Week 1-3 Art Notes

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Questions and Answers

What is described as the type of art primarily understood and engaged with by the upper class?

Social art

Low art

High art (correct)

Cultural expression

How many images do Torontonians see on average per day?

15,000

5,000

20,000

10,000 (correct)

Which concept reflects the idea that art can influence social issues and injustices?

Social function of art (correct)

Cultural elitism

Marxist critique

Aesthetic enjoyment

What is a key characteristic of low art?

It is easily understood and consumed by the everyday person. Signup and view all the answers

What change in perspective are social art critics and historians advocating?

Art reflects a variety of social issues beyond economics. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of art theory, what is often considered a limitation of high art?

It requires a specific type of knowledge to comprehend fully. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between art and class as discussed in the course notes?

Art mirrors both social and economic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What element is NOT typically associated with high art as per the course content?

Widespread accessibility Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of activist art?

To inspire social action and create change Signup and view all the answers

How do personal backgrounds influence art consumption?

They can significantly affect how art is judged and understood Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist critics, how should we approach the interpretation of art?

By positioning ourselves based on social identity and background Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes one of the favorite definitions of art mentioned?

Art is a means of exchange Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato believe about the value of art?

Art is too far removed from reality to be valued Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a vital aspect of community involvement in art?

Volunteering, caring, and kindness Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why many definitions of art are considered lacking?

They confine art into inaccurate classifications Signup and view all the answers

What role does art play in society's belief systems, according to the content provided?

It helps to establish and normalize belief systems Signup and view all the answers

Which artist is noted for creating politically charged artworks in a minimalist style?

Edel Rodriguez Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the criticisms of art from social critics?

It often celebrates wealth without analysis Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of art reflects an artist's perspective of the world?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about art is generally accepted in the content provided?

Art encompasses a wide range of definitions and interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What do Aristotle’s views on art reflect?

Art should mimic nature to convey reality Signup and view all the answers

Why is community art considered significant for social responsibility?

It promotes collective action towards social issues Signup and view all the answers

What does Timothy James Clark suggest about great modern art?

It is critical of existing conventions and conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the concept of mimesis in art?

Imitating what is meant to be depicted. Signup and view all the answers

What does Plato believe about art and knowledge?

Art is an imitation, lacking true knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

How does expressionism differ from realism and representation?

It is driven by emotional experiences of the artist. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction to Gustav Courbet's painting of a woman's genitalia?

It triggered debates about decency and censorship. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Allegory of the Cave encourage individuals to do?

Question everything and seek deeper truths. Signup and view all the answers

What does Leo Tolstoy state is essential for art to be impactful?

It must come from genuine emotion. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the central claims of cognitive expressivism?

Art allows the transmission of feelings. Signup and view all the answers

How does art serve society according to the provided content?

By promoting shared human experiences and emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about art does Plato express?

Art can accurately reflect reality. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of introducing photography on the art world?

It challenged the relevance of realism and representation. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is emphasized by the concept of ideologies in art?

They are constructs shaped by cultural contexts. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how does art contribute to moral understanding?

By challenging misconceptions about morality. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic typically defines expressionism over realism?

Conveys the artist's emotional state. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basics of Art

We live in an image-rich society, with Torontonians exposed to approximately 10,000 images daily.
High art and low art concepts are outdated and classist, with high art traditionally being aimed at the upper class.
Low art represents everyday experiences and is easily understood by the general public.
Art can challenge societal ideologies and stimulate political action.

Marxist Thinkers on Art

Art reflects social and economic realities, influenced by class and economic status.
Historically, the rich dictated art forms considered valuable, shaping the canon of art and artist recognition.
Art is a tool for expressing the interests of the powerful, with modern artists addressing social issues like religion, politics, and gender.

Definition of Art

Art lacks a unified definition; it is often restricted and misunderstood.
A favored definition presents art as a means of exchange, reflecting the artist’s perspective and prompting self-discovery.

Activist Art

Art projects focus on enhancing civic responsibility and social change, emphasizing the role of community engagement.
Museums should serve as safe spaces for marginalized groups; community involvement is as vital as financial contributions.

Art and Belief Systems

Art establishes and normalizes belief systems, often dictating societal views of the world.
Timothy James Clark suggests great modern art critiques societal conventions and provides insight into human nature.

Realism and Mimesis

Mimesis is the Greek term for "imitation," stipulating that visual art should authentically depict its subject.
Plato viewed art as a mirror, emphasizing its detachment from the ideal realm of truth, as it only reflects reality rather than revealing it.

Transition from Realism to Expressionism

The development of photography and realism gave rise to the expressionist movement, where emotional experiences became significant in art creation.
Gustav Courbet's 1866 painting challenged notions of decency, prompting discussions on censorship and the role of women in life and art.

Expression Theory and Cognitive Expressivism

Expressionism centers on artists sharing emotional truths through their work, aiming to evoke specific feelings in the audience.
Cognitive expressivism posits that art communicates emotions, with the intention of making both the viewer and artist feel more connected and "better" through the experience.

Important Philosophers

Plato criticized art as an imitation, asserting it detracts from true knowledge and ideal forms.
Leo Tolstoy argued that art should stem from genuine emotion, demanding a reciprocal emotional engagement between artist and audience.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of art in our image-rich society through the lens of historical perspectives. This quiz covers the concepts of high art and low art, emphasizing the classist and outdated notions associated with them. Understand how our daily exposure to images influences our perception of art.