Origin and Definition of Humanities & Art

Origin of Humanities

• The term "humanities" comes from the Renaissance Latin expression studia humanities, or the study of humanities
• Studia humanities means culture, refinement, and education
• During the Renaissance in the early 5th century, studia humanitatis became a secular study
• Grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy were the main subjects in the humanities course

Definition of Humanities

• Humanities are academic disciplines dealing with various aspects of society and the noble in man
• Humanities make people more humane, cultured, dignified, and refined
• Humanities brings out the best and worthiness in humans

Art as a Subject

• Art falls under the humanities
• There is no universal definition of art
• Art is subjective and people differ in their perception of an object or thing

Art Definitions

• Art is derived from the Latin word ars, meaning ability or skill, according to J.V. Estolas
• A. Tan defines art as coming from the Italian word artis, which means craftsmanship, skill, mastery of form, inventiveness, and the associations between form and ideas, material, and technique
• F. Zulueta says art is a product of man’s need to express himself
• Art is the communication of certain ideas and feelings by means of sensuous mediums like color, sound, bronze, marble, words, and film, according to C. Sanchez
• Plato said art brings life in harmony with the world
• John Dewey defines art as an attitude of spirit, a state of mind demanding satisfaction and fulfilling a shaping matter into new and more significant forms
• Panizo and Rustia define art as the skilled arrangement or composition of common yet significant qualities of nature, such as colors, sounds, lines, movements, words, stones, and wood, to express human feelings, emotions, or thoughts in a perfect, meaningful, and enjoyable way
• Georgia O’Keeffe observes art is not what you see but what you make others see
• Pablo Picasso notes art is a life that helps us realize the truth
• Amy Lowell describes art as the desire to express oneself, and to record their personality's actions in the world
• Leonardo da Vinci said art is never finished, only abandoned
• Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy considers art not a handicraft but a transmission of feeling the artist experienced
• Aristotle defines art as the realization in external form of a true idea that is traced back to the natural love of imitation which characterizes humans
• Lisa Morder defines art as the conscious creation of something beautiful or meaningful, using skill and imagination
• Frank Lloyd Wright said art is the discovery and development of elementary principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for human use
• Edgar Degas believes art is not what you see, but what you make others see

Essentials of Art

• Art is man-made, not God-made
• Art is creative, not imitative
• Art benefits and satisfies man when artistic principles, taste, and skill are applied in practical life
• Art is expressed through a certain medium or material through which the artist communicates themselves

Importance of Art

• Art carries particular importance in our lives
• All the arts have purpose and are expressions that occupy some place in judgment
• Art makes a big impact in lives

Reasons Art Is Significant

• Art highlights and heightens the importance of certain events to keep them memorable and pleasurable
• Art enables one to glimpse the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs of people in their time, including the faces and environments
• Encounters with art enable one to value and appreciate beautiful things

Additional Significances of Art

• Art influences behavioral changes as a result of aesthetic experiences
• Arts offer valuable sources of inspiration and delightful aesthetic experiences through the artists' works

Swara Swami’s Reasons Why Art Is Important:

• Art can improve creativity skills
• Art provides joy and satisfaction
• Art relieves stress
• Art provides a chance to showcase talent
• Art can give a person confidence in performance
• Art can help you do well academically
• Art can help you learn visually
• Art allows one to express their emotions
• Art is a different language that expresses things without words

Art and Students

• By participating in arts (music, dance, drama, media, and visual arts), students can develop:
  • Creativity
  • Sense of Identity
  • Self-awareness
  • Self-confidence
  • Sense of well-being
• Intense involvement in artistic activities means:
  • Students experience wonder and joy
  • Students are more motivated to participate in cultural life
  • Students are able to gain educational opportunities for their careers

Meaning of Art Appreciation

• The ability to interpret and understand man-made arts, and to enjoy them with actual art experience, tools, and materials
• Possession of the works of art for admiration
• Knowledge and understanding of the qualities that classify all great arts
• Exploration of visual and performing art forms
• Analysis of the form of art for general audience enhancement

Art Appreciation Subjectivity

• Art appreciation can be subjective, based on preferences, such as:
  • The aesthetic and form of art
  • Elements and principles of design
  • Social and cultural acceptance

Art History

• The historical development and stylistic context of the objects of art, including major and minor arts
• Major arts include painting, sculpture, and architecture
• Minor arts include ceramics, furniture, and other decorative arts

Seven Branches of Art

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Literature
• Architecture
• Theater
• Film
• Music