Chapter 1: The Humanities and the Arts PDF

CHAPTER 1 THE HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS In this chapter, you will learn about the meaning of the humanities and the arts as well as the differences of humanities and sciences. Also, you will appreciate the art works of reno...

CHAPTER 1 THE HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS In this chapter, you will learn about the meaning of the humanities and the arts as well as the differences of humanities and sciences. Also, you will appreciate the art works of renowned local and international artists of the past and of the present by valuing the importance of studying humanities. In addition, you will be enlightened with the discussion about the nature of art, the subject of art, and the functions of art for you to develop understanding, love and delight of the arts and humanities. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 1. explain the concepts of arts and humanities; 2. illustrate interrelationships of humanities versus sciences; 3. interpret the message of the song “Tuldok” by Mike Pillora of Asin; 4. give your own definition of art; 5. demonstrate understanding and appreciation of studying humanities; 6. discuss the nature of arts, the subject of arts, and the functions of arts; and 7. understand and value oneself. INTRODUCTION The Meaning of the Humanities The word HUMANITIES comes from the Latin humanus which means human, cultured, and refined (Aquino and Santillana, 2015). This idea signifies the qualities, feelings, and inclinations appropriate to humans or mankind. It pertains to humane feelings and the conduct towards others depicting gentleness, consideration, and manner (Aller and Autida, 2018). According to Ortiz (1976), Humanities are records of man’s quest for answers to the fundamental questions he asks about himself and about life. Hence, the essence of man’s existence is revealed through these questions – What am I? (man, rational) Who am I? Why am I existing? Where will I be from here? Activity 1: Listen to the song “TULDOK” by Mike Pillora of Asin. Please refer to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HDXhlyG4Ko Analyze its lyrics, and reflect on the message of the song. What does it tell about your existence and role here on earth? Post your two or three sentences reflection. Activity 2: Answer the question: “Who am I?” in one paragraph of ten sentences only. Activity 3: Read Matthew 25:31-46, and reflect on the significance of gaining everlasting life. Post your two to three sentences reflection. The Content of Humanities Humanities include anything that is inherently human – man’s experiences, his values, his sentiments, his ideals, his goals. The humanities are thus expressions of man’s feelings and thoughts (Ortiz, 1976). The Background of Humanities The term “humanities” was first applied to the writings of ancient Latin authors for their moral teachings. Throughout the Medieval Age, the humanities dealt with the metaphysics of the religious philosophers in preparation for the cultivation of spirituality and life after death. During the Renaissance, the word humanities refers to the set of disciplines taught in the universities such as grammar, rhetoric, history, literature, music, philosophy, and theology – a body of knowledge aimed to make man “human, cultured, and refined.” As civilization progresses in the modern times, the humanities serve to provide the students with certain skills and values through the arts (Ortiz, 1976). The Humanities and the Sciences The humanities and the sciences are two different disciplines. Below are their distinctions. Humanities Sciences deal with the internal world of man – his deal with the external world of man personality and experiences that cannot be including the aspects of man that can be measured, classified or controlled measured, 0bserved, and experimented exactly deal with human activities and values that are concerned with and expressed through can be perceived by the senses, felt by the numbers and symbols heart, and expressed through actions in a variety and subtle ways approach towards the subjective aspect approach towards the objective aspect because of the use of perception, intuition, and insight focus on man as an individual focus on the group of men, institutions, and society aim to make man more human aim to understand and control nature and to harness energy to make life for man comfortable Though the humanities and the sciences differ in terms of characteristics, emphasis, and goal, yet both are necessary for the development of the complete social man ready to take on his responsibilities in this rapidly changing world and to enjoy life as he lives it (Ortiz, 1976). Please watch this video: “Ma-arte Ako” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjuV7SA6fj4 Activity 4: What is art for you? Post your own definition of art. The Meaning of Art Art is the conscious creation of something beautiful or meaningful using skill and imagination. The term Art was derived from the Latin “Ars” meaning skill and “Arti/s” referring to craftsmanship, skill, mastery of form, and inventiveness. Hence, a person who creates art uses his special skill and imagination in his desire to express himself and to record the reactions of his personality to the society and the world where he lives in using different medium or types of art such as sculpting, painting, writing, dancing, singing, and other means. Art is limitless and has no boundary because everyone may have his own way of expressing things in different manners in accordance with his intellect, wisdom, and satisfaction. (Aller and Autida, 2018). According to Webster, art is “human ingenuity in adapting natural things to man’s use”. Therefore, an artist uses his genius in transforming God-made things into man-made things that satisfy his needs. For instance, he converts wood into a religious image, into a house, into a piece of furniture. He transforms plants into cloth which will later become his clothing, or he turns them into paper which will later become an item of painting or sculpture (Menoy, 2014). These concepts are supported by the remark of Michelle Obama which states that “The Arts and Humanities define who we are as a people. That is their power to remind us of what we have to offer, and what we all have in common - to help us understand our history and imagine our future, to give us hopes in the moments of struggle and to bring us together when nothing else will.” The Importance of Studying Humanities The study of humanities is very important for some reasons: 1. The fields of knowledge that fall under humanities will help discover and understand the nature of man. As human beings, we learn to appreciate the different fields of Humanities since it aims man in educating himself about the world which he is part of. 2. Humanities deal with man’s purpose here on earth which includes his values, characters, emotions, and sometimes as a forecaster with divine intervention. 3. Humanities will help us understand the culture, world views, language, and history of a particular country. 4. Humanities will encourage us to think creatively based on the works of art produced by  the artists around the globe. 5. Humanities teaches us to become human and to ask questions pertaining to the world which we live in. THE NATURE OF ART Art is Everywhere It is a universal experience because it is learned, practiced, and perpetuated by everybody throughout human history – practiced and experienced in all places, times, and in all ages. Examples: The construction of The Great Wall of China (Badaling, North Wall) for protection between the 5th cent. B.C. and 16th cent. The construction of The Great Pyramid of Egypt for the tomb of the Pharaoh during circa 2700 B.C. The construction of The Greek Parthenon Temple which purpose is for housing god deities and is the symbol of celebration of truth, goodness, and beauty in 447 – 432 B.C. The Ifugao (Banawe) Rice Terraces – source of life and art (farming) employs stonework, earthwork, irrigation construction for more than 2000 years The writing of “Aenid” by Virgil – an epic to preserve the traditions of the great Roman race during the 70 – 19 B. C. The Paintings of Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and Raphael in the 16th century Art is a Pragmatic Instrument It is practical and is anything manufactured. It is an instrument of education, religion such as songs, etc., moral indoctrination such as the images of saints, etc. Art is a Reflection of Nature Nature serves as model of art. Art is a Personal Experience There is no uniform interpretation of art because it depends on the individual. Everyone has his own interpretation of art. Art is an Expression and Vehicle of Communication It serves as means to express emotions or feelings of happiness, sadness, triumph, anger, frustration, etc. Examples: Songs: “Where is the Love” by Black Eyed Peas, “Bayan Ko” by Constancio de Guzman and Freddie Aguilar, “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John, “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga, etc. Poems: “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” by Jose Corazon de Jesus, “Mi Ultimo Adios” (My Last Farewell) by Dr. Jose Rizal, “Oh Captain, My Captain” by Walt Whitman, “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, etc. Sculpture: “Cry of Balintawak Monument”, “EDSA Revolution Monument”, “Rizal Park Monument”, etc. Dance: “Leron, Leron Sinta”, “Pandango sa Ilaw”, “Cariñosa”, “Urban”, “Hip-hop”, “Contemporary”, etc. Art is Creation As used in art, it refers to the act of combining or re-ordering already existing materials so that a new object is formed. It also refers to creation by imitation. It involves designing, selecting materials, and arranging according to one’s design. No artist is really original. He always refers to his previous knowledge, and experiences in executing his artwork. Art is not Nature Beautiful flowers, animals, rivers, mountains, sunset at Manila Bay are some of the beautiful natural things that cannot be considered art of man. They are considered perfect art of God. Art is man-made and cannot accurately duplicate or copy nature. It can just resemble it. Art is non-repeatable and unchanging. Nature always recreate itself and has ways to beautify itself. Nature serves as models for art. In many ways, we use art to improve, protect, and preserve nature e.g. landscaping, tree planting, etc. Art and Beauty One of the basic human needs of man is desire for beauty and order. They provide comfort, balance, and pleasure to our lives. Everyone wants order and consistency. Since loud sound is no longer music but noise, hence order and consistency are needed to appreciate music. But beauty is relative not absolute. The concept of beauty changes (non – permanent) as time passes e.g. clothing, haircut styles, etc. Concept of beauty varies between cultures e.g. black is beautiful for the whites. Many expect that arts must always be beautiful, but it is not always the case e.g. the many famous work of Nunelucio Alvarado (big and short bodied with wide-eyed sacadas of Negros), Manuel Baldemors dirty shanties of slum dwellers, Gary Granada’s award winning composition about Smokey Mountains’ Scavengers, “Bahay”. What is important in arts are the order and harmonious arrangement of the formal elements. THE SUBJECT OF ART Subject defined The subject of art refers to any person, refers to any person, object, scene, or event described or represented in a work of art. Some of the examples are the works of the following artists: the painter, Leonardo da Vinci, whose painting is “Mona Lisa” where the subject is a person; the composer, Freddie Aguilar, whose song “Anak” has the subject a person; and “Battle of Pinaglabanan” which subject is an event by Eduardo Castrillo, etc. Types of Arts Based on Subject 1. Representational Art or Objective Art is a type of art with concrete subject. Example of this is the painting of “Saint Ezekiel Moreno” and other artworks with identifiable subjects. 2. Non – representational Art or Non – objective Art is a type of art with no concrete subject. It does not represent description to identifiable object or symbol. The subject is represented by bright light, dark colors, or abstract things or objects. Manners of Representing Subjects 1. Realism is a way of depicting things, objects, or persons where they would normally appear in nature. No work of art is truly realistic; no art is accurate copy of reality. 2. Abstraction is the method of simplifying or organizing objects and elements according to the demands of artistic expression. Alterations of shapes, colors and positions are sometimes chosen by the artist to depict the objects. In some cases, enough likeness representing real things has been retained. In other instances, original objects are reduced to geometric shapes that are difficult to identify. 3. Distortion shows the arrangement of figures wherein the proportions differ noticeably from natural measurements. This could also mean twisting, stretching, or deforming of the natural shape of the objects. Also, distortion is used to dramatize the shape of a figure or to create emotional effect to viewers. Other purposes of distortion are to portray sadness or sufferings and to solicit reactions such as hatred, ridicule, sympathy. Artists employ distortion so that the target of ridicule would appear hateful like in the editorial cartoons or caricatures. The artist El Greco is noted for his paintings with elongated bodies of Christ and saints to enhance the illusion of spirituality. 4. Surrealism is a combination of realism and distortion. It expresses what is inside the subconscious of the artist. A dreamlike scene is manifested to show the irrational arrangement of objects. The images are recognizable from nature but is combined with unnatural relationship. Example of this is the “Ecco Homo” by Galo Ocampo where Christ  is shown with heart and blood vessels exposed and the background are bombings and dogfights depicting war. Kinds of Subject 1. Landscapes depict inland physical environments. e.g. mountains, rivers, lakes, farmlands, valleys, country sides, waterfalls, other inland body of water 2. Seascapes depict the seas and their surroundings including objects and sceneries found on them. e.g. sunset in Manila Bay, Boracay and other beaches, fishermen, empty boat, ship in open sea, naval battle 3. Cityscapes are urban sceneries. e.g. traffic jams, skyscrapers, slums, schools, churches, concerts, etc. 4. Still life are inanimate objects in an indoor setting. e.g. fruits in a basket, flowers in vase, foods on the table, furniture, appliances, etc. 5. Animals are the earliest and most popular subject of art. 6. Portraits depict realistic likeness of a person in painting, sculpture, drawing, or prints and always with clothes. It portrays human character which does not need to be beautiful but is truthful. The focus is the face, hands, fingers, foot, attire, or accessories. The subject is always a person. 7. Figures the focus is human body either clothed or nude. It represents human form. Sometimes only the body is emphasized with the absence of the face. e.g. “The Morning Dip” by Fernando Amorsolo, “Naked Maja” by Goya, “The Reclining Figure” by Henry Moore, “David” by Michaelangelo 8. Everyday Life represents man’s daily activities. e.g. “Planting Rice” and “Laundry Women” by Fernando Amorsolo, “Sacada of Negros” by Nunelucio Alvarado, “Fisherfolk” by Carlos Francisco, “Candle Vendors” by Vicente Manansala, “Women Farm Chores” by Anita Magsaysay – Ho 9. History portrays historical scenes or significant events in the past. e.g. “Spolarium” and “Blood Compact” by Juan Luna, “Assassination of Gov. Gen. Fernando Bustamante” by Felix Hidalgo 10. Legend depicts legendary stories. e.g. “Malakas at Maganda”, “Maria Makiling”, “Sarimanok”, “Alamat ng Pinya” 11. Religion pictures religious symbols and personalities which are used to aid worship and inspire or instruct feeling of devotion. e.g. “Cross or Crucifix”, “Black Nazarene”, paintings/pictures/images of Christ, Mary and saints, stained glass of the Station of the Cross, image of Buddha, Shiva, Michaelangelo’s fresco painting in the ceiling of the Sistine chapel 12. Myth represents mythological symbols, gods and goddesses. e.g. “Apollo”, “Zeus”, “Athena”, “Cupid”, “Venus”, “Tikbalang”, “Aswang”, “Tiyanak”, etc. 13. Dreams describe vague and illogical scenes and sometimes lifelike situation which seems to represent something real, unless the artist tells us that his work is only a dream. 14. Fantasy is a depiction of strange, irrational and absurd scene. There is a choice to change the scene anytime. Subject and Content Subject and content differ from each other. Subject is the object, scene or person depicted by the artist in his artwork. On the other hand, content is the meaning or message that the artist wants to express or communicate in his work. It is also the statement we understand or feeling we experienced with the work of art. In literature, it is the “theme”. THE FUNCTIONS OF ART General Functions 1. Satisfying individual needs for personal expression 2. Satisfying social needs for display, celebrations, and communications (advertisements, posters, billboards, jingles, ati – atihan, masskara, sinulog, pintaflores, pahiyas, moriones, santacruzan, etc.) 3. Satisfying physical needs for utilitarian objects and structures (capitol lagoon, San Sebastian Cathedral, malls, plazas, parks) Specific Functions 1. Personal Function Art serves the particular needs of individuals. For artists, art serves as vehicle of expression of their feelings and ideas for self – fulfillment – e.g. a painter paints the portrait of his sweetheart to express his longing for her, a song composer/writer composed or wrote a song to appease his feeling of loneliness or reaction to the situation. We sing, dance, paint, compose a poem or song to express our happiness, loneliness, or to do away our boredom. We listen to music to ease our tension. Art strengthens our awareness of the beautiful in life; hence, it can make our existence less boring. Art offers us fresh insights about human nature and by this we are given a better  understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Thus, it helps us improve our life. Movies, drama, theater, literature have important roles in reshaping our life. 2. Social Function Art takes social function when it is used in: a. influencing social behavior. Artworks take the role of moving people or society to react on certain concern or issues. They can bring about in us decisions to collectively change, correct or improve upon the human condition. Example: The use of materials to influence peoples’ beliefs, decisions, tastes, etc. such as: 1. advertisement posters/billboards (cigarettes, liquors, shampoos, milk, medicines, etc.) 2. political, religious, cultural murals, streamers, banners, flags, billboards, flyers, banderittas, effigies 3. social and political photographs depicting poverty, human rights violations and other social issues 4. political and social cartoons (Pol Medina’s “Pugad Baboy”) 5. songs of alternative artists such as: Asin’s “Pagbabalik”, Joey Ayala’s “Magkabilaan”, Pol Galang’s “Bigas hindi Bala”, Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak”, etc. 6. poems and literary pieces such as: Amado Hernandez’ “Lumuha ka Aking Bayan”, Dr. Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios”, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, Andres Bonifacio’s “Pag – ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” 7. movies such as: “Dekada ‘70”, “Eskapo”, “The Flor Contemplacion Story”, “Hotel Rwanda”, “Kinatay” 8. religious visual arts such as: sculptures of saints, religious paintings, and architectural structures as well as religious music and songs used to spread beliefs and sustain faith b. display and celebrations. Sculptures and paintings and other visual arts are used to commemorate important personages and events in society. Example: statues and monuments of heroes/leaders, images of saints and other religious symbols displayed in religious venues and events like Christmas lanterns, masks for Moriones and Masskara festivals 3. Physical Function It refers to the function of art wherein it is utilized for the physical, bodily and material needs of man to make him physically comfortable. Art takes physical function when it is used either as tools or containers. Example: tools – spoons, cars, ball pens, plates, knives, etc. containers – chairs, buildings, vases, communities/subdivisions, houses, schools, churches, markets, malls, hospitals, recreation centers, airports, ports, streets, roads, industrial buildings, parks, plazas, etc.