� Art Appreciation: Major Reviewer

Functions of Art & Philosophical Perspectives on Art

✅ I. FUNCTIONS OF ART

� A. Motivated (Directly Functional)

These serve a practical, external function.

 Art with a purpose beyond art itself.

Examples:

 Architecture – provides shelter

 Political propaganda – influences opinion

 Sacred art – supports religion and rituals

 Educational illustrations – teach concepts

� B. Unmotivated (Indirectly Functional)

These are valued for their own sake—for beauty, emotion, or symbolism.

Examples:

 Abstract paintings

 Personal poetry

 Decorative or meditative sculpture

 Music with no lyrics or meaning but evokes feelings

� II. PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ART

Philosopher Philosophy Key Concepts

- Mimesis (imitation)
- Art = copy of a copy (illusion of truth)
Plato Art as Imitation
- Distrusts artists for misleading people from
reality

- Art = still mimesis, but valuable

Aristotle Art as Representation
- Has three elements:
Philosopher Philosophy Key Concepts

• Object – what is being

represented

• Manner – how it is
represented

• Means – the medium (e.g.,

words, paint)
- Believed art brings catharsis
(emotional purification)

- True beauty is disinterested (not based on

utility or desire)
Art as Disinterested - Art is appreciated through pure judgment,
Immanuel Kant
Judgment free from personal gain
- Focused on aesthetic experience rather
than content

- Art is a way of transmitting feelings from

artist to audience
- Real art = shared emotion that fosters
Leo Tolstoy Art as Expression
empathy and unity
- Opposed art that is exclusive or
disconnected from the public

- Art reveals truth; it "lets things be"

- Art shows the essence of beings (the
Art as a Mirror to Social
Heidegger “being of the being”)
Reality
- Example: A Greek temple reveals the truth
of the gods and the people

- Art evolves through historical dialectic

(change through contradiction)
Art Reflects Historical - Art expresses the spirit of the age
Hegel
Consciousness (Zeitgeist)
- Believed art, religion, and philosophy are
ways Spirit (Geist) expresses itself

- Art is influenced by class struggle and

material conditions
Art as an Instrument of
Karl Marx - Art can reinforce or challenge ideology
Social Change
- Believed base (economy) determines
superstructure (culture, art)
Philosopher Philosophy Key Concepts

- Art has no single definition

- Meaning is based on use and context
Art as an Undefinable
Ludwig Wittgenstein (language-games)
Construct
- Ex: “Art” can mean different things in
different situations or cultures

� Summary Mnemonics

� Philosophers Mnemonic:

P-A-K-T-H-H-M-W
� “Please Ask Kind Teachers How History Moves Wisely.”

Expanded Reviewer: Subject in Art

� I. Definition of Subject in Art

 The subject is the main idea, theme, person, or object being represented in the artwork.

 It answers the question: "What is the artist showing or talking about in the art?"

� II. Two Categories of Art Based on Subject

✅ 1. Representational Art (With Subject)

 Represents real-world objects, people, nature, mythology, etc.

 May be realistic or stylized.

Subtypes:

 Realistic – very close to real appearance (e.g. Renaissance art)

 Stylized – simplified or exaggerated form (e.g. anime, folk art)

 Symbolic – subject represents something beyond appearance (e.g. dove = peace)

Examples:

 Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci) – woman portrait (realistic)

 Guernica (Picasso) – symbolic representation of war

� 2. Non-Representational / Non-Objective Art (Without Subject)

  Focus is on elements of art: line, color, texture, shape

 No recognizable subject, emotion or concept is implied instead

 Often used to express pure feeling or aesthetic experience

Examples:

 Composition VII by Kandinsky

 Broadway Boogie Woogie by Mondrian

Note: Even if there's no visible subject, there can still be meaning.

� III. Sources of Subject in Art

These are the foundations or inspirations of what artists choose to portray:

Source Explanation Examples

Nature Plants, animals, landscapes, seasons Flower studies, animal drawings

History Events, revolutions, important moments Battle scenes, portraits of heroes

Greek & Roman Mythology Gods/goddesses, myths, legends Venus, Hercules, Medusa

Judeo-Christian Tradition Bible-based stories The Last Supper, Pieta

Sacred Oriental Texts Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism Shiva statues, Mandalas

Other Artworks Influence from older art, music, literature Homages, remakes, fan art

� IV. Kinds of Subject in Art (Themes or Motifs)

Here are detailed categories based on what is being depicted:

Kind Meaning Example

History Depicts past events or heroes Liberty Leading the People

Still Life Inanimate objects Bowls of fruit, table settings

Animals Real or mythical creatures Horses, dragons, birds

Figures Human body, portraits Nude studies, dancers

Nature Natural elements Trees, clouds, rivers

Kind Meaning Example

Landscape Wide view of land Countryside, mountains

Seascape Oceans, sea-related scenes Beaches, storms at sea

Cityscape Urban views Streets, buildings, skylines

Mythology Stories from myths (any culture) Zeus, Anito, Bakunawa

Myth Symbolic, cultural narratives Creation stories

Dreams Inspired by the subconscious Surrealist art (e.g., Dali)

Fantasies Imaginary worlds/creatures Elves, otherworldly realms

� Other Insights:

� Can Subject Change Over Time?

Yes. A single artwork can be interpreted differently by people across different times and cultures.

� Subject vs. Content vs. Context:

 Subject = literal topic (what you see)

 Content = meaning or message behind it

 Context = background, time, culture, artist’s life

� Example Artwork Breakdown:

“The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh

 Subject: A swirling night sky over a town

 Kind: Landscape / emotional expression

 Source: Nature and the artist’s imagination

 Content: Emotional turmoil, wonder, isolation

 Context: Painted while Van Gogh was in an asylum

� Mnemonic Tips:

� Sources of Subject Mnemonic: "NHi-GR-JS-A"

Nature, History, Greek-Roman, Judeo-Christian, Sacred texts, Artworks
� Kinds of Subject Mnemonic: "Hi-St-An-Fi-Na-La-Se-Ci-My-My-Dr-Fa"
History, Still life, Animals, Figures, Nature, Landscape, Seascape, Cityscape, Mythology, Myth, Dreams,
Fantasies

Art Appreciation: Expanded Reviewer

� Content in Art • Roles in the Art World • Art Production Process

� I. Content in Art – Levels of Meaning

Content is what the artwork means — beyond what you simply see. It includes:

1. Factual Content

 Based on what is clearly visible.

 No interpretation needed.

 It’s objective and the same for all viewers.

� Ex: "A painting shows a woman with a child."

2. Conventional Content

 Meaning based on cultural conventions, symbols, or traditions.

 Requires shared knowledge.

� Ex: A dove = peace, red = passion or danger.

� Symbolic examples:

Symbol Conventional Meaning

Crown Power or royalty

Skull Death or mortality

Lotus Purity in Eastern traditions

Cross Christianity / sacrifice

3. Subjective Content

 Meaning based on personal interpretation or the artist’s intent.

 Highly emotional or philosophical.

 Varies from person to person.

� Ex: “This painting makes me feel nostalgic” or “It reflects my childhood fears.”
✅ In some art theories, content is divided into:

 Iconography – the symbols and their meanings

 Theme – the overall message

 Narrative – the story told through visuals

� II. Key Figures in the Art World

(People involved in the creation, distribution, and preservation of art)

Role Function Notes

Artist Creates original art Often expresses vision/emotion

May follow tradition (e.g., weavers,

Artisan Crafts decorative or functional art
potters)

Art Manager Organizes events, logistics, budget Works with both artist & public

Selects/articulates meaning in
Curator Chooses artworks, arranges narrative
exhibits

Art Buyer Purchases art for orgs or investment Can be private or corporate

Collector Personally gathers artworks Focused on value or passion

Art Dealer Middleman in art sales Promotes artists to galleries/buyers

Museum Docent
Educator or guide in museums Shares knowledge with the public
(extra)

� III. Production Process in Art

Art doesn’t just “appear” — it’s made through steps.

� 1. Preproduction (Planning & Prep)

 Concept development, research

 Storyboarding / sketching

 Budgeting & scheduling

 Gathering materials
� In film/theater: scriptwriting, auditions
� In painting: sketch, concept, material prep

� 2. Production (Creation stage)

 Actual art-making process

 Performance, filming, painting, sculpting

 Use of tools and techniques

� It’s where the core creation happens.

� 3. Postproduction (Finalizing and Releasing)

 Polishing and editing

 Framing, publishing, printing

 Marketing or public showing

� For film: editing, music scoring

� For digital art: final rendering, posting

� Extra Info You Might Not Know:

� Art Content May Include:

 Narrative – Storytelling (e.g., biblical scenes)

 Emotional – Expression of mood (e.g., Van Gogh’s Starry Night)

 Political – Protest or commentary (e.g., Guernica by Picasso)

 Social – Highlights injustice, class, or race issues

 Spiritual – Sacred meanings and religious devotion

� Subject ≠ Content:

 Subject: What the artwork shows

 Content: What it means or expresses

✅ Summary Table
Topic Key Takeaways

Content Factual, Conventional, Subjective meanings

People in Art From creators (artists, artisans) to promoters (dealers, curators)

Production Stages Preproduction (plan), Production (create), Postproduction (finalize & show)