conversations, with each one impacting, enhancing and shaping the others.

Throughout the series, every piece of art is placed within its context, mapping the terrain between the political, social and cultural influences upon its creation, and the impact it has had on the world. From ancient sculptures to modern paintings, from Renaissance marvels to Islamic masterpieces, art is presented as a universal language that transcends borders, and binds humanity together through shared experiences and perspectives.

In terms of production value, Civilisations is a visual delight. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the grandeur and magnificence of every location visited and enhancing the exploration and examination of the works of art. The score, subtle yet evocative, lends depth to the narrative, augmenting the emotional resonance of the stories being told. The fusion of brilliant narrative with stunning visuals and absorbing music creates a truly immersive viewing experience.

Civilisations is indeed much more than a tribute to art; it’s a celebration of human resilience, imagination and our persistent aspiration to understand, interpret and contribute to the world around us. Recognizing that art is inextricably linked with human history, and every artwork encapsulates a piece of a civilization’s spirit and narrative, the show compels its viewers to appreciate and value the myriad ways in which humanity has portrayed its experiences, aspirations and fears across the canvas of time. Above all, it reminds us how civilization is the grandest form of artistry — a collective, continuing creation of the human race.