Art Appreciation

Chapter 1

Meaning and Importance of Art

Chapter 1
Meaning and Importance of Art

Specific Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

● Discuss the different definitions of art from different artists

● Differentiate art history from art appreciation
● Characterize artistic expression based on personal experiences with art
● Appreciate the valuable role of arts through participation and intense involvement in
artistic activities

LESSON PROPER

General Overview Of Humanities:

◦ The word humanities comes from the Latin word “humanus”, which means
human, cultured, and refined. To be human is to have or show qualities like
rationality, kindness, and tenderness. The importance of human being and his
feelings and how he expresses those feelings have always been the concern of the
humanities.
◦ Humanities is the study of how humans have expressed themselves through the
arts throughout the history. - (Dr. Daniel Yagyagan)
◦ Humanities emphasize the dignity of man and recognize creative expressions.
- (Van de Bogart, 1970)
◦ Humanities is the expression of man’s feelings and thoughts. -
- (Zulueta, 1994)

Meaning of Art:
◦ Art is a subject under humanities. There is no universal definition of art since art
is subjective. It is subjective in the sense that people differ in their perception of
an object or thing. Some people may consider an object as something beautiful
and meaningful while others may consider it as ugly or meaningless. In other
words, different authors and writers define art in various ways as they perceive it.
◦ Etymologically, the term "art" is derived from the Latin word "ars," which
translates to "skill" or "craft." This Latin term evolved into the Italian "arte,"
which also means skill or craftsmanship. The Italian word "artis" specifically
 refers to human creative skill, emphasizing the aspect of human involvement in
the creation of art.
◦ The meaning of art has changed throughout history due to multicultural settings.
Thus, every time a new movement in art emerged, the meaning of what is art, or
what is acceptable as art, is being challenged.
◦ During the Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries), art emphasized humanism and
individual expression, leading to a focus on realism and the human form. This
period marked a significant shift from the more religiously focused art of the
Middle Ages to a celebration of human experience and nature.
◦ The emergence of Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries radically
redefined art once again. Artists began to reject traditional forms and conventions,
experimenting with abstraction and new media. This period highlighted the idea
that art could be more about the artist's expression and less about representation or
beauty.
◦ As global interactions increased, particularly in the 20th century, art began to
incorporate a wider array of cultural influences, expanding the definition of art to
include social and political commentary
◦ Today, contemporary art continues to challenge and redefine its boundaries.
Movements such as street art and performance art question the traditional art
world by bringing art into public spaces and everyday life. This on-going
evolution reflects a broader understanding that art can serve as a vehicle for
dialogue about identity, politics, and society, rather than merely a pursuit of
aesthetic beauty.
Some Definitions of Art
 Art is a product of man’s need to express himself. - F. Zulueta
 Art concerned itself with the communication of certain ideas and feelings and by
means of form and film. - C. Sanchez
 Art is that which brings life in harmony with the world. - Plato
 Art is not what you see but you make others see. – Geogia O’Keeffe

Four (4) Common Essentials of Art

1. Art is man-made, not God-made

2. Art is creative, not imitative
3. Art benefits and satisfies man-when he uses art in practical life through artistic
principles, taste, and skills.
4. Art is expressed through a certain medium or material by which the artist
communicates himself to his fellows.
Assumptions of Art

1. Art is Universal. Art exists because it is important to people’s lives. It is the

oldest and most important means of expression developed by man in any culture.
Art immortalizes man and his marvelous achievements. Literature and history
provide us with all evidences about the timelessness and universal value of art
and its unique contribution to mankind.

2. Art is not Nature. In understanding this assumption, we should first see the
meaning of the two terminologies. Art is made by man using his skills,
craftsmanship, creativity and imagination. It is far different from nature. Man
may consider nature as an inspiration to create an artwork.
Nature- Divine model, work of God, or God made. We are often caught in
a dilemma or situation wherein we get confused if we can consider nature as art.
Art and nature are two different things, art is not nature and nature is not art. Art
is man-made and nature is God-made.

3. Art involves Experience. All art requires experience. Experience is the actual
doing of something. One can never experience art just by hearsay alone. One
cannot judge a song or painting not unless he heard or saw it in an actual sense.
No one can speak of pains and hurt from a failed relationship, the heightened
emotions of falling in love not unless he experienced it for himself. The first and
last demand of art is experience.
Two Characteristics of Experience:
a) Experience of art is subjective. Our judgement of art is highly personal
and individual. Any claims that his/her experience with art is better than
others proves to be impossible. Not everybody will agree with our own
experience with art.
b) Art experience is accompanied by emotional response. Initial reaction in
such an experience of art is inevitable. We may either like or dislike it. We
can say that it’s beautiful or it’s not good at all. Others will say it’s
frustrating, and some will say it’s great. For this reason, our reactions to
the arts differ from one another.

4. Art is cultural. Art contributes to the understanding of past and present

cultures. Through art, people learn about their culture’s values and strengthen
their culture’s identity. Through art, the people feel proud of their customs,
traditions, and beliefs because they give a sense of belonging.

5. Art as Expression. Art is an expression of an individual, making known his

thoughts or feelings. It means that the work of art reflects the artist’s personality,
 background or even personal circumstances. Expression is an avenue for the artist
to explore more about his emotion and creating something beautiful out of them.

Why is Art important?

● Art improves your creativity skills.

● Art gives you joy satisfaction.
● Art relieves stress.
● Art gives you the opportunity to showcase your talent.
● Art gives confidence in our performance.
● Art helps you do well academically.
● Art helps you to express your emotions.
● Art is a different language because it can express things without words.

Art Appreciation

Art appreciation can be defined as follows:

● Art appreciation is the ability to interpret and understand man-made arts and
enjoy them through actual work experience with art tools and materials.
● Art appreciation is the possession of the works of art for one’s admiration and
satisfaction.
● Art appreciation refers to the knowledge and understanding of the general and
everlasting qualities that classify all great arts.
● Art appreciation is the introduction and exploration of visual and performing art
forms.
● Art appreciation is the analysis of the form of an artwork to general audience to
enhance their enjoyment and satisfaction of the works of art.

Importance of Art Appreciation

 Art Appreciation helps the person make sense of his world by broadening his
experience and understanding of the things around him.
 It can help the person imagine even the unimaginable.
 It is able to connect a person’s life and experience the past, the present, and the
future or sometimes simultaneously.
 It can help transport the individual to different places and culture through literature,
films, visual arts, and other forms of art.
 It allows the individual to see himself, his family dynamics as well as his community
through different lens of great art.
  It enables the individual to better empathize with those who suffered and endured for
their lives through great art forms.

The Role of Creativity and Imagination in Art Making

 Creativity is the ability to think beyond usual limits, helping artists come up with
new ideas and solutions. It involves not only making new artworks but also trying
out new techniques and styles that challenge the norm.

 Imagination is the ability to picture possibilities beyond the real world. In art, it
lets artists create pieces that show their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences,
often leading to works that make people think and feel inspired.

 Together, creativity and imagination allow artists to push limits, try different
forms, and tell complex stories, enriching culture and helping people understand
the human experience better.

References/Additional Resources/Readings

https://wikieducator.org/Art_Appreciation_and_Techniques/Module_1

https://www.academia.edu/23038351/The_Nature_of_Art_and_Creativity

https://www.slideshare.net/janril/subject-and-content-of-arts

https://slideplayer.com/slide/10709280/

https://www.bartleby.com/essay/The-Essential-Nature-Of-Art-PKNJMA4CPL9X

Ariola, Mariano M. (2018) Art Appreciation. Intramuros, Manila: Unlimited Books Library
Services & Publishing Inc.

Capili, M. F. et.al. (2010) HUMANITIES: Art Apprecaition. Plaridel Bulacan: TCS-Publishing

House.