Hum-110-Unit-1 Lecture Notes PDF

West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Unit 1: Introduction to the Study of Art Learning Outcomes At the end of the...

West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Unit 1: Introduction to the Study of Art Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: 1. criticize the position of art and its study in the Humanities (discipline); 2. discuss and assess the assumptions about art and clarify the common misconception of art; 3. articulate personal experiences or engagements with different samples of art; and 4. enumerate the different art forms and examine various examples. - Welcome to our course on Art Appreciation. - We'll be diving into the fascinating world of art, a subject that has shaped cultures, influenced societies, and expressed the innermost thoughts and feelings of humanity for thousands of years. - Art is everywhere—it's in the architecture of the buildings we pass, the music we listen to, the films we watch, and even in the way we communicate. - But what exactly is art? What makes something 'art,' and why does it matter? Let's explore these in our Humanities 110 class. Art Appreciation, as a course attempts to: - Develop in students the ability to appreciate, scrutinize, and appraise works of art. - Contribute to the holistic development of each Filipino learner in the hopes that every college student does not just become a skilled professional, an expert in his field, but one who is:  Truly human  A kind that does not just think (man as rational) and socialize (man as homo socius)  One who appreciates the work of the hands and the beauty that he can produce and behold. Humanities defined - An academic discipline that explores the human condition through the study of culture, history, philosophy, literature, and the arts. - It encompasses a broad range of topics and approaches that aim to understand human experiences, values, and the ways in which people make sense of the world around them.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Key Areas of Study in Humanities 1. Philosophy: Examines fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and ethics. 2. Literature: Focuses on the analysis and interpretation of written works, exploring themes, narratives, and the use of language. 3. History: Studies past events and their impact on present and future societies, often with a focus on understanding social, political, and cultural changes. 4. Art and Art History: Investigates visual art forms and their historical development, including the study of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other visual media. 5. Religious Studies: Explores various religious beliefs, practices, and institutions, and their influence on cultures and societies. 6. Cultural Studies: Analyzes cultural practices and their role in shaping identities, beliefs, and power dynamics within societies. 7. Languages and Linguistics: Involves the study of languages, their structure, history, and the role they play in human communication and culture. HUMANITIES: - The humanities constitute one of the oldest and most important means of expression developed by man. - Human history has witnessed how man evolved not just physically but also culturally, from cave painters to men of exquisite paintbrush users of the present. - Even if one goes back to the time before written records of man’s civilization has appeared, one can find cases of man’s attempts of not just crafting tools to live and survive but also expressing his feelings and thoughts. - Pre-historic men, with their crude instruments, already showcase and manifested earliest attempts at recording man’s innermost interests, preoccupations, and thoughts. - Humans have long been exercising what it means to be a human long before he was even aware of his being one.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION - For as long as man existed in this planet, he has cultivated the land, altered the conditions of the fauna and the flora, all to survive. - Alongside these necessities, man also marked his place in the world through his works. - Through his bare hands, man constructed infrastructures that will tend to his needs, like his house. He sharpened swords and spears. He employed fire to melt gold. ANCIENT LATIN - The word “art” comes from the ancient Latin ars which means “craft” or specialized form of skill, like carpentry or smithing or surgery” - Art suggested the capacity to produce an intended result based on plans step or method. - EXAMPLE: When a man wants to build a house, he plans meticulously to get to what the prototype promises, executes the steps to produce the said structure, he is engaged in art. - The Ancient World did not have any conceived notion of art in the same way that we do now. - To them, art only meant using bare hands to produce something that will be useful to one’s day-to-day life. MEDIEVAL LATIN - It meant “any special form of book-learning, such as grammar or logic, magic or astrology” - Imaginative, Creative, Conservative EARLY RENAISSANCE - It was only during renaissance that the word reacquired a meaning that was inherent in its ancient form-craft. - Artists saw their activities merely as craftsmanship, devoid of a whole lot of intonations that are attached to the word now. SEVENTEENTH CENTURY - The problem and idea of aesthetics, the study of beauty, began to unfold distinctly from the notion of technical workmanship that is the original conception of the word “art”.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION EIGHTEENTH CENTURY - The word has evolved to distinguish between the fine arts and useful arts. - The fine arts would come to mean “not delicate or highly skilled arts, but ‘beautiful’ arts”. - This is something that is more like what is now considered art. The Beginnings of Art - We will explore the history of art, a journey that will take us through thousands of years and across diverse cultures. - Art history is not just a record of objects or images—it's a chronicle of human experience, reflecting our evolving ideas, beliefs, and ways of seeing the world. - In this unit, we'll delve into the origins of art, examine how it has developed over time, and discuss the significance of various art movements that have shaped the world as we know it. THE VERY BEGINNING—THE PREHISTORIC ERA - The earliest known artworks, like the cave paintings in Lascaux, France, date back over 40,000 years. - These images, often depicting animals and hunting scenes, were not just decorative; they were a means of communication, possibly even spiritual or ritualistic. - These early artists used natural pigments and simple tools, laying the foundation for the development of art throughout history. CIVILIZATIONS AND THEIR MASTERPIECES - As human societies developed, so did their art. - The art of ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, reveals much about their cultures, religions, and values. - For instance, Egyptian art is characterized by its formalism and focus on the afterlife, with iconic works like the pyramids and tomb paintings. - Greek art, on the other hand, celebrated the human form and the ideals of beauty, proportion, and harmony, seen in their sculptures like the 'Discobolus' and 'Venus de Milo.' - These ancient works continue to influence artists to this day.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION THE MIDDLE AGES - ART AND RELIGION - Moving into the Middle Ages, art was largely dominated by religious themes, especially in Europe. - This period, often referred to as the medieval era, saw the creation of grand cathedrals, illuminated manuscripts, and religious iconography. - Art was used to convey religious stories and doctrines to a largely illiterate population. - The Byzantine Empire, for example, produced stunning mosaics and icons that were central to Christian worship. - In contrast, Islamic art from the same period focused on intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, avoiding the depiction of human figures in religious contexts. THE RENAISSANCE - REBIRTH OF CLASSICAL IDEALS - The Renaissance, beginning in the 14th century, marked a significant turning point in art history. - This 'rebirth' of classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome brought about a renewed interest in humanism, science, and the natural world. - Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael pushed the boundaries of what was possible in art, experimenting with perspective, anatomy, and light. - The result was an explosion of creativity and innovation, leading to masterpieces like the 'Mona Lisa,' the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and 'The School of Athens.' - The Renaissance set the stage for the modern era, emphasizing the importance of individual expression and the pursuit of knowledge. THE BAROQUE AND ROCOCO - DRAMA AND ELEGANCE - In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Baroque and Rococo styles emerged, reflecting the changing tastes and social dynamics of the time. - Baroque art, characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, intense emotion, and dynamic compositions, was often used by the Catholic Church as part of the Counter- Reformation. - Artists like Caravaggio and Bernini created works that were both powerful and theatrical. - In contrast, the Rococo style, which developed later, was lighter, more playful, and ornate, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the French aristocracy. - Artists like Fragonard and Watteau captured the carefree, often romanticized, lives of the elite.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION THE MODERN ERA - FROM IMPRESSIONISM TO CONTEMPORARY ART - The modern era of art, beginning in the late 19th century, saw a break from traditional techniques and subjects. - Movements like Impressionism, led by artists such as Claude Monet, challenged the established norms by focusing on light, color, and everyday scenes. - This was followed by a series of avant-garde movements, including Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism, each pushing the boundaries of what art could be. - Artists like Picasso, Dali, and Pollock explored new ways of seeing and representing the world. - Today, art continues to evolve, embracing new media, technologies, and global perspectives. In Conclusion - Art history is a vast and dynamic field, covering countless styles, periods, and cultures. - By studying the history of art, we gain insight not only into the artworks themselves but also into the societies that produced them. - Art reflects the human condition, capturing our triumphs, struggles, beliefs, and aspirations. - As we continue to explore the world of art, remember that each piece has its own story to tell—one that is deeply intertwined with the history of our shared humanity. ASSUMPTIONS OF ART - These assumptions aim to characterize the nature, temporal and spatial contexts, and motivations for the conduct, practice, and production of art (Caslib et al., 2018 pp. 28). Art is Universal: - One of the fundamental assumptions of art is that it is universal. - No matter where you go in the world, you'll find art in some form. - It might be a painting, a dance, a song, or even a beautifully crafted tool. - This universality shows us that art is a vital part of the human experience. - It transcends language barriers and cultural differences, allowing us to connect with others across time and space. Art is Not Nature: - Another key assumption is that art is not nature. - While nature can be beautiful and inspiring, art is something created by humans. - It involves a transformation of materials, ideas, and experiences into something new.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION - This distinction between nature and art is crucial because it highlights the creative process and the role of the artist as an interpreter and creator. Art Involves Experience: - Art is not just about creating something visually appealing; it involves experience. - Whether you're the artist or the viewer, art requires engagement. - It asks you to think, feel, and interpret. - This experience can be deeply personal, allowing art to resonate with individuals in unique ways. ART AS CREATIVITY, IMAGINATION, & EXPRESSION Art Appreciation as a Way of Life - Jean-Paul Sartre, a famous French philosopher of the 20th century, described the role of art as a creative work that depicts the world in a completely different light and perspective, and the source is due to human freedom (Greene, 1995 as cited in Caslib et al., 2018 p. 14). - Art is not the manner of solely depicting realities and what we find in nature. Rather it is the creation of new, unconventional, sometimes disturbing, and irrational perspectives of the world and human realities. - With human freedom, the practice of art is possible—the freedom of the mind to imagine, the freedom of the hands to create, the freedom of the individual to showcase their art, and the freedom of the peoples to marvel at a particular work of art. - Moreover, the freedom to think for ourselves, to create things, the freedom to live in beauty, that we are not convinced to live in uniformity, in black and white, that we are free to express, imagine and create which all point to the freedom to do arts; freedom that recognizes our humanity and our humanistic tendencies. - In a similar note, works of art are “part of man’s effort to lessen the drabness and tedium of everyday living and to transform his environment into a more interesting place to live in” (Ortiz et al., 1976). - One of the most obvious significance of art for man is its ability to make life and living seem more interesting and bearable. - Art, in its many forms, presents life in technicolor, adds a character of disruption to the repetitive everyday life, and transforms experiences and realities of peoples that make and interact with it.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION - In cultivating an appreciation of art, one should also exercise and develop his/her taste for things that are beautiful.  Visit museums  Art Galleries  Performing art theaters  Concert halls  Or even malls that display art exhibitions which are free in admission during leisure time - Learning to appreciate art, no matter what vocation or profession you have, will lead to a fuller and more meaningful life The Role of Creativity in Art Making - Creativity requires thinking outside the box. - In art, creativity is what sets apart one artwork from another. - What you thought was your own unique and creative idea may not what it seems to be after extensive research - Thus, creativity should be backed with careful research on related art to avoid such conflicts. Art as a Product of Imagination - It all begins with imagination. - Through imagination, one is able to craft something bold, something new, and something better allows endless possibilities. - In the same way that imagination produces art, art also inspires imagination. - “Imagination is more important than knowledge for knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” - Albert Einstein Art as Expression - Expression on the other hand, individualizes. - An artist has the freedom to express herself the way he/she wants to.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION - There is no specific technique in expression. - This makes people’s art not a reflection of what is outside or external to them, but a reflection of their inner selves. - Robin George Collingwood (An English philosopher) said that what an artist does to an emotion is not to influence them, but to help to express them. - Through expressions, he is able to explore his own emotions and at the same time, create something beautiful out of it. - Collingwood further illustrated that expressing emotions is something different from describing emotions. - Description actually destroys the idea of expression, as it classifies the emotion, making it ordinary and predictable. In Conclusion - Art is an act of creation. - It begins with imagination (the ability to envision something that doesn't yet exist) and - It culminates in expression, where that vision is brought to life through various mediums. - This creative process is central to all forms of art, from painting and sculpture to music and literature. - It's through this process that artists communicate their thoughts, emotions, and ideas to the world. Major Art Forms - Art comes in many forms, each with its unique characteristics and methods of expression. - Some of the most recognized forms include visual arts like painting, sculpture, and photography; performing arts such as dance, theater, and music; and literary arts like poetry and prose. - Each form allows artists to explore different aspects of human experience and express them in distinct ways.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Visual Arts - Creations that fall under this category are those that appeal to the sense of sight and are mainly visual in nature. - Artist produce visual arts driven by their desire to reproduce things that they have seen in the way that they perceived Film - Film refers to the art of putting together successions of still images to create an illusion of movement. - Filmmaking simulates experiences or creates one that is beyond the scope of our imagination as it aims to deliver ideas, feelings, or beauty to its viewers. Performance Art - Live art and the artist’s medium is mainly the human body which he or she uses to perform, but also employs other kinds of art such as visual art, props, or sound. - 4 elements:  Time  The place of the performance  Performer's body  Communication towards the audience Poetry Performance - Poetry is an art form where the artist expresses his emotions not by using paint, charcoal, or camera, but expresses them through words. - These words are carefully selected to exhibit clarity and beauty and to simulate strong emotions of joy, anger, love, sorrow, and the list goes on. - It uses a word’s emotional, musical, and spatial values that goes beyond its literal meaning to narrate, emphasize, argue, or convince.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Architecture - Art is the pursuit and creation of beautiful things whilst architecture is the making of beautiful buildings. - However, not all buildings are beautiful. - Buildings should embody these three important elements-plan, construction, and design- if they wish to merit the title architecture Dance - Dance is series of movements that follows the rhythm of the music accompaniment. - Dancing is a creative form which allows people to freely express themselves. It has no rules. - Dancers are not confined to set steps and rules but are free to create and invent their own movements as long as they deem it graceful and beautiful. Literary Art - Literary art goes beyond the usual professional, academic, journalistic and other technical forms of writing. - It focuses on writing using a unique style, not following a specific format or norm. - It may include both fiction and non-fiction such as novels, biographers, and poems Theater - It uses live performers to present accounts or imaginary events before a live audience. - Theater art performances usually follow a script. - Much like in filmmaking, theater also consider several elements such as acting, gesture, lighting, sound effects, musical score, scenery, and props. - Some genre of theater include drama, musical, tragedy, comedy, and improvisation.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Theater is performed but it follows a different aesthetic than “performance art.” - Theater is drama and drama is compelled to tell a story. - There must be a hero; the hero must have a goal, and there must be an obstacle for the hero to overcome to achieve that goal. - Without these ingredients there is no conflict and without conflict there is no drama. Performance art is less concerned with story and more concerned with making a statement with impact. - It is necessarily thematic, as is drama, but it need not have a plot. - Drama can happen in a space with no light and it can happen without the visual element, such as radio plays and plays in books. - Performance art is exhibitory, which is why it usually happens in museums. Applied Arts - It is incorporating elements of style and design to everyday items with the aim of increasing their aesthetically value. - Artists in this field bring beauty, charm, and comfort into many things that are useful in everyday life - Industrial design, interior design, fashion, and graphic design are considered applied arts. Music - The art concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or emotional expression, usually according to cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Photography - As a means of visual communication and expression, photography has distinct aesthetic capabilities. - The most important control is, of course, the creative photographer’s vision. - He or she chooses the vantage point and the exact moment of exposure.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION - The photographer perceives the essential qualities of the subject and interprets it according to his or her judgment, taste, and involvement. In Conclusion - Art is a complex and multifaceted subject, but at its core, it's about connection— connecting with the world, with others, and with ourselves. - Throughout this course, we'll continue to explore these themes, examining how art reflects and shapes our experiences, our histories, and our identities. - Remember, there's no single way to interpret art; it's a personal journey, and I encourage you all to engage with the material in a way that resonates with you. - As we move forward in this course, what are you most excited to learn about or explore in the world of art?  References: Arnason, H. H., & Mansfield, E. C. (2013). History of Modern Art (7th ed.). Pearson. Bascara, L. R., and Avillanoza, A. T. (2006). Humanities and the Digital Arts. First Edition. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc. ISBN 978-971-23-4628-6 Caslib, B. N. Jr., Garing, D. C., and Casaul, J. A. R. (2018). Art Appreciation. First Edition. Manila: Rex Book Store Guillermo, A. (2001). Images to Meaning: Essays on Philippine Art. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press. Kleiner, F. S. (2013). Gardner’s Art through the Ages: A Concise Global History. 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Mittler, G. A. (2006). Art in Focus. USA: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Ortiz, M. A., Erestain, T., Guillermo, A., Montano, M., and Pilar, S. A. (1976). Art: Perception and Appreciation. University of the East. ISBN 971-11-0933-6 Tan, A. (2009). Art of the Philippines. ArtBooks. Smith, R. (2014). Art as Experience. Penguin Classics.  West Visayas State University COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES La Paz, Iloilo City Humanities 110 – ART APPRECIATION Villanueva, R. (2017). Contemporary Art in the Philippines. National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Digital resources, online articles, and multimedia materials Prepared by: PEDRO P. GALENO, JR., M.Ed., M.A. Psych, RGC, RPm Faculty-In-Charge