Introduction to Art Appreciation
● Definition of Art:
○ Derived from the Latin word Ars, meaning a craft or specialized skill.
○ It refers to human creativity and expression in visual, auditory, or performing
works.
○ Plato described art as “the object of a love that truly progresses” in his
Symposium.
● Aesthetics:
○ A branch of philosophy dealing with the nature, creation, and appreciation of
beauty in art.
○ Goes beyond personal preference and reflects cultural and social values.
Assumptions of Art
1. Art is Universal – Found across all cultures and generations.
2. Art is Not Nature – It is a human creation, not something naturally occurring.
3. Art Involves Experience – Artists develop their craft through practice and exposure.
Art as a Product of Imagination
● Imagination is limitless and allows people to create unique and new artistic expressions.
● Jean-Paul Sartre stated that "Art is a creative work that depicts the world in a different
light and perspective."
Genres of Art
1. Visual Arts – Includes painting, sculpture, photography, and architecture.
2. Film – Art of moving images, can be animation, CGI, or live-action.
3. Performance Art – Live art involving the human body, props, or sound.
4. Poetry Performance – Expressing emotions through spoken word.
5. Architecture – The creation of beautiful and functional buildings.
6. Dance – A sequence of rhythmic movements.
7. Literary Art – Writing that emphasizes style and creativity.
8. Theater – Live performances depicting real or fictional events.
9. Applied Arts – Art integrated into everyday objects (e.g., fashion, industrial design).
Functions of Art
1. Personal Function
○ Provides emotional expression, self-reflection, and entertainment.
○ Educates the senses to appreciate form, texture, and design.
2. Social Function
○ Reflects societal values, history, and collective experiences.
○ Used in propaganda, activism, and public displays (e.g., Spoliarium by Juan
Luna).
○ Found in advertising, religious rituals, and public memorials.
3. Physical Function
○ Art applied to utilitarian objects (e.g., architecture, furniture).
○ Balances aesthetics with practical use.
Music
● Definition: The art of arranging sound in time to create expressive compositions.
● Elements of Music:
1. Melody – A sequence of musical notes that sound pleasing.
2. Harmony – Combination of multiple notes played together.
3. Rhythm – The timing of musical sounds and silences.
4. Dynamics – Variation in loudness or softness of music.
5. Timbre – Unique quality of a sound that differentiates instruments or voices.
Architecture
● Definition: The art and science of designing and constructing buildings and structures.
● From Latin architectura, meaning master builder.
Types of Architectural Structures
1. Stone Architecture – Uses massive, durable stones (e.g., Stonehenge).
2. Brick Architecture – Built using bricks, common in regions without natural stone.
3. Wood Architecture – Flexible and widely used material.
4. Cast Iron Architecture – Popular in the Industrial Revolution (Eiffel Tower).
5. Steel Architecture – Stronger and more expensive than cast iron (Burj Khalifa).
6. Concrete Architecture – Most widely used material in modern structures (Pantheon).
7. Shell Architecture – Thin concrete shells with no interior columns (Oceanografic
Valencia).
Architectural Forms
● Post-and-Lintel – Horizontal beams supported by vertical posts (e.g., Greek temples).
● Arch – Curved structure providing strength and acting as a gateway.
● Vault – Extended arch forming a ceiling.
● Truss – A triangular framework used in bridges and buildings.
● Dome – A hollow, half-spherical structure (St. Peter’s Basilica).
● Buttress – Provides structural support to walls (Gothic cathedrals).
History of Architecture
Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)
● Bahay na Bato – Traditional stone house of noble Filipinos.
● Intramuros – Fortified city of Manila.
● Fort Santiago – Military fortress in Manila.
● San Agustin Church – Oldest surviving church in the Philippines.
● Cape Bojeador Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse in Ilocos Norte.
American Colonial Period (1898–1946)
● Manila Hotel – Built in 1909, a historic 5-star hotel.
● Manila Metropolitan Theater – An American-era performance venue.
● Silliman Hall – Oldest standing American structure in the Philippines.
Post-WWII Architecture
● Parish of the Holy Sacrifice – A landmark chapel at UP Diliman.
● Antipolo Church – Rebuilt after its destruction in WWII.
● Coconut Palace – A bahay kubo-inspired mansion.
Sculpture
● Definition: The art of carving, molding, or assembling materials into three-dimensional
forms.
● From Latin sculpere, meaning "to carve."
Types of Sculpture
1. Round Sculpture (Free-Standing Sculpture)
○ Can be viewed from all angles (e.g., UP Oblation).
2. Relief Sculpture – Attached to a background surface.
○ High Relief – Almost freestanding but still attached (Frieze of National Museum).
○ Low Relief (Bas Relief) – Shallow and flat (Egyptian limestone relief).
Sculptural Techniques
1. Additive Sculpture – Material is added to form the shape.
2. Subtractive Sculpture – Material is removed to create the form.
3. Carving – Cutting away material (Wooden santos in churches).
4. Molding – Shaping soft material like clay.
5. Casting – Making molds for mass production (Bronze statues).
6. Assemblage – Combining different objects (Junk art sculptures).
Notable Sculptures
● Jose Rizal Monument – In Luneta Park, commemorating the national hero.
● UP Oblation – Symbolizing academic freedom.
● Statue of Liberty – Gift from France to the U.S.
Key Takeaways
● Art is a universal and evolving form of human expression.
● It serves personal, social, and physical functions in society.
● Architecture and sculpture are key forms of visual arts with historical significance.
● Music, theater, dance, and literature are dynamic forms of artistic expression.
