Art History vs Art Appreciation

Understanding Art: Assumptions and Nature

• Art History vs. Art Appreciation: Art history examines the chronological development of art, analyzing its significance; art appreciation focuses on subjective experiences and personal interpretations of artworks.
• Basic Assumptions of Art:
  • Art is universal, expressing emotions and ideas that connect across cultures, reflecting shared human experiences.
  • Art is cultural, influenced by societal beliefs and historical events, resulting in unique art forms and styles.
  • Art involves experience, engaging both artists and viewers emotionally and stimulating sensory perceptions.

Visual Art Forms

• Visual Art: Utilizes colors, shapes, lines, and textures to evoke emotions and reshape world perception through creativity.
• 2D Visual Arts:
  • Painting: Uses pigments on surfaces like canvas to depict scenes and emotions.
  • Drawing: Involves creating images on surfaces using tools like pencils and pens.
  • Printmaking: Employs techniques like etching and screen printing to reproduce artwork.
• 3D Visual Arts:
  • Sculpture: Crafting tangible figures from materials such as stone or metal.
  • Architecture: Designing and constructing buildings and structures.
  • Installation Art: Large-scale artworks created for specific spaces with varied materials.

Functions of Art

• Physical Function: Provides tangible value and aesthetic appeal (e.g., artist-designed chairs).
• Social Function: Addresses public concerns and fosters community dialogue (e.g., murals depicting historical events).
• Personal Function: Serves as self-expression and introspection (e.g., self-portraits).

Philosophical Perspectives on Art

• Art as Imitation: Plato claimed art is an imitation of ideal forms, distracting from true knowledge; he favored restricting art's influence.
• Art as Representation: Aristotle viewed it as a method for philosophy to reveal truths, providing pleasure and insights into life’s complexities.
• Art as Disinterested Judgment: Kant highlighted objective evaluation of beauty in art, emphasizing universal aesthetic qualities over personal tastes.
• Art as Communication of Emotion: Tolstoy believed art conveys emotions, uniting people through shared experiences and feelings.

Subject and Content in Art

• Subject Types:
  • Representational Art: Depicts recognizable objects and scenes (e.g., portraits, landscapes).
  • Non-representational Art: Uses colors and forms to express ideas without recognizable objects (e.g., abstract expressionism).
• Sources of Subject:
  • Personal Experiences: Reflects the artist’s emotions and memories (e.g., Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits).
  • Nature: Captures elements of the natural world (e.g., "Flowers Of the Field").
  • History: Represents significant events or periods, providing insight into past societies (e.g., "The Death of Marat").

Content in Art

• Content encompasses the ideas and emotions within artworks. Artists utilize various techniques to communicate themes and narratives.

Levels of Meaning

• Literal Meaning: Refers to the straightforward content depicted in artwork (e.g., still life of fruit).
• Symbolic Meaning: Employs symbols to convey deeper concepts (e.g., a red rose as a symbol of love).
• Personal Meaning: Viewer’s personal experiences influence their interpretation of the artwork, allowing for unique connections based on individual perspectives.