Lesson 3.1.
The Meaning and Importance of Art
Introduction:
Art is very important in our lives. It constitutes one of the oldest and most important means of
expression developed by man. Art has been existent since men have lived together. In fact, in nearly
every country, art can be found in primitive societies. Art has been created by all people at all times; it
has lived because it is liked and enjoyed. A true work of art is made by man himself not imitatively,
but creatively. A true artist does not imitate nature but rather interprets it in his own way by selecting
the essential features of the subject and rejecting the minor ones.
Objectives:
1. Explain the meaning, nature, and importance of arts in our lives.
2. Determine the subject of art and its functions.
3. Reflect on the functions of art with regard to their personal contributions to the development of
art.
Content:
The Nature of Art
Definition of Art given by various authors:
1. Art is derived from the Latin word Ars , meaning “ability or skill”.-JV. Estolas
2. Art is taken from Italian word artis, which means craftsmanship, skill, mastery of form,
inventiveness, and associations that exist between form and ideas, between material and
technique.- A. Tan
3. Art is a product of man’s need to express himself.-F.Zulueta
4. Art is concerned with the communication of certain ideas and feelings by means of sensuous
medium, color, sound, bronze, marble, words, and film.- C. Sanchez
5. Art is that which brings life in harmony with the beauty of the word.- Plato
6. Art is an attitude of spirit, a state of mind- one which demands for its own satisfaction and
fulfilling, a shaping of matter to new and more significant form.- John Dewey
7. Art is the skillful arrangement or composition of some common but significant qualities of
nature such as colors, sounds, lines, movements, words, stones, wood, etc., to express human
feeelings, emotions, or thoughts in a perfect meaningful and enjoyable way.- Panizo and
Rustia
Common Essentials of Art
1. Art must be man-made
2. Art must be creative, not imitative
3. Art must be benefit and satisfy man and man make use of art in practical terms.
4. Art is expressed through a certain medium or material by which the artist communicates
himself to his fellows.
Art has particular importance in our lives. All the art that we see and hear have a purpose; they
occupy some place in our judgment.
We can communicate through paintings, songs, dances, and dramatic plays to highlight and
heighten the importance of certain events, keep them in memory and indulge in pleasure. We also
build monuments to remind us of the heroic deeds of great men.
Artworks are also valuable sources of inspiration. We are delighted by the books we read and
moved by the music we hear. Paintings, sculptures, and play capture our attention and stimulate
critical thinking. Modern architectural designs inspire us to plan and construct our houses
beautifully.
Through an artist’s work, we get a glimpse of the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs of the people who
lived in the period the artwork was produced and the external factors that influenced the artwork.
We also value and appreciate beautiful things as a consequence of our encounter with the arts.
Our aesthetic experiences can change our ways and behavior. They can transform us into highly-
cultured, dignified, and respectable human beings. The arts can beautify our humanity.
This explains why the arts is called the humanities. It brings out the good and the noble in us.
Through the arts, we come to know the changing image of man as he journeys across time,
searches for the reality, and strives to achieve the ideals that create the meaning of life.
Art appreciation is the ability to interpret or understand man- made art and enjoy them either
through actual and work experience with art tools and materials or possession of these works of
art for one’s admiration and satisfaction.
The Subject of Art
In any art form there is always a subject that serve as the foundation of the creation of the work of
art. A subject of art is usually anything that is represented in the artwork. It may be a person,
object, scene, or event.
Artworks that depict something easily recognized by most people are called representational or
objective arts. Painting, sculpture, graphic arts, literature, and theatre arts are generally classified
as representational, although some paintings and sculptures are without subjects. Music and
dance may or may not have subjects.
Artworks that have no resemblance to any real subject are called non-representational or non-
objective arts. They do not represent anything and they are what they are. They rather appeal
directly to the senses primarily because of the satisfying organization of their elements.
The Function of Art
Every art form has a definite function since it satisfies a particular need.
Four main Function of Art:
1.Aesthetic function- Through art, man becomes conscious of the beauty of nature. He benefits
from his own work and from those done by his fellowmen. He learns to use, love, and preserve
them for his enjoyment and appreciation.
2. Utilitarian function-With the creation of the various form of art, man now lives in comfort and
happiness. Through art, man is provided with shelter, clothing, food, light, medicine, beautiful
surroundings, personal ornamentals, entertainment, language, transportation, and other
necessities and conveniences of life. Art not only enriches man’s life but also improves nature
through landscape gardening, creation of super-highways, and through propagation and
conservation-of natural resources.
3. Cultural Function-Through the printed matter, art transmits and preserves skills and knowledge
from one generation to another. It makes man aware of his/her cultural background, making
him/her more knowledgeable and his/her life more enduring and satisfying.
4. Social function- Through civic and graphic arts, man learns to love and help each other.
International understanding and cooperation are fostered and nations become more unified,
friendly, cooperative, helpful, and sympathetic.
The Scope of Art
General Dimensions of Arts (Manaois)
1. Fine arts or independent arts- are made primarily for aesthetic enjoyment through the senses,
especially visual and auditory.
- Music,painting,sculture, architecture, dance and drama
2. Practical arts or useful or utilitarian- intended for practical use. It is the development of raw
materials for utilitarian purposes.
- Industrial art, graphic art, agricultural art, business art, distribute art, and fishery art.
The Origin of Art
The history of art began with that of humanity. Art dates back to the time when superstitions
and beliefs in the spirits are still very commom in every culture. Indigenous art in the form of
dancing,painting,music, and poetry accompanied ancient rituals and ceremonies. Men and
women of the early times perform dances to entertain, to worship their Gods and Goddess, or
to invoke success and blessings. Their music and poetry chronicles the life and works of their
ancestors as well as legendary origins of heroes, heroines, and gods.
Summary
Art is very important in our lives as it is concerned with the communication of certain ideas and
feelings by means of a sensuous medium-color, sound,bronze, marble, word, and film. All arts have
functions for people since they satisfy particular needs of people.
