aesthetic differences

I find the development of different cultural aesthetics endlessly interesting. This fascination was recently renewed by my glorious trip Central America last week (my life is oh so difficult, I know). While visiting these beautiful places, I could not help but to notice the different styles and crafts that are so particular to the region. The bright, unabashed colors and intricate patterns were often intoxicating to me. I was constantly distracted by new things at each market place, which wore on my companions' nerves...

But after reveling in the Caribbean aesthetic for days on end, I begin to wonder what is the American aesthetic? Do we have one? Does Polo count? I'm sure that I'm not being fair, but I don't suppose that one has to be while writing on a blog. I do believe it is very important to think about these things because whether we like it or not we are very much informed by our own cultural aesthetic and standards of beauty or desirability- though whether we wholly subscribe to them or not is a very different matter.


Some touristy shots that actually have nothing to do with what I just talked about...






Jealous? Should be...