Art Appreciation

Reviewer – By AJ

Chapter 1: The Importance, Meaning, and Assumptions of Art

The Importance of Art

• All art that we receive through our senses has a purpose, as well as expression.
• It enhances our daily experiences
• All around us, can be found in all cultures
• Helps develop intellect of the younger generation to build up a positive character
and appreciate natural aesthetics
• This helps the student to have unbiased, responsive, and inventive mind full of
creativity and dormant talent
• Students who have artistic awareness perceive the world from many different
viewpoints. This shapes their behaviors, interpersonal and intrapersonal
communication and performances

Meaning of Art

• Art – French words which means “skill as a result of learning or practice”

• Ars – Latin word meaning “ability or practical skills”
• Art has a lot of meanings – there are three aspects to how we can define art.
o Art as Ability - the human capacity to make things of beauty and things
that stir us; creativity
o Art As Process – acts such as drawing, painting, sculpting, designing
buildings, singing, dancing, and using camera to create images or
memorable works.
o Art as Product – the completed work; etching sculpture, structure,
musical composition, choreography, or tapestry
• According to Plato, art is “that which brins life in harmony within the beauty
of the world” Art imitates the objects and events of ordinary life (ability.)
 • For John Dewey, art is “an attitude of spirit, a state of mind – one that
demands for its own satisfaction and fulfilling, a shaping of matter to new
and more significant form
• For Oscar Wilde, art is “the most intense mode of individualism that the
world has known.”
• And for Elbert Hubbard, art is “It is not a thing, it is a way”

Essentials of Art

1. Art has to be man-made

2. Art must be creative, not imitative
3. Art must benefit and satisfy man
4. Art is expressed through a certain medium or material by which the artist
communicates himself to his audiences

Art History

• The study of objects or works of art in their historical development and stylistic
contexts, i.e., genre, design, format and style.
• Art Appreciation is a humanities course whose main goal is to spread the
interrelationships of the fields of knowledge. Due to humanities, appreciation of
arts is given more significance.
• The method of creativity is made by the artist (prime mover), thoughts
(communicated through the performer) and the audience (judge)
• Art Appreciation is about being able to look and analyze at an artwork and create
a wise opinion about the nature of the artwork.
• It deals with the learning or understanding and creating artworks and enjoying
them
Assumptions of Art

There are principles and bases of appreciating a work of art since it is in art that
man can communicate one’s individuality and way of life

• Art is Universal
o Art is everywhere. Art became a language charged with feelings and
significance. Art has no limit (rises above races, cultures, and civilization).
Art is timeless (goes beyond the time of our own experience)
• Art is not Nature
o It is man-made, the creation of man utilizing his thoughtful skill and artistry,
there’s process and planning. It is artificial, just an imitation or even an
appropriation of reality or nature.
• Art involves Experience
o Art is a depiction of our experiences. Each type of art uses something
physical, material, body or something outside the body.

Functions of Art

• Personal – used to provide comfort, happiness, and convenience to human

beings
• Social – used for public display and celebration; used to affect collective
behavior. Bridges connection among people. Conveys sense of family,
community, or civilization.
• Cultural Function – helps preserve, share, and transmit culture of people from
one generation to another.
• Aesthetic Function – becomes influential for man to be aware of the beauty of
nature. Aesthetic is when there is the real feelings of appreciation to nature’s
beauty and are manifested through appreciation and enjoyment when in contact
with the artwork.
• Spiritual Function – to reinforce religious or spiritual support of a culture
Basic Philosophical Perspectives of Art

1. Art as Mimesis (Plato) – art is an imitation of the real that was an imitation of
the ideal. Art is an imitation of an imitation
2. Art as Representation (Aristotle) – For Aristotle, the aim of art is to show the
its’ inward significance
3. Art for Art’s Sake (Kant) – art has its own reason for being
4. Art as an escape - in making art, we dig into the deepest part of our feelings and
thoughts as well as the so-called sacred dimension of the artistic creative
process
5. Art as Functional – serves a function; meant to be used – to enrich lives, to
educate, or support or protest existing power structures, to entertain, etc.

Categories/Classifications of Art

1. Visual Arts (2D, 3D)

a. Painting – application of pigment on any flat two-dimensional surface
b. Sculpture – carving, modelling, casting, constructing, and assembling of
materials and objects into primarily three-dimensional works of art
c. Architecture – the art and science of planning, designing, and
constructing buildings and nonbuilding structures for human shelter or use
(3D)
2. Performing/Combined Arts
a. Music – art form and cultural activity which uses sound organized in time
b. Dance – movement of the body in a rhythmic way for the purpose of
expressing an idea or emotion
c. Film- AKA movie or motion picture; a series of still images that when
shown on screen creates an illusion of moving images
d. Theater – a collaborative form of art that uses live performers to present
the experience of a real or imagined event in front of a live audience, on a
stage.
e. Literary – concentrating the writing, study or content of literature,
especially of the kind valued for quality of form.
 f. Performance poetry – poetry specifically composed for or during a
performance before an audience rather than on print, mostly open to
improvisation
3. Digital Art – made with assistance of electronic devices or intended to be
displayed on a computer – the most important element in digital art
4. Applied Arts – the application of design and decoration to everyday objects to
make them aesthetically pleasing
a. Fashion design – art of applying design, aesthetics, and natural beauty to
clothing and its accessories
b. Furniture design – a specialized field where fashion and function collide
c. Interior design – enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a
healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using
the space.
d. Graphic design – an artistic process of effective communication.
Designers combine words, images, and symbols to create a visual
representation of ideas.

Chapter 2: Subject and Content of Art

• Subject of Art - The matter to be described or portrayed by the artist.

o It can be anything, ranging from the make-believe, imaginary, and
invented, to real-life events such as natural calamities.

Two Kinds of Art as to Subject

1. Representational or Objective Art

• Depicts objects easily recognizable by people
• attempts to portray art as it is.
Examples:
a. Still Life - Art depicting mostly inanimate objects, typically commonplace,
whether natural or man-made.
b. Portrait - Art forms where the face and its expression are predominant,
aiming to show resemblance, personality, or disposition of a person.
 c. Landscapes, Seascapes, Moonscapes, Cityscapes
d. Mythology and Religion, Dreams and Fantasy
2. Nonrepresentational or Nonobjective Art
• Art without any reference to external objects; there are no recognizable
objects in this art.
• Concerned with how the artwork is depicted rather than representing
anything specific.
• Some contemporary painters use this style, emphasizing the combination
of shapes and colors for aesthetic fulfillment, without representing an
image or telling a story.

Sources of the Subject of Art

• Nature - A common inspiration and subject of art.

• History - Art reflects the historical period in which it is created.
• Greek and Roman Mythology - A significant source of inspiration, especially
during the Renaissance.
• Religion - Plays a major role in inspiring visual arts, music, architecture, and
literature.
• Sacred Oriental Texts - Includes texts from Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism,
Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Islam.

The Content of Art

• meaning, message, and/or feelings imparted by a work of art

• Linked with form, referring to the pictorial aspects of art.
• A mass of ideas associated with each artwork and communicated through the
following:
1. The art’s imagery
2. The symbolic meaning
3. Its surroundings where it is used or displayed
4. The customs, beliefs, and values of the culture that uses it
5. Writings that help explain the work
Levels of Meaning

• Factual Meaning – the literal statement or narrative content that can be directly
understood because the objects present are easily recognized.
• Conventional Meaning – special meaning that a certain object or color has for a
particular culture when it is shown in an artwork.
• Subjective Meaning – individual meaning expressed by the artist using personal
symbolism.

Keeping Art

• National Pride and Glory

o Nations keep art for the economy and for business.
• Museums and Private Collections
o Museums are repositories of art and make them available for public
viewing through permanent or temporary exhibitions.
o Private collections are older than museums, with rulers, nobles, and
priests historically collecting art for aesthetic pleasure, personal or ritual
use, or display of power.
• Preservation and Restoration
o Enormous effort and financial resources are devoted to preserving art from
time, environmental damage, industrial by-products, and human
interference.
CHAPTER 3: Artists and Artisans

Artist

• An artist is generally defined as an art practitioner—such as a painter, sculptor,

choreographer, dancer, writer, poet, or musician—who produces or creates art
with aesthetic value using imagination.
• Artists are creative individuals who use their imagination and skills to
communicate through art.

Artisan

• An artisan is a craftsman such as a carpenter, carver, plumber, blacksmith,

weaver, or embroiderer.
• Artisans produce directly functional and/or decorative arts.

Key Components of The Art Market

• The art market depends on supply and demand as well as the anticipated future
value of art.

The following are the important players in the art market

• Curator – Manages and oversees cultural heritage institutions.

• Art Buyer – Knowledgeable professional who scouts and acquires art.
• Art Dealer – Buys and sells artworks.
• Private Collection – Personally owned collection of artworks.

The Creative Process

• According to Robert Fritz, creating is a skill that can be learned through practice
and hands-on experience.
o Conceive the result you want to create.
o Know what currently exists.
o Take actions.
o Develop your creativity.
o Learn the rhythms of the creative process.
Three Stages in the Creative Process

• Germination (Idea) - Initial conception of a new project.

• Assimilation - Internalize and incorporate the idea
• Completion - Finalize and celebrate your project.

Three Stages in Art Making

• Pre-production or Subject Development – Planning phase ends, content

production begins.
• Production or Medium Manipulation – Combining materials and know-how to
create the artwork.
• Post-production (Completion) or Exhibition – Displaying, circulating, and
performing the finished artwork for the public.

Medium and Technique

• Medium – The materials used by an artist to create a work of art. Plural is media.
• Technique – The artist’s skill and knowledge in manipulating the medium;
distinguishes different artists.

Graphic Organizer (Story Map)

• A visual tool that shows relationships among facts, terms, or ideas within a
learning task.

• Also known as a knowledge map, concept map, story map, cognitive organizer,
advance organizer, or concept diagram.

Recognition and Award for Artist and Artisan

1. Gawad sa Manlilikhang Bayan (GAMABA) National Living Treasures Award

o Established in 1992 by RA No. 7335.

o Implemented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts

(NCCA), the highest body for culture and the arts in the Philippines.
o Duties and Responsibilities of Awardees

▪ Transfer traditional folk-art skills to the younger generation through

apprenticeship and training.

▪ Cooperate with the implementing agency to promote and propagate

traditional folk arts.

▪ Donate a sample or copy of their work to the National Museum.

o RECIPIENTS of the GAMABA Award

▪ Ginaw Bilog (d. 2003), artist and poet, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro
– Poetry (Ambahan), December 17, 1993

▪ Masino Intaray (d. 2013), musician and epic chanter, Brooke’s

Point, Palawan – Poetry (Kulilal and Bagit) and Music
(Basal/Gong), 1993

▪ Samaon Sulaiman (d. 2011), musician, Mamasapano,

Maguindanao – Music (Kutyapi), 1993

▪ Lang Dulay (d. 2015), textile weaver, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato –
Weaving (T’nalak), 1998

▪ Salinta Monon (d. 2009), weaver, Bansalan, Davao del Sur –

Weaving (Abaca – ikat/Inabal), 1998

▪ Alonzo Saclag, musician and dancer, Lubuagan, Kalinga – Music

and Dance (Kalinga), 2000

▪ Federico Caballero, epic chanter, Sulod-Bukidnon, Iloilo – Poetry

and Epic Chant (Sugidanon), 2000

▪ Uwang Ahadas, musician, Lamitan, Basilan – Music (Yakan,

specifically Kulintang, kwitangan kayu, gabbang, agung, and
tuntungan), 2000
 ▪ Darhata Sawabi (d. 2005), weaver, Parang, Sulu – Weaving (Pis
Syabit), 2004

▪ Eduardo Mutuc, metalsmith/metal sculptor, Apalit, Pampanga –

Metalwork (Bronze and Silver), 2004

▪ Haja Amina Appi (d. 2013), weaver, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi –

Weaving (Mat), 2004

▪ Teofilo Garcia, casque maker, San Quintin, Abra – Casque Making

(Tabungaw), 2012

▪ Magdalena Gamayo, master weaver, Pinili, Ilocos Norte – Weaving

(Inabel), 2012

▪ Ambalang Ausalin (d. 2022), master weaver, Lamitan, Basilan –

Weaving (Yakan tennun), 2016

▪ Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, master weaver, Malapatan, Sarangani

– Weaving (B’laan igem), 2016

▪ Yabing Masalon Dulo (d. 2021), master weaver, Polomolok, South

Cotabato – Weaving (Ikat), 2016

2. National Artists

o National Artists of the Philippines

▪ The Order of the National Artists is the highest recognition for

contributions to Philippine arts.

▪ Administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts

& Cultural Center of the Philippines.

▪ Awarded by the President of the Philippines, based on institutional

recommendations.

▪ Established in 1972 through Presidential Proclamation No. 1001.

▪ Fernando Amorsolo was the first recipient.

Art Exhibits

1. An exhibition is a planned display of items, typically held in museums, galleries,

and exhibition halls.
2. Includes various types, such as art displays, interpretative exhibits, natural
history, and history museums.
3. "Exhibition" refers to a collection of items, while "exhibit" refers to a single item
within an exhibition.
4. Exhibits are usually temporary, with specific opening and closing dates; some are
traveling or online.
5. Range from large events like World’s Fairs to small solo shows or single-item
displays.