Introduction to Art: Module 1 Notes

• Study notes for Module 1: Introduction to Art

Reflection Questions

• What are you willing to contribute to ensure a meaningful art class?
• What are your strengths and areas for improvement as an art student?
• How will you use what you learn in this art class in your life?

Module Objectives

• Define art, contemporary art, and aesthetics.
• Understand the art world framework.
• Classify the different kinds of visual arts
• Describe the medium in art

Defining Art

• What constitutes art?
• What are your experiences of art?
• How do your concepts compare to those in a given video?
• Do you agree/disagree with key points in the video?

Etymology of "Art"

• The Latin word "ARTEM" (nominative "ARS") translates to skill/craft that requires training.
• The word is also related to the Greek word "TECHNE," which means technique, deliberate, conscious, intended action.

Working Definitions of Art

• Art refers to physical objects or things intentionally made to be experienced visually and spatially.
• Every human work, in any language, with the purpose of expressing or stirring human emotions is a work of art.
• A work of art's greatness correlates to its power stirring highest emotions in the largest number of cultured people for the longest time.
• Art varies from person to person based on factors such as values, story, and history, making it tough to single out one definition.

Contemporary Art

• What makes something innovative?
• What innovations have been seen in art across history?

Aesthetics

• What is Aesthetics
• What constitutes "good art"?
• Who determines what "good art" is?

Art Activity: Paper-Only Creation

• The goal is to create an art piece using only paper.
• Think of an idea that you can translate into paper.
• Prepare paper material; note that you are not allowed to incorporate other mediums i.e. paint, pencil and crayons
• Manipulate the paper to represent the idea/concept.
• Take a photo of the art piece
• On Google Slides, attach the photo of the art piece and explain the idea/concept behind the work; include the title.
• Conceptual art is a historical movement from the 1960s and 1970s where the idea functions as the work itself.
• It shifts art's value and quality from physical objects to the immaterial concept.
• Consider how paying attention to details in your work can be either advantageous or detrimental.

Understanding the Art World

• The art world is an umbrella term for professional actors and entities in the field of art focused on modern and contemporary art.
• Different spheres exist commercially and critically, forming a complex web of interactions, transactions, and collaborations.
• The art world refers to visual artists, dealers, critics, collectors, and institutions like galleries, museums, auction houses, and art fairs.

Classifying Art: Dimensionality

• 3D (Three-Dimensional): Sculptures (freestanding, relief) and architecture.
• 2D (Two-Dimensional): Art on a flat surface, e.g., painting, drawing, illustrations, or photographs.

Elements Needed to Create Art

• Medium: the particular material, along with its accompanying technique.
  • 3D Media for Sculpture/Architecture: stone, wood, clay, metal, glass, fiber, plastic, etc.
  • 2D Media
    • Dry Media: pencil, charcoal, colored pencils.
    • Wet Media (Paint): water-based (dries by evaporation), oil-based (dries by polymerization).
    • Others: photography, mosaic, print-making.

Elements of art

• Dot, Point, Line, Shape, Texture, Color, Space, Volume, Light/Value.
• These are the basic components used by artists when producing works of art.

Principles of Design

• Balance, Rhythm, Scale and Proportion, Contrast, Emphasis, Variety, Unity, Repetition.
• Reflect how elements of art are used.

Study notes covering the definition, etymology, and classification of art. Includes module objectives and reflection questions. Covers art's relation to skill and technique.