Summary

This document is an introduction to art; definitions, historical development and different types of art are included. It is likely to be a module of study for a beginner level understanding of art in an undergraduate course .

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Module 1: The Art Experience Definitions of Art 1. Art is an attempt to create pleasing forms. (Herbert Read) 2. Art is the enjoyment of forms. (Ernst Cassirer) 3. Art is a man-made object demanding to be experienced aesthetically. (Erwin Panofsky) 4. Art is expression; it is not in...

Module 1: The Art Experience Definitions of Art 1. Art is an attempt to create pleasing forms. (Herbert Read) 2. Art is the enjoyment of forms. (Ernst Cassirer) 3. Art is a man-made object demanding to be experienced aesthetically. (Erwin Panofsky) 4. Art is expression; it is not intention or talent. (Bernedetto Croce) 5. Art is the skilled performance or distinctive ability in any activity whatsoever. (James Jarrett) 6. Art is the power to produce a preconceived result by means of consciously controlled and directed action. (classic definition derived from ancient Roman and Greek concepts) 7. Art molds our actual life of feeling; by giving form to the world it articulates human nature, sensibility energy, passion and mortality. (Suzanne Langer) 8. Art is any embellishment of ordinary living that is achieved with competence and has describable form. (Melville Herskovits) 9. Art is the product of creative human activity in which materials are shaped or selected convey an idea, emotion or visually interesting form. Encarta Encyclopedia 10. Art… is the becoming and happening of truth. Heidegger (1960) Reading: Sachant, Pamela et al Introduction to Art_ Design, Context, and Meaning Authors: Jeffrey LeMieux and Pamela J. Sachant 1.2 Introduction The role of images in a rapidly changing world is significant. ○ Personal electronics allow instant sharing of sound, video, and text. ○ Art museums are digitizing collections. ○ The rise of inexpensive technology enables high-quality media production. Andy Warhol's prediction about fame reflects current trends in image saturation. Despite technological advancements, the fundamental dynamics of visual art remain unchanged. 1.3 What is Visual Art? Defining art is complex and often subjective. ○ The phrase "I know it when I see it" illustrates the difficulty in providing a clear definition. Some cultures do not differentiate between art and utilitarian objects, which may still have artistic functions. 1.3.1 Historic Development of the Idea of Art The definition of art has evolved from ancient times to the present. ○ Mimesis: Ancient Greeks viewed art as imitation of reality. ○ Communication: 19th-century theorists like Tolstoy defined art as the communication of feelings. ○ Significant Form: Clive Bell proposed that art is defined by its aesthetic pleasure. ○ Artworld Theory: George Dickie and Arthur Danto suggested that art is defined by the artworld's designation. 1.3.2 Definition of Art Art is perceived as a process of moving ideas from the mind into the world. The definition of what constitutes worthy art is subjective and personal. 1.3.3 The Distinction of Fine Art The distinction between craft and fine art is based on purpose and material. ○ Craft follows formulas and rules, while fine art allows for open-ended exploration. 1.3.4 Why Art Matters Art education is essential for understanding power dynamics and humanizing knowledge. The text aims to equip readers with tools to analyze and interpret art meaningfully. 1.4 Who is Considered an Artist? An artist is typically someone with the talent and skills to create original works. The distinction between artists and artisans is significant, with artisans often producing functional objects. Historical training methods for artists included apprenticeships, leading to mastery. 1.5 The Role of the Viewer The viewer's understanding of art can vary based on knowledge of the artist's intent. Art can evoke enjoyment without needing detailed knowledge of its background. 1.6 Why Do We Make Art? Art serves both personal and communal needs. ○ Personal expression can lead to catharsis and commentary on individual experiences. ○ Community art reflects shared values and experiences, often through architecture and monuments. 1.8 Before You Move On Key Concepts Art is defined as a process of expression that fulfills personal and communal needs. Historical definitions of art have limitations, emphasizing the subjective nature of art. Test Yourself 1. Describe the four historical definitions of art. 2. Restate the operating definition of art. 3. Discuss the significance of the myth of Zeuxis and Parhassios. 4. Analyze the implications of the four definitions on the perception of truth. 5. Compare ancient and modern practices of personal decoration. 6. Speculate on the importance of images in non-literate cultures. 7. Discuss architectural styles in early American federal buildings versus the 20th century. 8. Compare the presentation of monuments by Verrocchio and Rodin. 1.9 Key Terms Architecture: Design and construction of buildings. Artworld Theory: Definition of art as determined by the artworld. Catharsis: Emotional release through art. Icon: A representative image or figure. Mimesis: Art as imitation of reality. Monument: Structure commemorating a person or event. Mural: Artwork painted directly on a wall. Trompe l’oeil: Art that deceives the Module 2: Art as Construct Module 3: Reading the Image Reading the Image by Alice G. Guillermo Types of Images in Society Three kinds of images: 1. Traditional arts 2. Print and TV media 3. Contemporary visual arts (drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, cinema) Images in Traditional Arts Functionality and Symbolism: ○ Traditional arts often combine design and function. ○ Many traditional artworks, especially those linked to rituals, bear significant symbols and motifs. ○ These symbols convey narratives that preserve community values and beliefs. Cultural Significance: ○ Understanding these symbols requires studying the culture of the communities. ○ Examples include: T’boli t’nalak cloth with symbolic figures. Ifugao blankets with narrative motifs. Maranao and Taosug woodcarving and textiles rich in design. Color Symbolism: ○ Different communities have distinct chromatic codes and color symbolism. ○ Color usage reflects social class, age, and cultural identity. Economic and Social Conditions: ○ The production of traditional arts is influenced by the community's struggle to maintain identity. ○ Indigenous arts are often situated in oral traditions and passed down through generations. Images in Everyday Life Media Influence: ○ Print and TV media disseminate images that convey values and attitudes. ○ These images promote consumerism, sexism, and the dominance of capitalist ideologies. Visual Literacy: ○ Understanding visual communication involves decoding "hidden persuaders" in media. ○ Analyzing style, color, and composition is essential for visual literacy. Images in Contemporary Arts Diverse Media: ○ Contemporary art includes various forms such as painting, sculpture, and film. ○ These images can be representational, abstract, or a fusion of both. Artistic Evolution in the Philippines: ○ Philippine art has evolved through three stages: 1. Introduction of Western techniques. 2. Appropriation and originality in local contexts. 3. Integration of traditional aesthetics into contemporary works. Analyzing Art https://quizgecko.com/create?upload_id=538412&mode=questions&quiz_id=955730 Basic Documentation: ○ Key elements to analyze include: 1. Title of the work 2. Name of the artist 3. Medium and techniques 4. Dimensions 5. Date of work 6. Provenance Understanding Art: ○ Art should be read as a text conveying complex concepts and values. ○ Familiarity with different mediums and techniques is crucial for analysis. Aspects of Art Study Specificity of Art: ○ Art has its own language involving mediums, techniques, and visual elements. ○ Art is also shaped by historical, social, and political forces. Meaning in Art: ○ The meaning of a work is complex and involves intellectual, emotional, and sensory significations. ○ The viewer's cultural background and experiences influence their interpretation. Planes in Analyzing Art The Basic Semiotic Plane Semiotics in Art: ○ Art is a sign composed of signifiers (material aspects) and signifieds (concepts). ○ Analyzing visual elements (line, color, texture) reveals their meaning-potential. Human Experience and Cultural Context Psychophysical Experiences: ○ Human experiences shape the interpretation of visual elements. ○ Color and shape carry different meanings across cultures. Cultural Conventions: ○ Different societies have unique chromatic codes and symbolic systems. ○ Understanding these conventions is essential for interpreting art. The Iconic Plane Iconic Significance: ○ The image is an iconic sign with nuanced meanings beyond conventional signs. ○ The choice of subject matter can reflect socio-cultural values. Viewer Relationship: ○ The presentation of subjects affects the viewer's perception and emotional response. Style and Representation Figurative Styles: ○ Different styles (classical, realist, impressionist) convey distinct worldviews. ○ The style of figuration reflects the artist's interpretation of reality. Contextual Plane Social and Historical Context: ○ Art must be viewed in relation to its social and historical circumstances. ○ Understanding the context enhances the meaning of the work. Values in Art: ○ Art conveys values and ideologies, which can be progressive or conservative. Evaluative / Axiological Plane Axiological Plane: ○ Evaluation involves analyzing the values expressed in the work. ○ The relationship between form and content is crucial for understanding meaning. Critic's Role: ○ Critics must articulate their values and engage in a dialogue with the artwork. ○ The critic's perspective can differ based on personal and societal contexts. Democratization of Art: ○ Art should be accessible and reflect the interests of marginalized groups. ○ The critic's role includes promoting themes of liberation Art Styles and Aesthetics https://quizgecko.com/create?upload_id=538354&mode=questions&quiz_id=955668&input_opti on=file Classical Art Greek Statues Oblation ○ Guillermo Tolentino ○ 1935 Mona Lisa ○ Leonardo Da Vinci ○ 1500 Vitruvian Man ○ Leonardo Da Vinci ○ Canon of Proportion Portraits ○ Of prominent Filipino Families Shows formality and social hierarchy and wealth ○ Rembrandth’s self Portraits Nudity ○ “Nudity is a form of dress” ○ Often related to images of Goddesses ○ Ex: Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli Surrealism Focus: Dream and Subconscious - evoke dreamlike scenarios where the boundaries between reality and fiction are blurred. - unlimited freedom of imagination and subconscious desires The Persistence of Memory ○ Salvador Dali ○ 1931 The Human Condition ○ 1933 Sunflowers ○ Van Gogh ○ 1888 Mindanao Steel Life ○ Rameer Tawasil Landscape ○ Humans and the Environment ○ Ideals and Value ○ Eco-humanism holistic and aims towards healthy mind and body, healthy society and nature – health for people, community and Mother Earth. ○ Planting Rice Fabian de la Rosa 1921 Mimesis - “Art is a reflection or a mirror of society” - Imitation or reflection Social Constructionist Approach We construct the world and its meaning Two Levels of Meaning by Roland Barthes Denotative Apparent truths Documentary evidence Literal and descriptive meaning Connotative Culturally specific meanings Historical context Negotiated meaning of Images Meanings are derived both from the elements of art and the moment of looking Consumed / viewed / interpreted Meanings of each image are multiple -> they are created each time it is viewed Conventions / codes are given to be decoded Religious Images and symbols -> the Cross ○ Crucifixion (same talaga yung title) Perugino 1421 Carlo Crivelli 1487 El Greco 1570 Reubens 1618 ○ Christ Son of Saint John of the Cross Salvador Dali 1951 ○ Piss Christ Andres Serrano 1987 It is a photogram of plastic in urine Images and Ideology Meanings are produced within the dynamics of social power and ideology Practices of looking must examine our own ideological or cultural“lens” Image Icons An image that refers to something outside of its individual components, something (or someone) that has great symbolic meaning for many people Napalm Girl ○ Vietnam War ○ 1972 Tiananmen Square ○ June 4th Protest in China ○ 1989 Joel Abong - Negros Famine ○ 1985 Syrian Boy Alan Kurdi ○ Refugee Crisis ○ 2015 Mother and Child Madonna ○ Raphael ○ 1503 Sistine Madonna ○ Raphael ○ 1513 Modonna of the Slums ○ Vicente Manansala ○ 1950 Brown Madonna ○ Galo Ocampo ○ 1938 Our Lady of Edsa ○ Virginia Ty-Navarro ○ 1989 Holy Virgin Mary ○ Chris Ofili ○ 1996 Appropriation of Images - Borrowing its meaning re-used and updated for contemporary times - spoof and parody - satire Pieta ○ Michelangelo ○ 1498-1500 ○ made of marble Yo Mama's Pieta ○ Renee Cox ○ 1996 ○ a photograph girl with a Pearl Earing ○ Johannes Vermeer ○ 1665 Black Girl with a Pearl ○ Jenny Boot ○ 2018 ○ Photograph comics Memes Public art Perspectives in the Study of Philippine Art https://quizgecko.com/create?upload_id=538400&mode=questions&quiz_id=955695 Historical Perspective 1. Pre-Conquest / Austronesian Links Chinese Hindu Islamic 2. Hispanic Occupation and Resistance 1521-1898 3. American Occupation and Resistances 1899-1940 4. Japanese Occupation and Resistances 1941-1945 5. Republic I | Post-war 1946-1972 6. Republic II / Marital Law Period 1972-1986 7. Republic III | Globalization and Transformation 1986-Present Stylistic Perspective Thematic Perspective Cultural Perspective The Boxer Codex primary source of info during the Hispanic Society Late 1600s Discovered after WW2 describes the lands and inhabitants of the Philippines, Moluccas, Java, Siam, China, and Japan Includes 75 colored and richly illuminated illustrations of these regions depicts 15 Filipinoes Tipos del Paiis Portraits that show people, their characteristics, occupations, & social hierarchy through clothing Miniaturismo gives more attention to the embroidery and textures of the clothing or costumes Letras Y Figuras letters illustrated by human figures Protest Art against prevailing social political, and economic conditions Spolarium ○ Juan Luna ○ 1884 Krista (Female Christ) ○ Pablo Baens Santos ○ 1984 Disposable Dictator ○ Edgar Fernandez ○ 1987 Marcos' Busk Remains to be Seen ○ plant bodybags Content Creation Modern Memes AI Art Public Art the preservation of Art displayed in public disruption of public art ○ Statue of Jose Rizal and the Building reinterpretation ○ “The Vistor Statue” being seen in the background / above the slum areas

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