GE core 6

ART
APPRECIATION

NAME:____________________________

Course & Year: BSHM SECTION 1,2&3

INSTRUCTOR: WILSON G. CONILAS JR

Lesson 1
I. Topic: Assumptions and Nature of Arts

II. Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:

a) Define and identify assumptions and nature of arts

b) Give the significance of assumptions and nature of arts in real life situation.

c) Cite Filipino artwork III.

Content: What is Art

What is Art?
Art is a highly diverse range of human activities engaged
in creating visual, auditory, or performed artifacts—
artworks—that express the author’s imaginative or
technical skill, and are intended to be appreciated for
their beauty or emotional power.
The oldest documented forms of art are visual arts,
which include images or objects in fields like painting,
sculpture, printmaking, photography, and other visual
media. Architecture is often included as one of the visual
arts; however, like the decorative arts, it involves the
creation of objects where the practical considerations of use are essential, in a way that they
usually are not in another visual art, like a painting.
Art may be characterized in terms of mimesis (its representation of reality), expression,
communication of emotion, or other qualities. Though the definition of what constitutes art is
disputed and has changed over time, general descriptions center on the idea of imaginative or
technical skill stemming from human agency and creation. When it comes to visually identifying
a work of art, there is no single set of values or aesthetic traits. A Baroque painting will not
necessarily share much with a contemporary performance piece, but they are both considered
art.
Despite the seemingly indefinable nature of art, there have always existed certain formal
guidelines for its aesthetic judgment and analysis. Formalism is a concept in art theory in which
an artwork’s artistic value is determined solely by its form, or how it is made. Formalism
evaluates works on a purely visual level, considering medium and compositional elements as
opposed to any reference to realism, context, or content. • Art is something that is perennially
around us. • Some people may deny having to do with arts but it is indisputable that life
presents us with many forms of and opportunities for communion with the arts. • The word
ART comes from the ancient Latin, ars which means a “craft or specialized form of skill, like
carpentry or smithying or surgery” (Collingwood, 1938). • Ars in Medieval Latin came to mean
something different. It meant “any special form of book- learning, such as grammar or logic,
magic or astrology” (Collingwood, 1983). • The fine arts would come to mean “not delicate or
highly skilled arts, but “beautiful arts” (Collingwood, 1983)
“The humanities constitute one of the oldest and
most important means of expression developed by
man” (Dudley et al., 1960). 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.
Assumptions of Art
1. Art Is Universal -Timeless, spanning generations and continents through and through. 
Misconception: Artistic made long time ago.  Age is not a factor in determining art. 
Literature has provided key words of art.  lliad and the Odyssey are the two Greek Epics that
one’s being taught in school.  The Sanskrit pieces Mahabharata and Ramanaya are also staples
in this fields.  In every country and in every generation, there is always art. Often times, people
feel that what is considered artistic are only those which have been made long time ago. This is
a misconception. Age is not a factor in determining art. “An art is not good because it is old, but
old because it is good” (Dudley et al., 1960)  In the Philippines, the works of Jose Rizal and
Francisco Balagtas are not being read because they are old.  Florante at Laura never fails to
teach high school students the beauty of love, one that is universal and pure.  Ibong Adana,
another Filipino masterpiece, has always captured the imagination of the young with its
timeless lessons.  When we recite the Psalms, we feel in communion with King David as we
feel one with him in his conversation with God.  When we listen to a Kundiman or perform folk
dances, we still enjoy the way our Filipino ancestors while away their time in the past.
Basic Assumptions, Functions and Nature of Arts Art is an expression made visible by a form.
The expression contained in the form is an attempt to translate the unnamed and the unknown.
Intrinsic to our existence as human is our quest to create meaning, and art allows that process
to take place. Making meaning involves understanding our surroundings and making our
experiences. Art, at its root, is an expression and the artist is an expresser, translating in order
to create meaning. Art expresses and translates, art acknowledges and reveals, art transfers
and art intervenes. Art is an expression, an expression of feeling, belief and character. The
simplicity of that sentence is rather deceptive and seems tidier than its implications. Feelings,
beliefs, characteristics – these are what art expresses, although often they are not easily
distilled. Our lives as humans are all of complications and complexities, and our thought and
experience feelings, beliefs and characteristics are reflective of these complexities. Basic
Assumption of Arts Assumption is a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen,
without proof. It is something that you accept as true without question or proof. Manu
assumption has been written about arts and some these are:1. Art has been created by all
people at all times, in all countries and it lives because its well-liked enjoyed. Naturally, arts
linger on particularly if it is popular and love by the people. Example: the works and writings of
Dr, Jose Rizal and the movie, The Ten Commandments 2. Art involves experience. In order to
experience something, you have to make use of your five senses. Hence, there can never be
appreciation of art without having experienced it. 3. Art is not nature; nature is not art. Art is
made by man and nature by God. However, nature can be enhanced by man. The enhanced
beauty and artistry of nature, then, can be classified as an art. 4. Art is cultural. Art is a work of
humans and anything that has been created by human is part of culture. Art becomes cultural
when it depicts people’s way of life, religious practices, mores and traditions, etc. 5. Art is a
form of creation. Art is something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful
or that expresses important ideas or feelings. As it is said, human is the creator of art. No art
can be created without human which, uses his/her imagination and creativity to produce art.
According to the word’s most basic definition, an artist is simply a person who creates art. 6. Art
is subjective. Henceforth, it cannot be measured by its significance or the level of skill with
which it is created. Its subjective nature makes arts only measurable quality is whether or not it
exists.
Example: “beauty is in the eye of the
beholder” meaning, every individual has
his/her own perception and/or
interpretation about the subject. It would
never be the same for every individual
2. Art Is Not Nature
 Art, not directed by representation of reality, is a perception of reality.  In the Philippines, it is
not entirely novel to hear some consumers of local movies remark that these movies produced
locally are unrealistic. They contend that local movies work around certain formula to the
detriment of substance and faithfulness to reality of movies.  Paul Cezanne, a French painted a
scene from reality entitled Well and Grinding Wheel in the Forest of the Chateau Noir.
3. Art Involves Experience  It does not full detail but just an experience. Actual doing of
something.  Getting this far without a satisfactory definition of art can be quite weird for
some. For most people, art does not require a full definition. Art is just experience. By
experience, we mean the “actual doing of something” (Dudley et al., 1960) and it also affirmed
that art depends on experience, and if one is to know art, he must know it not as fact or
information but as an experience.  A work of an art then cannot be abstracted from actual
doing. In order to know what an artwork, we have to sense it, see and hear it.  An important
aspect of experiencing art is its being highly personal, individual, and subjective. In
philosophical terms, perception of art is always a value judgment. It depends on who the
perceive is, his tastes, his biases, and what he has inside.

Nature of Arts

1. Art is a diverse range of human activities in

creating visual, auditory or performing artworks,
expressing the author’s imaginative or technical
skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty
or emotional power. In their most general
form these activities include the production
of works of art, the criticism of art, the study of
history of art, and the aesthetic dissemination of
art.
2. Art represents reality. Representation is the
use of signs that stand in for and take the place
of something else. It is through representation that people organize the world and reality
through the act of naming its elements. Signs are arranged in order to form
semantic constructions and express relations. Art represents reality, since it is often depicting
objector scenes from the world. An artwork can depict a scene such as a café or a restaurant, or
a park or garden. So, there is a sense in which art represents the mind’s eye or what the
imagination perceives.
3. Art is an expression. The expression contained in the form is an attempt to translate the
unnamed and the unknown. Intrinsic to our existence as humans is our quest to create
meaning, and art allows that process to take place. Making meaning involves understanding our
surroundings and marking our experiences.
4. Art serves as a means of communication of emotions. The purpose of works of art may be
communicate political, spiritual or philosophical ideas, to create a sense of beauty to explore
the nature of perception, for pleasure, or to generate strong emotions. Art is an act of
expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations of human conditions. A fundamental
purpose common to most art forms is the
underlying intention to appeal to, and connect with,
human emotion.
5. Art matters. The arts matter because they allow us to express ourselves and illustrate the
world around us in a different light, helping us to gain understanding of people and society, and
give hope while living in this world. Art matters because it illustrates the human
experience.
6. Art is universal. Literally, art can be found in every corner of the world. Art is everywhere and
it is embedded into the way of life of the people. Exclusivity is out of bounds when we speak of
arts because it is for everyone. Art is the true Esperanto, an artificial language, the one form of
culture that is genuinely beyond national limitations. Art knows no barriers; not even language
is a barrier in understanding it. Example: foreign arts displayed in museums throughout the
world, paintings such as the Mona Lisa, Sistine Chapel, and photos of well-known places are
readily viewed. We have also some foreign performers performing in the country.
7. Art is creation. It is the combination of already existing material elements into new forms
which become the realization of a preconceived idea. Both hut and picture rose in the
imagination of their makers before they took shape as things. The material of each was given
already in nature; but the form, as the maker fashioned it, was new. In its essence and widest
compass art is the making of a new thing in response to a sense of need. The very need itself
creates, working through man as its agent.
THE NATURE OF ART
The language of visual experience refers to the way in which we perceive and interpret visual
stimuli through our senses, particularly through sight. Visual experience is a fundamental aspect
of human perception and communication, playing a crucial role in how we interact with the
world around us. Here are some key elements that characterize the language of visual
experience
1. Visual Elements: The language of visual experience encompasses various visual elements,
such as line, shape, color, texture, form, and space. These elements are the building blocks of
visual communication and are used by artists to create meaning and convey messages.
2. Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement of visual elements within a work of art
or a visual scene. Artists use principles of composition, such as balance, contrast, harmony, and
focal points, to create visually appealing and impactful images.
3. Perception: Visual perception plays a vital role in how we interpret and make sense of visual
information. It involves processes such as depth perception, pattern recognition, and color
perception, which influence our understanding and response to visual stimuli.
4. Semiotics: Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and how they are used to convey
meaning. In the context of visual experience, semiotics explores how visual elements and
symbols are interpreted and understood by viewers.
5. Visual Communication: Visual experience is a form of visual communication that transcends
language barriers. Images, symbols, and visual metaphors can convey complex ideas and
emotions without the need for words, making visual communication a powerful tool for
expression and connection.
6. Emotion and Expression: Visual experience can evoke a range of emotions and responses in
viewers. Artists use visual elements and techniques to express emotions, convey moods, and
evoke feelings in their audience.
7. Interpretation: Visual experience is subjective and open to interpretation. Viewers bring
their own perspectives, experiences, and cultural backgrounds to their interpretation of visual
stimuli, resulting in diverse and personal responses to art and visual imagery.
8. Visual Literacy: Visual literacy refers to the ability to interpret, understand, and create visual
messages. Developing visual literacy skills allows individuals to analyze and critique visual
media, appreciate art, and effectively communicate through visual means.
Awareness, creativity, and communication are interconnected concepts that play essential roles
in various aspects of human experience, particularly in the realms of art, personal development,
and social interaction. Let's explore each of these concepts in more detail:

Awareness, Creativity, and Communication

1. Awareness:
Self-Awareness: Awareness involves being conscious of oneself, one's thoughts, emotions, and
actions. Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth, introspection, and understanding one's
strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Social Awareness: Awareness extends to understanding the feelings, needs, and perspectives of
others. Social awareness promotes empathy, compassion, and effective communication in
interpersonal relationships.
Cultural Awareness: Awareness of cultural differences, norms, and values is essential for
fostering inclusivity, respect, and understanding across diverse communities and societies.
2. Creativity:
Innovation: Creativity involves generating novel ideas, solutions, and perspectives. It drives
innovation, problem-solving, and the development of new products, art forms, and
technologies.
Expression: Creativity is a means of self-expression and exploration. Through creative activities
such as art, music, writing, or design, individuals can communicate their emotions, experiences,
and visions.
Critical Thinking: Creativity is closely linked to critical thinking and the ability to think outside
the box, question assumptions, and approach challenges from multiple angles.
3. Communication:
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Communication involves the exchange of information,
ideas, and emotions through verbal and nonverbal means. Effective communication skills are
essential for expressing oneself clearly, building relationships, and resolving conflicts.
Artistic Communication: Art, music, literature, and other creative forms serve as modes of
communication that transcend language barriers. They convey complex emotions, narratives,
and messages through visual, auditory, or written mediums.
Interpersonal Communication: Communication is key to successful interactions with others.
Active listening, empathy, and the ability to convey thoughts and feelings contribute to
meaningful connections and mutual understanding

Here is an elaboration on each of the functions to further aid in understanding how art can
encompass beauty, happiness and hope, identity and understanding oneself, grief and healing,
remembering and mark-making, raising awareness, cultural significance, and togetherness:
1. Beauty: Art has the power to capture and create beauty in various forms, from stunning
landscapes to intricate patterns and designs. Beauty in art can evoke emotions, inspire awe,
and provide a sense of joy and appreciation for the world around us. Artists use color,
composition, and form to create visually pleasing works that uplift and inspire viewers.
2. Happiness and Hope: Art has the ability to evoke feelings of happiness, positivity, and hope.
Through vibrant colors, uplifting themes, and optimistic imagery, art can lift spirits, spark joy,
and instill a sense of optimism in viewers. Artistic expressions of hope can provide comfort,
motivation, and a sense of possibility in challenging times.
3. Identity and Understanding Oneself: Art serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and
exploration. Through art-making, individuals can reflect on their experiences, emotions, and
identities, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Art can
be a means of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-expression.
4. Grief and Healing: Art has therapeutic qualities that can aid in the process of grief and
healing. Creating or experiencing art can provide a cathartic outlet for processing emotions,
expressing grief, and finding solace in times of loss or trauma. Art therapy is a recognized
practice that uses artistic expression to promote healing and emotional well-being.
5. Remembering and Mark-making: Art has a profound impact on memory and
commemoration. Through visual representations, art can preserve memories, honor history,
and commemorate significant events or individuals. Mark-making in art, whether through
drawing, painting, or sculpture, leaves a lasting impression and serves as a testament to the
passage of time.
6. Raising Awareness: Art has the ability to raise awareness about social issues, environmental
concerns, and human rights issues. Artists use their work to shed light on important topics,
provoke discussion, and inspire action. Artistic expressions of activism and advocacy can spark
change, promote dialogue, and mobilize communities towards positive social impact.
7. Cultural Significance: Art plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage,
traditions, and values. From traditional crafts to contemporary artworks, art reflects the
diversity and richness of different cultures around the world. Through art, cultural narratives
are shared, identities are celebrated, and connections are forged across communities.
8. Togetherness: Art has the power to bring people together, fostering a sense of community,
connection, and collaboration. Artistic endeavors, such as group projects, community murals,
and cultural events, create opportunities for people to engage, share experiences, and
celebrate creativity collectively. Art can bridge divides, promote understanding, and cultivate a
sense of unity among individuals.

THE LANGUAGE OF VISUAL EXPERIENCE

VISUAL ELEMENTS are the fundamental components that artists use to create artworks and
communicate visually with their audience. These elements form the building blocks of visual
language and play a crucial role in the composition, aesthetics, and overall impact of an
artwork. Here are some key visual elements commonly used in art and design:
1. Line:
Lines are basic elements that can vary in length, thickness, direction, and curvature.
They can be straight, curved, wavy, or zigzag, and can be used to define shapes, create patterns,
or imply movement.

2. Shape:
Shapes are two-dimensional areas defined by boundaries such as lines or colors.
Shapes can be geometric (e.g., circles, squares) or organic (irregular and freeform), and they
can create structure and form within an artwork.
3. Color:
Color is one of the most powerful visual elements and can evoke emotions, convey meaning,
and create visual interest.
Colors have attributes such as hue (the name of the color), value (lightness or darkness), and
saturation (intensity).
4. Texture:
Texture refers to the surface quality of an artwork, which can be smooth, rough, glossy, matte,
etc.
Artists use texture to add depth, visual interest, and tactile qualities to their work.
5. Form:
Form refers to the three-dimensional aspect of an object, giving it volume and depth.
Forms can be geometric or organic and can be represented through shading, perspective, and
contour lines.
6. Space:
Space in art refers to the area around, between, and within objects in a composition.
Artists use techniques like overlapping, size, and perspective to create the illusion of depth and
space in a two-dimensional artwork.
7. Value:
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or grayscale in an artwork.
Value helps create contrast, define forms, and establish a sense of light and shadow in a
composition.
8. Texture:
Texture refers to the surface quality of an object or artwork, which can be rough, smooth,
bumpy, etc.
Artists use texture to add visual and tactile interest to their work, creating a sense of realism or
abstraction.
The principles of design are the fundamental guidelines that designers use to create visually
appealing, effective, and engaging compositions. These principles act as a framework for
organizing and manipulating visual elements to achieve specific aesthetic and communicative
goals. They are not strict rules but rather a set of best practices that have been developed over
time to enhance the effectiveness and impact of design.
Here are some of the most commonly recognized principles of design:
1. Emphasis: This principle focuses on creating a focal point or center of attention within a
design. It involves highlighting specific elements to draw the viewer's eye and convey the most
important information. Designers can achieve emphasis through techniques such as:
Contrast: Using contrasting colors, sizes, shapes, or textures to make an element stand out.
Isolation: Placing an element in a space with ample white space around it.
Placement: Positioning an element in a prominent location, such as the center of the
composition.
2. Balance: Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight within a composition. It ensures
that elements are arranged in a way that feels stable and harmonious, preventing one side
from appearing heavier or more dominant than the other. There are two main types of balance:
-Symmetrical Balance: Elements are mirrored on either side of a central axis, creating a sense of
formality and order.
Asymmetrical Balance: Elements are arranged in a way that creates equilibrium without
mirroring, resulting in a more dynamic and visually interesting composition.
3. Contrast: Contrast is the use of distinct visual elements to create visual interest, break up
monotony, and enhance readability. It can be achieved through differences in:
Color: Using contrasting colors to make elements stand out.
Size: Varying the size of elements to create a visual hierarchy.
Shape: Using contrasting shapes to create visual interest and define boundaries.
Texture: Incorporating different textures to add depth and visual appeal.
4. Repetition: Repetition involves using the same or similar elements throughout a design to
create a sense of rhythm, unity, and visual consistency. It can be used to:
Establish a visual theme: Repeating patterns, colors, or shapes to reinforce a design concept.
Guide the viewer's eye: Creating a visual flow by repeating elements in a predictable sequence.
Strengthen brand identity: Using consistent visual elements to create a recognizable brand
aesthetic.
5. Proportion: Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of elements within a composition.
It ensures that elements are in harmony with each other, creating a balanced and visually
pleasing arrangement. Designers consider proportion when:
Creating visual hierarchy: Using larger elements to emphasize important information.
Balancing different elements: Ensuring that elements are appropriately sized in relation to each
other.
Creating a sense of scale: Using proportion to convey the size and relationship of objects within
a design.

6. Movement: Movement refers to the way a viewer's eye is guided through a composition.
Designers use various techniques to create a sense of motion and visual interest, such as:
Lines: Using lines to direct the viewer's eye along a specific path.
Shapes: Using dynamic shapes to create a sense of movement and energy.
Color: Using contrasting colors to draw attention to specific elements.
Placement: Arranging elements in a way that encourages the viewer's eye to move in a specific
direction.
7. White Space (Negative Space): White space refers to the empty areas around and between
elements in a design. It plays a crucial role in creating balance, contrast, and visual hierarchy.
Ample white space can.
Improve readability: By giving elements room to breathe, white space makes text and images
easier to read.
Enhance visual focus: By highlighting specific elements, white space draws attention to
important information.
Create a sense of airiness and sophistication: By avoiding clutter, white space can make a
design feel more refined and elegant.
8. Unity: Unity refers to the sense of cohesion and harmony within a design. It ensures that all
elements work together to create a unified whole, conveying a consistent message and
aesthetic. Designers achieve unity through:
Consistency: Using consistent colors, fonts, and visual elements throughout the design.
Proximity: Grouping related elements together to create visual coherence.
Repetition: Repeating elements to reinforce a visual theme and create a sense of rhythm.
9. Variety: While unity is important, too much consistency can lead to a monotonous and boring
design. Variety adds visual interest and keeps the viewer engaged. Designers introduce variety
by:
Using different visual elements: Incorporating a mix of colors, shapes, textures, and fonts.
Creating visual contrasts: Using contrasting elements to break up monotony and draw
attention to specific areas.
Adding unexpected elements: Introducing surprises and visual interest to keep the viewer
engaged.
10. Rhythm: Rhythm refers to the visual flow and movement within a design. It creates a sense
of energy and visual interest by repeating elements in a predictable or unpredictable pattern.
Designers use rhythm to:
Guide the viewer's eye: Creating a visual path that leads the viewer through the composition.
Convey a sense of movement: Using repeating elements to suggest motion or energy.
Create a sense of harmony: Using a consistent rhythm to create a balanced and visually pleasing
composition.
11. Hierarchy: Hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that signifies
importance. It guides the viewer's eye, ensuring they focus on primary information first,
followed by secondary and tertiary details. Designers establish a visual hierarchy by employing:

- Size: Using larger elements to emphasize important information.

- Contrast: Using contrasting colors, shapes, or textures to make certain elements stand out.
- Placement: Positioning important elements in prominent locations.
12. Alignment: Alignment refers to the way text or graphic elements are lined up on a page. It
creates a sense of order and visual stability, making the design feel more cohesive and
professional. Designers use alignment to:
- Create visual relationships: Aligning elements to indicate that they are related.
- Improve readability: Aligning text to make it easier to read.
- Enhance visual appeal: Creating a clean and organized look.
13. Harmony: Harmony refers to the overall sense of balance and visual appeal within a design.
It ensures that all elements work together to create a pleasing and cohesive whole. Designers
achieve harmony through:
- Color combinations: Using color palettes that complement each other and create a
harmonious visual effect.
- Shape and form: Using shapes and forms that complement each other and create a balanced
composition.
- Texture and pattern: Incorporating textures and patterns that complement each other and
create a cohesive visual experience.
Style in the context of art and design refers to the distinctive visual characteristics and
elements that define a particular artist, movement, or period. It encompasses the unique
aesthetic choices, techniques, and approaches that artists use to create their work. Styles can
vary widely across different art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, graphic
design, fashion, and more. Here are some key points to consider when exploring the concept of
style in art and design:
1. Visual Characteristics: Style is often defined by the visual characteristics that are consistently
present in an artist's work. These characteristics can include elements such as color palette,
brushwork, composition, use of light and shadow, texture, and subject matter. By examining
these visual cues, viewers can identify and distinguish one artist's style from another.
2. Historical and Cultural Influences: Styles in art and design are often influenced by historical
and cultural factors. Different periods in art history, such as the Renaissance, Baroque,
Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism, are characterized by distinct
stylistic features that reflect the social, political, and artistic trends of the time. Cultural
influences, such as regional traditions, beliefs, and values, also play a significant role in shaping
artistic styles.
3. Individual Expression: Style is a means of individual expression for artists. It allows them to
convey their unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences through their work. Artists
develop their style over time through experimentation, practice, and personal exploration,
resulting in a visual language that is specific to them.
4. Movements and Schools: Certain styles are associated with specific art movements or
schools that share common principles, techniques, and philosophies. For example, the
Impressionist movement is known for its emphasis on capturing the effects of light and
atmosphere in outdoor scenes, while the Bauhaus school focused on the integration of art,
craft, and technology in design.
5. Evolution and Innovation: Styles in art and design are not static; they evolve and change over
time. Artists may experiment with new techniques, materials, and concepts, leading to the
development of innovative styles. Evolution in style is often influenced by advancements in
technology, shifts in cultural values, and interactions with other artists and cultures.
6. Cross-Disciplinary Influence: Style can transcend individual art forms and disciplines. For
example, artistic styles in painting may influence architectural design, fashion trends, or graphic
design aesthetics. Cross-disciplinary influence allows for the exchange of ideas and inspiration,
leading to the emergence of new and hybrid styles.
7. Personal Interpretation: Viewers and critics may interpret an artist's style in different ways
based on their own perceptions and experiences. The subjective nature of style allows for
diverse interpretations and discussions about the meaning, significance, and impact of an
artist's work.
8. Recognition and Legacy: A distinctive style can contribute to an artist's recognition and
legacy. Artists who develop a recognizable and influential style may leave a lasting impact on
the art world and inspire future generations of artists.
TWO – DIMESIONAL ARTS
Two-dimensional art, often referred to as 2D art, is a broad category encompassing any visual
art form that exists on a flat surface and has only height and width. It is distinguished from
three-dimensional art, which has depth in addition to height and width.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects of 2D art:
Drawing: A fundamental form of 2D art, drawing uses various dry media like pencils, charcoal,
pastels, or chalk to create images on a surface.
Painting: Another traditional form of 2D art, painting involves applying wet media, such as oil
paints, acrylics, watercolors, or pastels, to a surface to create images.
Printmaking: This involves creating multiple copies of an image using a variety of techniques,
such as etching, lithography, or screen printing.
Photography: Photography captures images using a camera and light-sensitive materials.
While the resulting photograph is a 2D representation of a 3D scene, it is considered a form of
2D art.
Digital Art: With the advent of technology, digital art has become a prominent form of 2D art. It
encompasses a wide range of techniques, including pixel art, vector art, and digital painting.

What makes Philippine Art Filipino?

To what extent is Philippine art derivative of
Western art? Is there anything “Filipino” about,
for example, the Manila Wyeth school, the so-
called magic realists? How about the paintings
of Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos Francisco and
Hemando R. Ocampo, all of whom have been
identified in a big way with the native
sensibility?
The questions above are merely a rephrasing of
the old problem of national identity in the visual
or plastic arts. Admittedly, the issue is not as hot as it used to be, say, in the 1950s and 1960s.
But it is a question that will always haunt art watchers hereabouts, and which usually surfaces
in art forums.
Genre used to be a major consideration in determining the “Filipino-ness” of a work of art at
least in painting. The idea was that the depiction of scenes of everyday life and the
surroundings without idealizing them was closest in spirit to the Filipino soul and native soil.
(What saves the local magic realists from being completely derivative is their sense of genre.)
Thus, the pastoral or rural paintings of Amorsolo for a long time were considered to be most
expressive of the ethos of the race and the predominantly agricultural countryside. On the
other hand, the Filipino-ness of Francisco’s paintings inheres in his heroic-epic feeling for
history and myth.
It is true that the Angoon painter also did genre subjects, as in his paintings of festivals and
other town or población happenings. But he was most at home doing subjects dealing with the
history of the race, as well as its prehistory redolent with the musk of myth and legend.
Because of the abstract language or imagery used, it is not as easy pinpointing the reason why
some critics have described Ocampo as “the most Filipino” painter ever. We have to shift from
content to style here, to Ocampo’s.
unique painterly approach which is the
most original hereabouts in spite of its
surrealistic and cubistic beginnings and
underpinnings
We know for a fact that Ocampo was no espouser of “nationalistic” causes insofar as art was
concerned. As the lately departed painter from Maypajo used to tell us, whatever you are
painting or sculpting, if you are a good artist, your work will automatically be Filipino.

Indeed Amorsolo, Francisco and Ocampo were very Filipino in their art because they felt
strongly about what they were doing and painted well and memorably. In other words, insofar
as the critics and historians are concerned, the three were painters first and bearers of
messages second, or painters and message-bearers in equal measure.
A great deal of the confusion in cultural identity stems from the fact that Philippine art belongs
to the western tradition in its use of paint and canvas and other materials, as well as in such
influences as impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, cubism, pop, minimalism and so on.
The fact is that all the modern art movements in the ASEAN region were inspired by Western
models. Indonesia’s pioneering contemporary painters, Sudjojono and Affandi (the equivalents
of our Edades and Ocampo), used easel and canvas and are no less Indonesian thereby.
Malaysia’s Mohidin and Thailand’s Srisouta are also west-oriented, but they have not lost their
Asian, and national identities because of it.
How about our expatriates? Can the Spoliarium, executed by Juan Luna while in Europe, be
considered a Filipino painting? Is Macario Vitalis less, or no longer, Filipino, living and painting
in a village by the Breton sea for the last 40 to 50 years? Hasn’t Bencab become more “Filipino”
living and painting in London? Is Tabuena in San Miguel de Allende now to be considered a
Mexican painter? Choose your wild.

Lesson 2
Functions of Art and Philosophy
I. Topic: Functions of Art and Philosophy
II. Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Identify the functions of art;
b) Explain and discuss the basic philosophical perspective on the art;
c) Apply philosophical perspective real life scenarios;
III. Content: FUNCTIONS OF ART
Determining the functions of art can be difficult. This is because some art will serve a number of
immediately recognizable functions, whilst other forms of art might not have any discernible
function other than to be aesthetically-pleasing (and I use the word 'pleasing' very loosely
here).

Art serves a multitude of functions that contribute to its significance in society and human
experience. Here are some key functions of art:
1. Expression of Emotions: Art allows individuals to express complex emotions, feelings, and
experiences that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Through various artistic forms such as
painting, music, dance, and literature, artists can convey their innermost thoughts and
emotions to the audience.
2. Communication: Art serves as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic
barriers. It enables artists to communicate ideas, messages, and narratives to viewers, fostering
understanding and empathy across diverse audiences.
3. Reflection of Society: Art often reflects the social, political, and cultural context in which it is
created. Artists use their work to comment on societal issues, challenge norms, and provoke
critical thinking about the world around us.
4. Cultural Preservation: Art plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Through traditional arts, crafts, music, and storytelling, communities can pass down their
customs, traditions, and history to future generations.
5. Aesthetic Enjoyment: Art provides aesthetic pleasure and enjoyment to viewers. The beauty,
creativity, and craftsmanship in artworks can evoke emotions, stimulate the senses, and enrich
the viewer's experience.
6. Personal Exploration and Identity: Art can be a tool for individuals to explore their personal
identity, beliefs, and values. Artists often use their work as a means of self-expression, self-
discovery, and reflection on their own experiences.
7. Provocation and Critique: Art has the power to challenge conventions, question norms, and
provoke thought. Artists may use their work to critique social injustices, political systems, and
power structures, sparking conversations and inspiring change.
8. Healing and Therapy: Art therapy is a recognized form of mental health treatment that uses
creative expression to improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote healing.
Creating art can be a therapeutic outlet for individuals facing challenges or trauma.
9. Education and Learning: Art can be a powerful educational tool, engaging learners in creative
expression, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. Through art education, individuals
develop skills such as problem-solving, communication, and visual literacy.
10. Inspiration and Creativity: Art inspires innovation, creativity, and imagination in individuals
across various disciplines. The innovative ideas and unique perspectives found in art can spark
new insights, fuel inspiration, and drive progress.
It is also difficult to define what is essentially a
creative and free-reined process in terms of its
function or utility.
Having said that, some of the functions of art may
include:
Political
Social
Physical
Personal
Functions of art is an inquiry on what art is for.
When it comes to functions, different art form come
with distinctive functions, some may be functional
more than others.
The value of the art lies in the practical benefits from it. One may look at the value based on its
specific purpose or for personal. Personal Functions of Art Personal functions of art is highly
subjective and depends on the artist who created the art. An art may be created for expressing
self, for entertainment or for other purposes. Social Functions of Art If an art is opposed to
personal interest and for collective interest it is considered to have a social function.
Art may convey, message such as to support, to protest, contestation and other messages an
artist intends to carry at his work. Political Art is a very common example of an art with a social
function. Art can depict social conditions such as photography of industrialization and poverty.
Performance art like plays serves social functions as it rouses emotions for a common situation
a society has. Physical functions of Art This are artworks that are crafted in order to serve
physical purpose such as jars, plates, and jewelries. Architecture, jewelry-making, interior
design all serves physical functions
Other functions of art may serve culture, history and
religion. Music is an artwork used for different purposes
such events for culture, historical and religious
gatherings. Sculpture, poems, spoken poetry, movies
and other form of arts are used for its specific functions.
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON ART Art as an
imitation In Plato’s The Republic, paints a picture of
artists as imitators and art is mere imitations. In his
metaphysics or view of reality, the things in this world
are only copies of the original, the eternal, and the true
entities can be found in the World of Forms. Art is just an imitation of imitation. A painting is
just an imitation of nature, which is also an imitation of realty in the World of Forms. Art as a
representation Aristotle, agreed with Plato, however he considered art as an aid to philosophy
in revealing the truth. Art represents version of reality. In Aristotelian worldview, art serves two
particular purposes: art allows for the experience of pleasure and art has an ability to be
instructive and teach its audience things about life. Art as a disinterested judgment Emmanuel
Kant, in his Critique of Judgement, considered the judgement of beauty, the cornerstone of art,
as something universal despite its subjectivity. He recognized that judgement of beauty is
subjective. Art as a communication of Emotion.
According to Leo Tolstoy, art plays a huge role in communication to its audience’s emotions
that the artist previously experienced Art communicates emotions.
The philosophy of art explores fundamental questions about the nature, function, and value of
art. It delves into what makes something art, how we interpret and appreciate it, and its impact
on our lives. Here are five prominent philosophies of art:
1. Imitationalism: This theory emphasizes the idea that art imitates or reflects reality. It views
art as a representation of the world, aiming to capture its essence and beauty. Ancient Greek
philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were proponents of this view. For example, a realistic
portrait would be considered a successful work of art under this philosophy because it
accurately depicts a person's likeness.
2. Formalism: This approach focuses on the formal elements of art, such as form, structure,
color, composition, and technique. It emphasizes the intrinsic qualities of the artwork itself,
rather than its subject matter or external references. A minimalist sculpture, for instance, might
be highly valued by formalists because of its simple, geometric forms and the way it
manipulates space.
3. Expressionism: This philosophy emphasizes the artist's expression of emotions, feelings, and
subjective experiences. It views art as a means of conveying the artist's inner world and
connecting with the viewer on an emotional level. A passionate painting expressing the artist's
grief or a powerful piece of music conveying joy would be examples of expressionist art.
4. Institutionalism: This theory suggests that art is defined by the institutions and contexts that
recognize it as such. It argues that what constitutes art is determined by art critics, museums,
galleries, and other influential figures in the art world. A controversial example would be a
piece of "found art" like Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain," a urinal presented as a sculpture, which
gained recognition and acceptance within the art world despite its seemingly mundane origins.
5. Contextualism: This approach emphasizes the importance of considering the historical,
social, and cultural context in which an artwork was created and interpreted. It recognizes that
the meaning and value of art are not fixed but are influenced by the time, place, and
circumstances surrounding its creation and reception. Painting from the Renaissance period, for
example, might be interpreted differently today than it was during its original creation,
reflecting the changing values and perspectives of different eras.
What are the FUNCTIONS in art?

There are many reasons why artists create. First, proceed

with this caution: No piece of art can be "assigned" a function
(or functions), either in essay form or in casual conversation,
if it isn't first considered within the proper context. Trying to
classify function depends on context (where, when, and why
it was made). The contextual equation also includes you, the
viewer in thinking about what the work means to you, living
right now. Taking anything out of context can lead to
misunderstanding. The functions in art fall within the
following categories. These categories can, and (often) do,
overlap.

In the realm of art, various functions serve different purposes

and play significant roles in shaping the artistic landscape and its impact on society. Here are some key
functions of art:

1. Expression: One of the primary functions of art is to serve as a form of self-expression for artists.
Through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, and performance, artists can
convey their emotions, thoughts, and experiences to the audience.

2. Communication: Art acts as a powerful means of communication, transcending language barriers and
cultural differences. Artists use their work to communicate ideas, messages, and narratives, fostering
understanding and empathy among viewers.

3. Aesthetic Enjoyment: Art provides aesthetic pleasure and enjoyment to viewers. The beauty,
creativity, and craftsmanship in artworks can evoke emotions, stimulate the senses, and enrich the
viewer's experience.

4. Reflection of Society: Art often reflects the social, political, and cultural context in which it is created.
Artists use their work to comment on societal issues, challenge norms, and provoke critical thinking
about the world around us.

5. Cultural Preservation: Art plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. Through
traditional arts, crafts, music, and storytelling, communities can pass down their customs, traditions, and
history to future generations.

6. Provocation and Critique: Art has the power to challenge conventions, question norms, and provoke
thought. Artists may use their work to critique social injustices, political systems, and power structures,
sparking conversations and inspiring change.

7. Healing and Therapy: Art therapy is a recognized form of mental health treatment that uses creative
expression to improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote healing. Creating art can be a
therapeutic outlet for individuals facing challenges or trauma.

8. Education and Learning: Art can be a powerful educational tool, engaging learners in creative
expression, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. Through art education, individuals develop skills
such as problem-solving, communication, and visual literacy.
9. Inspiration and Creativity: Art inspires innovation, creativity, and imagination in individuals across
various disciplines. The innovative ideas and unique perspectives found in art can spark new insights,
fuel inspiration, and drive progress.

10. Entertainment and Enjoyment: Art provides entertainment, enjoyment, and leisure for audiences.
Whether through visual arts, performing arts, or literary works, art offers a source of pleasure,
relaxation, and cultural enrichment.

PERSONAL FUNCTION – communicates life experiences, emotions or feelings of an individual - EXAMPLE:

Expressive Art, Art Therapy

The personal functions of art are often the most difficult to explain. There are many types of personal
function, and they are subjective and will therefore vary from person to person. An artist may create out
of a need for self-expression, or gratification. S/he might have wanted to communicate a thought or
point to the viewer. Perhaps the artist was trying to provide an aesthetic experience, both for self and
viewers. A piece might have been meant to "merely" entertain others. Sometimes a piece isn't meant to
have any meaning at all. Art is often used to bring order to a messy and disorderly world. Conversely, art
can be used to create chaos when an artist feels life is too static and ordinary. Art can also be
therapeutic - for both the artist and the viewer

SOCIAL FUNCTION - addresses aspects of

(collective) life, as opposed to one person's point
of view or experience, enhances the shared sense
of identity of those within a family, community, or
civilization - EXAMPLE: Activist Art, Political
Propaganda, Ceremonial Art

The public art in 1930s Germany had an

overwhelming social function. The art directly
exerted influence on the German population, as
did the political and patriotic posters in Allied
countries during the same time. Political art
always carries a social function. Art that depicts social conditions performs social functions. The Realists
figured this out early in the 19th century. Dorothea Lange (and, indeed, many other photographers)
often photographed people in conditions we'd rather not think about. Additionally, satire performs
social functions. Francisco Goya and William Hogarth both went this route, with varying degrees of
success at enacting social change.

PHYSICAL FUNCTION – performs some service or

has a specific use - EXAMPLE: Architecture, Interior
Design, Furniture Design, Utilitarian Art, Crafts
The physical functions of art are often the the
easiest to understand. Works of art that are
created to perform some service have physical
functions. If you see a Fijian war club, you may
assume that, however wonderful the
craftsmanship may be, it was created to perform
its task in the midst of a deadly battle. A Japanese
raku bowl is art that performs a physical function
in the tea ceremony

Philosophy of art
philosophy of art, the study of the nature of art, including concepts such as interpretation,
representation and expression, and form. It is closely related to aesthetics, the philosophical
study of beauty and taste.
Distinguishing characteristics
The philosophy of art is distinguished from art criticism, which is concerned with the analysis
and evaluation of particular works of art. Critical activity may be primarily historical, as when a
lecture is given on the conventions of the Elizabethan theatre in order to explain some of the
devices used in William Shakespeare’s plays. It may be primarily analytical, as when a certain
passage of poetry is separated into its elements and its meaning or import explained in relation
to other passages and other poems in the tradition. Or it may be primarily evaluative, as when
reasons are given for saying that the work of art in question is good or bad, or better or worse
than another one. Sometimes it is not a single work of art but an entire class of works in a
certain style or genre (such as pastoral poems or Baroque music) that is being elucidated, and
sometimes it is the art of an entire period (such as Romantic). But in every case, the aim of art
criticism is to achieve an increased understanding or enjoyment of the work (or classes of
works) of art, and its statements are designed to achieve this end.
The test of the success of art criticism with a given person is: Has this essay or book of art
criticism increased or enhanced the person’s understanding or appreciation of the work of art
in question? Art criticism is particularly helpful and often necessary for works of art that are
more than usually difficult, such that persons not already familiar with the artist or the genre or
the period would be unable to adequately understand or enjoy the work if left to themselves.