ART APPRECIATION

JOVEN O. GALANTA
CASE-IT Instructor
MIDTERM MODULE
ART IN EARLY CIVILIZATION

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. discuss how art was used by prehistoric people to depict everyday life.
2. identify the central themes of prehistoric art.
3. differentiate the techniques used during the three kingdoms of early Egypt, and
4. explain how art is linked with religion in early Egyptian civilization

Stone Age is a term used to describe a period of history when stones were used to make tools for survival.
The term "conjures an image of men and women dressed in skins, huddling before a fire in a cave" (Fitchner-
Rathus, 2013). Though prehistoric humans would not necessarily possess the complex rational capabilities to tell
their story through written records and accounts, some artifacts in the form of cave paintings and sculptures would
serve as the "storytellers."

In order to talk about prehistoric art, there is a need to situate them within the context of the three periods of
the Stone Age culture (which roughly span the 14,000-2,000 BCE): Paleolithic (the late years of the Old Stone Age),
Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and the Neolithic (New Stone Age).

The unearthing of archeological artifacts and remains provides modern society a glimpse of the beliefs,
practices, and activities of early civilizations. The motives and reasons behind the creation of ancient materials such
as sculptures, paintings, and architectural structures may not be clearly defined. Nevertheless, the early people
produced such materials that reflect their attitudes and belief systems on spiritual, social, political, and economic
matters. It can be noted that works of art and architecture were created from a wide array of materials from
limestone to precious gems and metals to name a few. As the early humans started to transition from being nomads
to permanent settlers, their everyday activities also had some changes, which is evident through the materials and
even the works of art they have created. Despite changes as a result of adapting to their environment, there are
central themes in their artworks. Most ancient artworks depict religious symbols, a wide array of organisms from
nature and activities of everyday life.

Prehistoric Art
Archeological explorations reveal that there has been a gradual shift
from a nomadic lifestyle of early humans to that of permanent settlements,
paving the way for the rise of early civilizations. The Stone Age has
witnessed how humans were able to lead more stable lives and eventually
come up with permanent shelters and tools for survival. To complement this
stability and sense of permanence, early humans also turned to the creation
of paintings and sculptures that depict humans, animals, and their natural
habitats. It would seem that there were attempts to record the kind of lives
they led within that period of time. Central to the representation of early
civilizations would be the establishing of possible linkages among art, Figure 1Hall of bulls France found in a cave in Lascaux,
religion, and life.
Paleolithic Art is a product of climate change. As the climate got colder, part of the early humans' instinct is
to look for shelters that would provide them with warmth. Caves became protective havens for the early humans
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JOVEN O. GALANTA
CASE-IT Instructor
and these caves paved the way for the birth of their first attempts to create art. One cave painting can be traced
back to Lascaux, France and its discovery came as a surprise. Two boys chased after their dog into a hole where
their ball got stuck in. When they followed the dog, they were astonished to discover a cave with beautiful paintings.
The cave paintings would eventually be called the "Hall of Bulls."

The figures depicted on the walls were done with a certain level of crispness and life that there were initial
hesitations of the work's authenticity. However, evidence later on pointed out that the cave paintings were created
during the Paleolithic Period. It is also important to take note that the paintings evoke naturalism, which is evidently
seen through the contours of the animals' body and their dark colors. Although most people would think that early
humans were primitive, some of their art techniques were considered advanced for their time. Some of the early
humans already used their own version of spray-painting techniques by using ground pigments blown through
reeds or hollowed-out bones since these were the readily available materials for them. Aside from this spray-
painting technique, early humans also worked with foreshortening and contrasting of lights and shadows. These
techniques created the illusion of three-dimensional forms and seemingly real representation of animals.
Artworks can be considered ornamental but there is little evidence to fully back up this notion, that early
humans created these cave paintings for that very purpose. Most of these works were discovered inside the deep
recesses of caves so they may not necessarily be used as decorative items. Some would say that these caves with
paintings all over the walls and ceilings served as a kind of sanctuary for the early humans.
As a safe haven, religious rituals could have possibly transpired within the confines of the
caves. Some believed that there was a linkage between what was drawn and what could
happen in real life. For example, drawing or painting the capture of a prey would translate
to an actual capturing of an animal in real life. In addition, some of the works found
reflected some of the early beliefs of humans especially with life and fertility. One of the
works that reflected such beliefs would be a sculpture called the "Venus of Willendorf."
This figure is a highly abstracted woman from highlighted body parts associated with
fertility. Figure 2 shows that the woman has oversized breasts, enlarged hips, and round Figure 2 Venus of Willendorf
abdomen. The representation may show the importance of taking care of these body parts
for procreation and consequently the survival of species.

Neolithic art has developed especially when life for the early humans has
become more stable. They have learned to cultivate the land and domesticate
animals. By 4000 BCE, there were several monumental and architectural structures
erected. One of them is the Stonehenge located in Southern England. The purpose
of this fascinating edifice remains a mystery up to this day and age. Some regard it
as a temple while others see it as complex calendar the tracked the movements of
both the Sun and Moon. Others ascribe some magical element to it by associating it
with Merlin the Magician from King Arthur's story. For whatever purpose it was built Figure 3 Stonehenge
on, it still remains as one of the architectural wonders the world has ever seen.

As the Neolithic Period drew to a close, it was evident that different elements of civilization flourished in
various parts of the world. It is also notable that most early civilizations emerged and flourished in river valleys: the
Nile in Egypt, Indus in India, Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, and Huang Ho River in China.

Egyptian Art
The Fertile Ribbon starts from the banks of the Nile River, which flows north to Africa and ventures into the
Mediterranean. It is in this very ribbon where early Egyptians recognized the integral role of the Nile River to their
daily lives. It is this indispensability and utility that eventually led to the belief that the Nile is to be worshiped as a
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CASE-IT Instructor
god. With this came the notion that art was something that can be ascribed and associated with religion. The
Egyptian civilization can be divided into three periods: Old, Middle, and New Kingdom. Looking at the three periods,
it can be noticed that for the Egyptians, art should be something religious and spiritual. There may have been
differences in the techniques used and style emphasized, but there are common denominators among the artworks
created during their respective time periods.
During the Old Kingdom, it was evident that religion was bound to the afterlife. A concrete manifestation of
this would have to be the erection of tombs. But the tombs were not just for keeping the dead bodies of important
people, particularly the pharaohs; they also served as a shelter for the next journey, which is the afterlife. They
decorated the tombs with everyday objects that would reflect day-to-day activities as if the afterlife is a mere
continuation of what transpired on earth. The human figures seen in the tombs were represented in such a way that
the profile of the head was evident, while the pelvis, legs, and upper torso were prominent and the eyes are in
frontal view. Inside the tombs, the walls were also decorated and carved in very low relief and incised detail. It can
be noticed that the use of color was evident but may have not been widely utilized because of its relative
impermanence.

One of the cosmetic palettes found in Egypt was called the Narmer Palette.
It was a palette that utilized and applied dark colors around King Narmer's eyes. The
palette was also a symbol that commemorates the unification of Upper and Lower
Egypt. The unification was significant because it marked the beginning of their
civilization.

At the back of the palette, King Narmer can be seen wearing the crown of Upper Egypt looking victorious over a
slain enemy. In addition, two more dead warriors can be seen beneath him. To his right is a falcon, the god Horus
perched on papyrus stalks, which is a symbol of Lower Egypt. The top is sculpted with bul-shaped heads with
human features that is a representation of Hathor. This god symbolizes love and joy. What is very prominent is the
king's size in comparison with the objects in the palette. Narmer, being the subject, is evidently larger than the
people around him. This is a clear indication and assertion of his roval status. The front palette, on the other hand,
shows lion-like figures with intertwined necks bound on leashes and tamed by two men. King Narmer is still present
at the front side and he is shown reviewing the captured enemies. In this portrait, he is seen wearing the crown of
Lower Egypt and holding some objects that denote power. The Narmer Palette is one of the artifacts that
emphasizes the king's supreme and absolute authority. In most cases, the king is not just an authority figure but
can be depicted and revered as a deity. This common notion among Egyptians is seen in Egyptian tomb sculptures,
which are basically large in dimensions and proportions and made out of hard materials. The choice of materials is
deliberate since they want the sculptures to endure and withstand any condition. Permanence was important
because these sculptures would serve as the house of the ka or soul once the remains of the mummy disintegrate.
One striking feature of most sculptures is that regardless of the age of death, the ka figures highlight the prime life
of the deceased.
During the Old Kingdom, one of the architectural wonders was also constructed. The pyramids in Giza
served as tombs since their main purpose was to provide a resting place for the pharaohs. These pyramids are
massive in size and were constructed using roughly more than two million limestone blocks. The stones used for
the pyramids were quarried from a nearby plateau. The construction of the pyramids highlighted the ingenuity and
advancement of the Egyptians for their time. Workers painstakingly moved the stones from the plateau going to the
construction site using wooden rollers. Stone cutters on the site carved the blocks in a fine way before stacking
them. The stacking process also showed the advancement of the Egyptians since they already used a system of
ropes and pulleys. They finished it off by applying the surface with limestone for a more refined and flawless finish.
The construction of the pyramids did not only show the brilliance of the early Egyptians but it also highlighted the
reverence of the people to their pharaoh at the expense of the citizens. A lot of the workers died or punished for not
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JOVEN O. GALANTA
CASE-IT Instructor
reaching the quota in the process of constructing these massive architectural structures. However, they did not stop
ensuring the excellent quality of the outsides. The Egyptians also ensured that the insides of the pyramids would
celebrate the life of their pharaoh by lavishly decorating them. However, it posed as a problem since thieves usually
plundered the valuable objects used to decorate the insides of the pyramids.
One of the key features of the Middle Kingdom is a shift in the political hierarchy. There is an emergence of
powerful groups of landlords that threatened the authority and rule of the pharaoh. Because of the internal struggle
between these two influential sides, art has taken a back seat during the Middle Kingdom. In order for art to
reemerge and flourish, Egypt needed to have a more stable situation. This happened during the rule of King
Menthotep when Egypt eventually got back on track. Art during the Middle Kingdom had some references from the
Old Kingdom, however there were some experimentation in terms of style that transpired during this period. Portrait
sculptures and fresco paintings that were freely drawn are some of the styles that emerged during this period. To
solve the problem of thieves that plunder the tombs, the Egyptians made rock-cut tombs by carving out a living
rock. The insides of the tombs were still filled with chamber and the hallways were lavishly decorated to celebrate
the life of the deceased.
Egypt was not immune from foreign invaders and eventually fell into the hands it the Hyksos. This Asiatic
Tribe introduced Bronze Age weapons and horses to the Egyptians. When these foreign invaders were overthrown,
the Egyptians formed the New Kingdom. It was a time of expansionism through territorial acquisition. Consequently,
with the expansion came an increase in wealth leading not only to economic but also political stability.
The art of the New Kingdom had references from both of the preceding kingdoms. Monuments and
sculptures were stillinked with death and reverence for the deceased. During the previous kingdoms, tombs were
just used for worshipping the dead but with the New Kingdom, they started having mortuary temples. These
temples, which were carved out of living rocks, served not only a sanctuary for the dead but also a place of worship
for the living. During this period, Egypt has established itself as a more advanced and powerful civilization. With this
newly found strength and power comes an inflated ego. Their high regard for their people can be seen through their
sculptures built on massive and monumental scales.
After the New Kingdom, Egypt witnessed the Amara Revolution led by King Akhenaton and Queen Nefertiti.
He moved the capital to Tel El-Amarna, thus the name Amarna. During his reign, King Amenhotep wanted to
revolutionize the arts and religion. He later on changed his name to Akhenaton, which came from Aton who is the
sun god. This changing of names also signified the shift in religion. During this period, the only god to be revered
was Aton. Egypt became monotheistic and Akhenaton ordered all to tear down all monuments of other gods. He
then fervently ordered the creation and erection of new monuments in reverence to Aton. Most sculptures during
this period had curving lines and full-bodied forms. There is emphasis to life-like features of the face like an
elongate jaw and thick-lidded eyes. Most artists created artworks that are natural and seemingly real, highlighting
the features of their subjects. Naturalism was not only used to depict the pharaoh but also was used for members of
the royal family. The bust of Queen Nefertiti (Figure 6) has a long and sensuous neck. This figure was enhanced by
applying paint to the limestone.
The use of naturalism in artworks was rather short-lived. When King Akhenaton died, his successors
returned to the more rigid and conventional styles they employed during the period of the kingdoms. They also
destroyed images and figures of Aton and subscribed to monotheism.
Probably one of the greatest discoveries from the Egyptian civilization was the tomb of Tutankhamen. He
became king at a very young age and died at the age of eighteen. Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922.
They were astonished to find gold artworks and that the coffin was made out of solid gold. The body of the young
king was covered in linen and a gold mask covered his face.
During the prehistoric period, the early humans had transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to that of a more
permanent one, which led to early civilizations. Some of the works discovered from this period would give modern
society a glimpse of what was life like during that period. One of the early civilizations where art flourished was the
Egyptian civilization. Throughout the three kingdoms all the way to the Amara Revolution, art has been directly used
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JOVEN O. GALANTA
CASE-IT Instructor
particularly in religious and spiritual activities. Through these unearthed and discovered artworks, the modern world
could have a better understanding of the past and how it can affect the present.

Figure 3 From Left to Right (King Tutankhamen, Queen Nefertiti and The
Pyramid of Giza
ART OF EMERGING EUROPE

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. identify the major periods in Western art history
2. compare and contrast the artworks produced during the different time periods and art movements and
3. discuss the importance of art to the development of Western culture

Art has been an integral part in European history. From the time of the ancient civilizations like the Greeks
and the Romans all the way to the modern times, art has been used to communicate ideologies and belief systems
prevalent within their context. Greek and Roman Civilizations were also known as the Classical World because
both cultures aimed to embody the highest possible standard of quality in all aspects of their societies. When it
comes to both art and architecture, both civilizations intended to promote the possibility of having an objective and
widely accepted standards for beauty. The influence and impact of both classical worlds are far-reaching. Most art
movements have taken inspiration from the certain artistic elements from the two civilizations. There are different
art movements that emerged within the different time periods in Europe. Each movement has a distinctive
characteristic to them highlighting the different trends and changes as they transition from one period to the next.

Ancient Greece
The Greeks were known to excel in various fields and aspects of society. For example, their political ideals
eventually became the framework for the democratic form of government in modern times. They also valued poetry,
drama, and philosophy, which remain interesting fields of study for the contemporary times. For those who want to
be involved in the arts painting, sculpture, and architecture one is required to
have a certain skill sets and body of knowledge.
The Greeks were known to place prime importance in the use of reason.
For this civilization, man was at the center of society and how they trained their
minds could be the very foundation of how they lived their lives. The humanist
ideals of the Greeks were reflected in their democratic form of government. This
certain level of freedom was also reflected in their artworks, architecture,
literature, and philosophy. The Greeks were notably passionate about natural Figure 4"Lacoon and His Sons." This is an
phenomenon and believed that nature should be in perfect order. These example of work wherein the Greeks
principles, belief systems, and ideologies are at the core of Greek art and emphasized the details of the body. Most
subjects of their work included that of the
architecture.

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JOVEN O. GALANTA
CASE-IT Instructor
The development of Greek art can be divided into four periods: Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and
Hellenistic. The Geometric Period was a time when Greece was starting to get back from the onslaught of what
seemed to be their Dark Ages. It was a period when geometric shapes and patterns have taken the spotlight in
most of the artworks. The Archaic Period, on the other hand, placed importance on human figures. This was
primarily a result of Greece's trading activities with other civilizations. The peak of Greek sculpture and architecture
was during the Classical Period. It was during this time when the Greeks found themselves rebuilding their temples
and focusing on creating artworks. The time of Alexander the Great was called the Hellenistic Period. During this
time, art was primarily focused on showcasing emotions and depicting reality. Hellenistic sculptures started to
emphasize balance while showcasing dynamic poses and a number of emotions evoked by the subjects. One of the
famous Hellenistic sculptures is the "Lacoon and His Sons." The sculpture depicts Lacoon, a Trojan priest, and his
sons being strangled by serpents. Their position was a result of Lacoon's instructions during the Trojan War. He
instructed to keep the gates of Troy locked up because he felt that the wooden horse offered by the Greeks as a gift
to Athena was a trick. Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea was enraged by such action which led him to send
serpents to strangle Lacoon and his sons.
The origins of theater and drama can be traced back during the Greek civilization. The followers of
Dionysus the god of fertility started the Greek theater. People who were devoted to Dionysus would dance during
ceremonies while giving their offerings to their god. Eventually, the Dionysians devised a more structured form of
drama involving dances and choral songs, which depicted Greek mythologies. Eventually the Greeks organized
theatrical contests. where the performances were held in front of large citizens.

Ancient Rome
The Roman Republic was established around 500 BCE. This civilization eventually transformed into one of
Western Europe's mightiest empires. Since they had expanded and covered many territories, they interacted with
neighboring civilizations, particularly with the Greeks.
It can be said that Roman civilization came of age during the Hellenistic
Period. As mentioned earlier, it was a period when the Greek culture's influence
has reached its peak in the Mediterranean world. The Romans were fond of the
Greeks and their achievements in the arts. The fusion of Greek and Roman
cultures can be seen in most Roman artworks. Some would argue that the
Romans merely copied Greek art. This eventually made the Romans produce
artworks that are often looking stern, harsh, and strong. They also invoked the
principles of realism in most of their works, highlighting the features of human
beings. Aside from this, the Romans were also known to be master builders, which
earned their reputation for grand monuments and architectural infrastructures. One
of their architectural achievements would have to be the Colosseum. This
amphitheater was planned and constructed during the reign of Emperor
Vespasian. One of its main uses was for entertainment purposes like public events Figure 5"Poseidon and Medusa." Just like
and gladiator games. This structure was a concrete manifestation of Roman the Greeks, the Romans valued their
builders' craftsmanship which focused on logical organization of the entire edifice. gods and this was evident with their
Ancient Greece had a huge impact in the formation of Roman culture. sculptures and artworks.
There are a lot of Greek influences evident in Roman theater and drama. Writers
of comedy like Platus and Terence have patterned their works to those of Greek works. Since the Roman audience
was not as enthusiastic about theatrical works unlike their Greek counterparts, most plays had to be included in the
Roman games.

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CASE-IT Instructor

Middle Ages
As the term denotes, it is the period between the decline of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. It was
a period that is characterized by ignorance and darkness. Another dominant characteristic of the period was that
the Church was the central figure and authority of the period. Since the Church was the most important figure, the
most important products of the early Middle Ages would have to be copied of the Christian scriptures. The printing
press came later after the Middle Ages, so copies of the scriptures were done by hand. These copies were also
done with illustrations and decorations which highlight the religious focus of the period. During this time, great
cathedrals were also built. These cathedrals can be categorized into two periods: Romanesque (1050-1200),
inspired by the old Roman Empire; and Gothic (1200- 1500), which had a more northern flavor from the Goths_-
vulgar and barbarian.

Renaissance Art
During the Renaissance Period, artists valued the "individual" as a subject of arts. The influence of
humanism shifted the focus of some artworks during the Renaissance Period to empower the "individual." Most
artworks emphasized naturalism, which was also an influence of humanism since there was a great emphasis on
the proportionality of the human body. Most artists also added perspective of depth wherein spaces were explored
in different artworks. This technique provided a three-dimensional perspective of most Renaissance paintings.
Renaissance artists also gave importance to non-religious themes or subjects. This was also brought by the
privatizations of the art during the Renaissance Period, however most artworks remained religious in its focus and
theme.
During the Renaissance. There is emphasis on the details of the body of the human being During the
Renaissance Period, there was also a revival of Roman theatrical plays. These plays were performed during special
occasions at the courts of Italian princes. The plays were done in such a way that showcased grand and lavish
entertainment for the audience. Aside from the song and dance numbers, they invested in elaborate stages and
costumes for the actors. Eventually, this would lead to Italy's opera, which have greatly influenced their tradition of
popular theater.

Mannerism
Mannerism was a period in art history, which was a product of the Renaissance Period. During the
Renaissance, artists would observe nature and try their best to emulate it based on their observations. As the
Renaissance ended, artists started directly copying subjects from existing works of art. Most artworks during this
period displayed distorted figures, two-dimensional spaces, discordant hues and colors, and lack of defined focal
point.

Baroque and the Rococo

The term "baroque" is derived from the Portuguese term “barocco” which
is translated as "irregularly shaped pearl." This is a suitable description that Rome
was the birthplace of the Baroque Period, which according to some historians was
a response to Protestantism. This period roughly spanned from 1600 to 1750.
Although it was a period following the Renaissance, it can be said that a lot of
artists have developed styles and techniques different from their Renaissance
Figure 6 Michelangelo, "David." The
predecessors. Most artists used colorful palettes and ornamentation in their works. sculpture is an example of how
This was a time when Italy in particular, strengthened not only their religion but humanism was a dominant belief
also other aspects like politics and art. Expansion was the central theme of this system during the Renaissance.
period, which became very much evident in the artworks produced during this There is emphasis on the details of
time. Motion and space were taken into consideration by artists like the use of the body of the human being.

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CASE-IT Instructor
dramatic lighting and the concept of time.
Aside from art, music also flourished during the Baroque Period. This is because people believed that
music could serve as powerful tool to communicate messages that can evoke certain feelings among its listeners.
Baroque music was able to clearly distinguish loud from soft and solo from ensemble. Since the birthplace of this
period was in Rome, it did not come as a surprise that most composers come from Italy. This include Vivaldi,
Corelli, and Monteverdi. Eventually, the influence of Baroque music spread outside Italy and reached other parts of
Europe. Other well-known Baroque composers include Germany's Bach and Handel. Since Baroque composers,
through their works, tried to evoke certain emotions from their audience, they began to make more complex musical
compositions and performances. However, it can be noted that initially, this kind of music was limited only to
powerful institutions like the Church and individuals like the patrons. Eventually, such performances would be made
accessible to the middle class and the masses.

Neoclassicism
There seems to be a debate among historians as to the
beginnings of modern art. There are accounts that would attribute for the
emergence of this kind of art during the French Revolution in 1789.
However, other historians claim that it was the year 1863 when there was
an emergence of modern painting exhibitions.
Neoclassicism was a movement in Europe that transpired during
the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It was the dominant art
Figure 7 Antonio Canova, “Paolina Borghese movement that time which basically aimed to revive and rekindle the
as Venus Victrix”
influences of Greek and Roman into art and architecture. The ancient
Greeks and Europeans had placed emphasis on human reason and keeping society in order. These very principles
were also the dominant principles during the Enlightenment Period. Some historians would also say that this
movement was a reaction to the artworks produced during the Baroque Period. There was a call to veer away from
such extravagance in terms of style and form of the Baroque Period.

Romanticism
Romanticism, as an art movement, used the central themes of
Neoclassicist artworks as a springboard. Romanticists have highlighted heroic
elements into their work. During the Age of Revolutions, there has been a
tremendous focus on patriotic and nationalistic movements. One of the major
revolutions in history would be the French Revolution. Such revolutionary
movements became the focal point of most Romantic works.
The major and central themes of Romanticism movement include the
emphasis on the goodness of mankind. Most works also promoted justice,
equality, and social order. Artists also emphasized emotions and feelings of man, Figure 8 Théodore Géricault, “The Raft of
which was a deviation from the humanist principles of rationalism. Medusa”

Realism
Realism as a style of work focuses on the accuracy of details that depicts
and somehow mirrors reality. There is little room for imagination in this movement
since emphasis is placed in observable traits that can concretize through artworks.
Realism was heavily influenced by Hellenistic Greek culture since most artworks
during that period placed emphasis on the human body.
Realism as a modern movement in art veered away from traditional
forms of art. In a way, it revolutionized themes and techniques in paintings. In Figure 9 Gustave Courbet, “Burial at Ornans”
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CASE-IT Instructor
addition, this movement also expanded and widened existing notions of what can be considered as art. Since artists
worked within the context of revolutions and social change, artistic works began to depict real-life events. Idealistic
concepts and images were replaced by real manifestations of society. There is a move to combine both art and life
in artistic works since the modern world were suitable for subjects of art. This movement also reexamined existing
belief systems and traditions.

Impressionism
The Impressionism movement started in France, which led to a break from
the tradition in European painting. Impressionism is a style of painting that emerged
in the mid- to late 1800s. Impressionist artists incorporated scientific principles to
achieve a more distinct representation of color. The distinctive characteristic of this
style is that it allows the artist to emphasize the immediate impression he has of a
particular event or scene. The said impression is communicated by the artist through Figure 10 Berthe Morisot, “The Harbor
his work and can be seen through the brushstrokes, distinction of colors, and the at Lorient” (1869). Impressionist artists
started moving art outdoors which
lights and shadows used by the artist. aimed to include the shifting light they

Post-Impressionism
It is an art movement that emerged in France, which is a result of both the
influence and rejection of Impressionism. Most artists that belong to this
movement started off as impressionists but later on saw the inherent limitations
and flaws of impressionism. This eventually led to the development of individual
style that gave emphasis to defining from with the use of broken colors and short
brush stroke. Some of the famous post-impressionism artists include Paul
Cezanne, Georges Seurat, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh, among others.
Figure 11 The Starry Night (De Most of the works of the said painters became the framework of the contemporary
sterrennacht) by Vincent Van Gogh techniques and trends during the twentieth century.

Neo-Impressionism
As an art movement, neo-impressionism is considered as a
response to empirical realism of impressionism. Most painters who
subscribe to such movement rely on a systematic and scientific
techniques that have a predetermined visual effects not only on the art
work itself but also how the audience perceive the art. The leading figure
in neo-impressionism was Georges Seurat who recorded optical
sensations on a more scientific manner. His color theories paved the
way for the technique
called pointillism. This
art technique basically Figure 12 A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte
(Neo-Impressionist work depicts a cross section of
utilizes discrete dots Paris society enjoying a Sunday afternoon in the park
and dashes of pure
color. These elements are believed to blend with the viewer's
perspective. Aside from Seurat, other neo-impressionist artists
Figure 13 CASA BATTLÓ. BARCELONA, SPAIN. Also known as include Henri-Edmond Cross, Maximilien Luce, and Camille
the House of Bones, Casa Battló was remodeled in 1904 by Pissarro, among others.
famed architect Antoni Gaudí. It's defined as an example of Art
Nouveau architecture (or its Spanish term Modernisme) in a
broad sense, with its curving facade and use of glass and Art Nouveau
ironwork. Between 1890 and 1910, countries from Europe and the
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CASE-IT Instructor
United States witnessed the emergence and flourishing of a new art style. This ornamental style of art was a break
from the conservative historicism, which was the prevailing and dominant theme of most Western artworks. This
ornamental style uses long and organic lines that are concretely manifested in architecture, jewelry and glass
design, among others. In most works, the defining characteristic of Art Nouveau is the asymmetrical line that usually
is in the form of insect wings or flower stalks. The line is done in such a graceful and elegant manner that somehow
evokes a certain power to it.

Fauvism
This is a style of painting that emerged in France around the turn
of the twentieth century. What makes fauvists revolutionary is that they
used pure and vibrant colors by applying straight from the paint tubes
directly to the canvas. This is done to produce a sense of explosion of
colors in the canvas. The fauves, just like the impressionists, painted
directly from nature. The difference lies with how the fauves have this
strong and expressive reaction to how they portray their subjects. Most
fauvist works reject the conservative and traditional renderings of three- Figure 14 Luxe, Calma at Volupte. Henri Matisse took
dimensional space. What artists did was they introduced and promoted a this work's title, which translates as "luxury, peace, and
picture space that is defined by the movement of color. pleasure," from Charles Baudelaire's poem L'Invitation
au Voyage (Invitation to a Voyage).
Cubism
Between 1907 and 1914, French artists Pablo Picasso and
Georges Braque introduced a new visual arts style called cubism. This
style would later on have a huge influence on artists during the twentieth
century. Cubists highlighted the two-dimensional surface of the picture
plane. Focusing on a flat surface was a rejection of the dominant
techniques like the use of perspective, foreshortening, and modeling. In
addition, one of the things that cubism rejected was the existing and
prevailing notion that art should imitate nature. Cubists emphasized that
Figure 15 Picasso, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, they are not in any way obliged to copy texture, form, color, and space.
1907. They presented a new depiction of reality that may appear fragmented
objects for viewers.
Futurism
It is an early twentieth century art movement that started in Italy,
which highlighted the speed, energy, dynamism, and power of
machines. In addition, common themes for works in this movement are
restlessness and the fast-pace of modern life. Later on, the movement's
influence branched out not only in Europe but also in Russia. The
greatest impact of futurism is evident in poetry and visual arts.
Italian poet and editor Filippon Tommaso Marinetti coined the
term "futurism" to reflect his purpose of disregarding the traditional
methods of the art in the past. He believes that art should embrace Figure 16.The City Rises. Umberto Boccioni. This pioneering
and embody change, innovation, creativity, and originality. work launched Futurism when it was exhibited in Milan in the
1911 Mostra d'arte libera (Exhibition of free art).
Throughout history, Europe has seen tremendous changes in its political landscape and social makeup,
and witnessed transitions of different art movements on different timeframes. The use of art as a medium of
communication of different cultural elements originated from the Greek and Roman civilizations. These two
civilizations have greatly influenced the succeeding periods in art history. There were movements like Realism that
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highlights the primacy of individuality. Man being the focal point of most work is not new since the Greeks and even
during the Renaissance Period highlighted the centrality of man in any society. The evolution of art in Europe
helped them shaped their culture, which was reflected in their societies.

Caught in Between: Modern and Contemporary Art

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. differentiate modern and contemporary art
2. show the interrelation of modern and contemporary art
3. isolate and discuss significant historical events that informed and inspired the different movements under
contemporary art and
4. classify specific artworks into the different movements under contemporary art.

The history of art is he of the most difficult tasks to pin down. As what previous chapters have shown,
significant ideas, canons and tradition, preferences and dominance of styles, media, and mode of production were
the definitive characteristics that segment art history into identifiable periods and movements; identifiable, but not
necessarily precise. It is important to note that the periods and movements of art are themselves testament to the
connection of art and culture in the everyday life. As it is examined and analyzed in context, it becomes increasingly
apparent that art is not detached from; rather, it is embedded in the affairs of the society in which it exists. It offers a
glimpse as to the beliefs of specific eras and how these beliefs were translated into how people saw themselves
and the world and how they chose to come into terms with it--all in flux.
This lesson attempts to provide a glimpse of contemporary art and how it was understood, defined, and
represented, not only within the bounds of the art world, but also beyond it.

DEFINING CONTEMPORARY
The term “contemporary” seems simple and straightforward enough to define. There is assumption that it
need not to be asked; rather, that it must already be understood.
The complexity of defining the term is attributed to the fact that people have dissenting views on the
interpretation of the “present,” of “today,” or what the “now” means— these are often ideas that follow the word
contemporary. Even more so, is when it is hinged on the word “art” and suddenly it becomes a bit fuzzy.
Another source of confusion is the fact that in the colloquial, “modern” and “contemporary” are considered
synonymous.
Modern art saw the digression of artists away from past conventions and traditions and toward freedom.
There is the famous adage of “anything goes.” With the world becoming increasingly complex, it required an art that
could accommodate such range and breadth.

CONTEMPORARY ART
 Contemporary art was heavily driven by ideas and theories, and even the
blurring of notions of what is and can be considered as “art”.
 Reeling after the war, one of the early movements was abstract
expressionism (early 1 940s to mid-1960s) which took the basic tenets of
abstraction and combined with it with gestural techniques, mark-making,
and a rugged spontaneity in its visual articulation.
 Creating energy was at the center of "op art" or optical art (early 1960s
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onward), which relied on creating an illusion to inform the experience of the artwork using color, pattern, and
other perspective tricks that artists had on their sleeves.
 The quest for actual movement in the works created were responded to by kinetic art (early 1950s onward).
 Harnessing the current and direction of the wind, components of the artwork which was predominantly
sculptural, most were mobiles and even motor-driven machines, was an example of how art and technology
can be brought together.

MINIMALISM
 Cropped up in the early 1960s in New York, and saw artists
testing the boundaries of various media.
 It was seen as an extreme type of abstraction that favored
geometric shapes, color fields, and the use of objects and
materials that had an “industrial” sparse.
Figure 17 Dan Flavin, Untitled (To Don Judd,

POP ART
 First emerged in the 1950s but found its footing in the 1960s.
 It drew inspiration, sources, and even materials from commercial culture,
making it one of the most identifiable and relatable movements in art history.
 But perhaps the most pertinent movement that solidified the move to
contemporary art was postmodernism.
 By the very na me, it was a nudge to formalize the critique toward
Figure 18 Art Tattler let’s lay down a modernism and its claim over art for the better of the 20th century.
couple of the central themes of Pop
Art. Whether it was an endorsement or
critique of capitalism, artists depicted
the affluence and abundance of
PHOTOREALISM
 The resurgence of figurative art, where realistic depictions is a choice, is a proof how varied and fragmented
postmodernism is.
 In photorealism, a painstaking attention to detail is aimed, without asserting an artist’s personal style.

CONCEPTUALISM
 As opposed to celebrating commodities as references to real life, conceptualism fought against the idea that
art is a commodity.

PERFORMANCE ART
 An interesting proposition is that performance is not about the medium or the format; rather, it is how a specific
context is made in which through engagement or interaction, questions, concerns, and conditions will be
fleshed out.

INSTALLATION ART
 Installation art is a kind of an immersive work where the environment or the space in which the viewer steps
into or interacts with (going around installation art) is transformed or altered.

EARTH ART
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 Earth Art or Land Art is when natural environment or a specific site or space is transformed by artist. It is a kind
of human intervention into a specific landscape or terrain.

STREET ART
This art movement is related to graffiti art as it is a by-product of the rise of graffiti in the 1980s. Artworks created
are not traditional in format but are informed y the illustrative, painterly and print techniques and even a variety of
media.

References:

Getlein, M. (2005). Gilbert's Living With Art. 7th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Guggenheim. (n.d.). "Dada." Accessed December 10, 2017. https:// www.guggenheim.org/artwork/movement/Dada.

Hamilton, R. (1982). Collected Words: 1953-1982. London: Thames and Hudson.

Jenkins, S. (2017). "Postmodern Art Definition Overview and Analysis." In The Art Story: Modern Art Insight. Accessed
November 3, 2017. http:// www. theartstory.org/definition-postmodernism.htm.

Pantelic, K. (2016). "What Is Contemporary Art and How Can We Define It Today?" In Widewalls. Accessed November 3,
2017. https://www.widewalls. ch/what-is-contemporary-art/.

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