Unit II - Subject and Content PDF

Unit 2 Subject and Content Subject refers to the main idea that is represented in the artwork. basically the essence of the piece. How to determine subject matter in a particular piece of art? We can use the following guide questions: 1. What is actually depicted in this artw...

Unit 2 Subject and Content Subject refers to the main idea that is represented in the artwork. basically the essence of the piece. How to determine subject matter in a particular piece of art? We can use the following guide questions: 1. What is actually depicted in this artwork? 2. What is the artist trying to express to the world? 3. What is his or her message? 4. How are they conveying that message? Does all artworks contains subject?  The art pieces which use a specific subject is called representational art or objective art; while those that have no subjects are called non-representational or non-objective art.  Representational art refers to art which represents something. art which is clearly identifiable as something which already exists in life. term that generally refers to a painting or sculpture that is clearly recognizable for what it claims to be. also referred to as Figurative Art.  EXAMPLES: Planting Rice by Fernando Amorsolo Apple Blossoms by Kristina Joy  Non-representational or non-objective art refers to compositions which do not rely on representation or mimesis to any extent. Abstract art, non figurative art, nonobjective art, and nonrepresentational art are related terms that indicate a departure from reality in the depiction of imagery in art. highly subjective and can be difficult to define aim to evoke moods or emotions in the viewer  EXAMPLES: Composition VII by Wassily Kandinski  Lesson 2: The Sources of Subject  1. Nature Nature, in the broadest sense, is equivalent to the natural world, physical universe, material world or material universe. “Nature” refers to the phenomena of the physical world, and also to life in general.”(wikipedia.com) It is considered the most commonly used source of art.  2. People They are considered the most interesting subject of an artwork which may be real or imagined. People as subjects may be presented as individuals or groups and may perform tasks as how they do in their everyday life.  3. History It is the depiction of factual events that occurred in the past whose purpose is either to remember important events of long ago or to teach the learners about the lessons of the past.  4. Legends Artworks based on legends present to viewers of the art something tangible even when unverified. Art brings life to these stories.  5.Religion Religion has played an enormous role in inspiring works of visual arts, music, architecture and literature through ages. Artists used as inspiration the religious texts as the Bible, Quran and Torah in conveying their ideas and beliefs through their art works. It was also established that art is considered the handmaid of religion. The Hand of God by Auguste Rodin 6. Mythology These are sources of subjects that come from the stories of gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse and Egyptians. These so called deities of the mythological world depict present humanlike behaviours. Medusa by Luciano Garbati Greek god by Pichiavo 7.Dreams and Fantasy The wonder of the unconscious is what is being expressed by art works under this subject source. These works of art somehow explain to the viewers the content of the art piece including the hidden meaning behind each work. The unconscious is being made to be understood by this source of subject. Artworks by Josephine Wall and Barbara Devlin 8. Technology The modernity of the present is also an inspiration being used by artists as a source of subject. The wondrous use of machines, the towering skyscrapers, state of the art robotics technology, top of the line transportation machineries as cars, ships and motorcycles to name a few are sources of subjects of interest under technology. The WEEE Man Humanity Drowning in Technology by Elizabeth Elkin Lesson 3: Ways of Presenting the Subject 1. Naturalism Naturalism in art refers to the depiction of realistic objects in a natural setting. Naturalism began in the early Renaissance, and developed itself further throughout the Renaissance, such as with the Florentine School. Naturalism is a type of art that pays attention to very accurate and precise details, and portrays things as they are. 1. Naturalism Hay Making by Jules Bastien-Lepage 2.Realism Realism in the arts is generally the attempt to represent subject matter truthfully, without artificiality and avoiding speculative fiction and supernatural elements. Realism is the most popular way of presenting art subjects. 2.Realism The Stone Breakers by Gustave Courbet 3.Abstraction Abstraction finds its roots in ‘intuition’ (of the artist) and ‘freedom’ (for the artist as well as for the viewer). emerged in the nineteenth century as a reaction to academic painting or realism. the essence of abstract art is to think of it as a visual opposite of realistic art. a method of presenting the subject where the artist moves away from reality. Abstraction forms: A. Distortion is the alteration of the original shape (or other characteristic) of something. In the art world, a distortion is any change made by an artist to the size, shape or visual character of a form to express an idea, convey a feeling or enhance visual impact. Art pieces of Henrietta Harris Abstraction forms: B. Elongation is when the art subject is lengthened, protracted or extended. High Aspirations by Ernie Barnes Abstraction forms: C.Mangling. Artists show the subject as cut, lacerated, mutilated or hacked with repeated blows. The Weeping Woman by Pablo Picasso Abstraction forms: D. Cubism. This is the presentation of abstract figures through the use of a cone, cylinder, sphere, triangle, square, cube and circle in place of real pictorial elements. 'Factory, Horta de Ebbo' by Pablo Picasso 4.Symbolism This is the use of a visible sign of an idea to convey to the viewers, readers or audiences the message of his work. In this way, mystery is advocated by an art work making it more interesting to the viewers. The key to eliciting symbolic art involves studying the background and personality of the artist and his inspiration in producing the said piece of work. 4.Symbolism Mona Lisa by Da Vinci 5.Fauvism Fauvism is the name applied to the work produced by a group of artists (which included Henri Matisse and André Derain) from around 1905 to 1910, which is characterised by strong colours and fierce brushwork. The name les fauves (‘the wild beasts’) was coined by the critic Louis Vauxcelles when he saw the work of Henri Matisse and André Derain in an exhibition, the salon d’automne in Paris, in 1905. The forms of the subjects were also simplified making their work appear quite abstract. 5.Fauvism 6.Dadaism Dadaism is a protest movement in the art that is playful and experimental. “Dada” means a “hobby horse”. Dadaism is most often nonsensical. Marcel Duchamp is the famous painter using this method. It is considered a revolt against tradition because it does not follow the principles in art and shows the wickedness of society in its presentation. The aim of this method is to shock and provoke its viewers. 6.Dadaism Fountain by Duchamp 7.Futurism This was developed in Italy about the same time as cubism appeared in France. Futurist painters wanted their works to capture the mechanical energy of modern life. 7.Futurism 8.Surrealism This method mirrors the evils of the present society. Surrealism means super realism, influenced by Freudian psychology which emphasizes the activities of the subconscious state of the mind. The art movement began in Paris in 1924 by the French poet Andre Breton. It emphasized the activities of the subconscious mind mostly exemplifying violence and cruelty. The surrealist’s aim is to reveal the deep and ugly part of human nature. 8.Surrealism 9.Expressionism This features art works describing pathos, morbidity, chaos or even defeat and was introduced in Germany from 1900 – 1910. Expressionists believe that man needs spiritual rebirth for him to correct defects that ruin the society. 9.Expressionism The Night (Die Nacht) by Max Beckmann Thank you!!!