NOTES for LESSON 1-ART APPRECIATION that life present us with many forms and opportunities for

communion with the arts. Try to

Introduction
consider the following:
Concern about the nature of man and society is as old as
humanity itself. Ever since man evolved some means of 1. A bank manager choosing what tie to wear together with
communication, either oral or written, he has seriously his shirt and shoes.
thought about and carefully observed his world and his
2. A politician shuffling her music track while comfortably
place in it. Man tried various approaches in order to
seated on her car looking for her favorite song. 3. A student
understand him and the world in which he live. The table
marveling at the intricate design of a medieval cathedral
below shows that art is one of the approaches that man
during his field trip.
used in order to understand himself and the society.
4. A market vendor cheering for her bet in a dance
Approaches
competition on a noontime TV program.
1. Folk Knowledge- Folklorist - has turned to common
All of the above manifest concern for values, (that is, what
sense, tradition, superstition and legends for the answer to
they consider as good), that are undeniably, despite
the mysteries of life.
tangentially (a completely different line of thought or
2. Philosophy – Philosopher- has emphasized logic or reason action.), artistic.
instead of accumulation and organization of empirical
Each person mention in our example above may have their
evidence or facts.
own perception of what is beautiful to them.

Plato had the sharpest foresight when he discussed in the

3. Law-Statesman- has strives for order and unity in society. Symposium that beauty (the property, quality or state of

being "that which pleases merely by being perceived

(Aquinas); that which is attractive, pleasing, fine or good
4. Religion- Theologian -has dealt with faith and the
looking; comeliness.),
relationship of the individual to the supernatural.
the object of any love, truly progresses. One can never be
totally content with what is just before him. Human
5. Ethics- Moralist -has fostered refinement among men.
beings are drawn toward what is good and ultimately,
beautiful.

6. Arts -Artist- has added meaning to life by interpreting and "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" as the saying goes. It
mortalizing beauty. is unknown exactly where or how this

(Sociology by Cordero and Panopio) idiom originated but it has been used in different forms
since 3rd century BC when it first appeared in Greek.
NB: Each approach has presented penetrating
interpretation of man, his world, and his relationship with The first person to use it in the form we know today was an
his kind. Despite the wisdom these interpretations contain, author called Margaret Wolfe Hungerford. She
however, they are sometimes wrong, only partly true,
included the phrase in her book 'Molly Bawn' (1878). It is
unsupported by reliable evidence, and usually unable to
another way of saying that beauty is subjective. What
specify the conditions under which they hold true.
(Sociology by Cordero and Panopio) makes it subjective is the fact that this idea of what is
deemed beautiful varies from culture to culture as well
There is nothing that grounds man, that is, collective man,
more concretely than the works of his hands. When Plato as from person to person within that particular culture.
claimed that man, more than anything else, is his soul and
The focus of the lesson is about this yearning for the
his capacity to think and Aristotle added that his being
beautiful, the appreciation of all consuming beauty around
social and political is what sets him apart from other life
us, and some preliminary clarifications on assumptions that
forms, these masters of thoughts (Plato and Aristotle) were
people hold about art.
disappointment because they missed out on one of the
most important aspect of man, that is,: his capacity to
create and appreciate these creations. The result of this
facet of man is what is called as art and the humanities. (Art 1. What is Art?
Appreciation by Caslib, et. Al)
According to Collingwood, the word art comes from the
Art is something that is perennially around us. Some people ancient Latin word Ars which literally means a craft, or skill
may deny having to do with the arts but it is indisputable (etymological meaning) or specialized form of skill. It is a
capacity to produce an intended result from carefully II. Brief Historical Background
planned steps or method. It is a theory and physical
The ancient world did not have any conceived notion of art
expression which is found in culture and human society.
in the same way that we do now. To them,
According to Solmerano, in his book Art Appreciation, the
art are only meant using the bare hands to produce
definition of art has generally fallen into three (3)
something that will be useful to one's day-to-day life and
categories:
existence.
1. Art as Representation.
Ars in the Medieval Latin came to mean something
Plato first developed the idea of art as "mimesis", which in
different. It meant any special form of book-
Greek means "copying or imitation". For centuries, the
primary meaning of art was defined as the representation learning, such as grammar or logic, magic or astrology
(the description or portrayal of someone or something in a (Collingwood, 1938)).
particular way or as being of a certain nature.) or replication
of something that is beautiful or meaningful. In the end of It was only during the Renaissance Period that the word
the 18th century, a work of art was valued on the basis of reacquired a meaning that was inherent in its
how faithfully it replicated its subject. This definition of
ancient form of craft.
"good art has had a profound impact on modern and
contemporary artist; as Gordon Graham writes, "it leads Early Renaissance artists saw their activities merely as
people to place a high value on very lifelike portraits such as craftsmanship, devoid of a whole lot of
those by the great masters - the like of Michaelangelo,
Rubens and Velasquez and to raise questions about the intonations that are attached to to word now.
value of "modern art- the cubist distortions of Picasso, the It was during the 17th century when the problem and idea
surrealist figures of Joan Miro, the abstract of Kandinsky or of aesthetics, the study of beauty, began to
the the action paintings of Jacson Pollock. While
representational art still exist today, it is no longer the only unfold distinctly from the notion of technical workmanship,
measure of value. which was the original conception of the word

2. Art as Expression of Emotional Content. art.

Expression (the process of making known one's thoughts or It was finally in the 18th century when the word evolved to
feelings.) became important during the Romantic distinguish between the fine arts and the
Movement with artwork expressing a definite feeling, as in
useful arts. The fine arts would come to mean not delicate
the sublime or dramatic. Audience response was important,
or highly skilled arts but beautiful arts (Collinghwood,
for the artwork was intended to evoke an emotional
response. This definition holds true today, as artist look to 1938). This is something more akin to what is now
connect with and evoke responses from their viewers. considered art.

3. Art as Form. Traditional Subdivision of Arts

Immanuel Kant was one of the most influential of the early The seven traditional subdivision of the Arts are:
theorist towards the end of the 18th century. He believed Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Literature, Music,
that art should not a concept but should be judged only on
its formal qualities because the content of a work of art is Performing, and Film.
not of aesthetic interest. Formal qualities became 1. Architecure - the art or practice of designing and
particularly important when art became more abstract in constructing buildings.
the 20th century and the principles of art and design
(balance, rhythm, harmony, unity) were used to define and 2. Sculpture - the art of making two- or three-dimensional
assess art. representative or abstract forms, especially by

The Formal Elements are the parts used to make a piece of carving stone or wood or by casting metal or plaster.
artwork. The art elements are line, shape
3. Painting - the process or art of using paint, in a picture, as
form, tone, texture, pattern, colour and composition. They a protective coating, or as decoration.
are often used together, and how they are organised
4. Literature - is a group of works of art made up of words.
in a piece of art determines what the finished piece will Most are written, but some are passed on by word of
look like. mouth, such as, poetry, prose, plays, novels.

Activity 2: Make your own definition of what is art in one 5. Music - vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined
sentence or less and explain its content in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and
expression of emotion.
6. Performing are basically arts or skills that require a human experience.
performance in front of public audience. Examples are
It uses arts to express their experience.
acting, singing and dancing. Other forms of the Performing
Arts include opera, theatre, magic or illusion performances, It provide general knowledge and intellectual skills rather
mime, spoken word, recitation and public speaking. than occupational or professional skills.
7. Film a form of entertainment that enacts a story by Art has been always timeless and universal, spanning
sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of generations and continents through and through.
continuous movement.
Literature has provided key works of art. Among the most
III. What is Humanities? popular ones being taught in school are two Greek
It is a study of how people process and document the epics, the Eliad and the Odyssey as well as the two Sanskrit
human experience. It uses arts to express their experience. pieces, the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
In the modern era, it is compared by natural, social, science
and even professional training to bring differences between These works purportedly written before the beginning of
humanities and other things. It Is intended to provide recorded history, are believed to be man's attempt at
general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than
recording stories and tales that have been passed on,
occupational or professional skills)
known, and sung throughout the years.
Humanities includes literature, modern and ancient
In every country and in every generation, there is always
languages, History, philosophy, human geography, law,
art. Oftentimes, people feel that what is
religion, politics, and art. As humanity is a way of expressing
things to the society and humans have been able to use considered artistic are only those which have been made
skills incredibly well which have traditionally fallen under long time ago. This is misconception. Age is not a
the humanities category.
factor in determining art. "Art is not good because it is old,
The ancient command 'Know thyself is a good starting but old because it is good" (Dudley, et al, 1960).
motto in the humanities, because an effort at self-
knowledge is the best and perhaps the only starting point The works of Jose Rizal and Francisco Balagtas are not being
for understanding the bewildering problem that is another read because they are old but because
human being. they are good. They are liked and adored because they
Looking into one's own self is itself a dangerous and meet our needs and desires. Florante and Laura
delicate operation, and many are the different charts for never fails to teach high school students the beauty of love,
that journey: humans have turned to psychology, one that is universal and pure.
philosophy and religion in their efforts to make it possible, V. Assumptions of Art (Characteristics)
preferably in combination with that most elusive and ill- 1. Art is UniversalArt has been crafted by all people
defined of human qualities, humility. regardless of origin, time, place and that it stayed on
Then there is the even more delicate task of applying this because it is p.4 liked and enjoyed by people continuously.
self-knowledge by an effort of creative imagination to the A great piece of work will never be obsolete. Some people
situations of other humans, or to the societies that humans say that art is an art for its intrinsic worth.
have constructed, in which we or others may find ourselves. According to John Stuart Mill in his book entitled
IV. Comparison between Arts and Humanties Utilitarianism, "enjoyment in the arts belongs to a higher
good, one that lies at the opposite end of base pleasure."
Arts Art will always be present because human beings will
always express themselves and delight in these expressions.
It is a theory and physical expression which is found in
Men will continue to use art while art persists and never
culture and human society.
gets depleted.
It has various forms like literature, performing arts and
2. Art is not nature
visual arts
In the Philippines, it is not entirely novel to hear some
It acts as a medium to communicate with the human beings consumers of local movies remark that these movies
about changes that took place in the environment produced locally are unrealistic. They contend that local
movies work around certain formula to the detriment of
Humanties substance and faithfulness to reality of the movies. These
critical minds argue that a good movie must reflect reality
It is a study of how people process and document the
as close as possible. The question is: is that so?
Art is man's expression of his reception of nature. Art is know it not as fact or information but as experience. An
man's way of interpreting nature. Art is made by man, important aspect of experiencing art is its being highly
whereas nature is given to us. It is in this juncture that they
personal, individual and subjective. In philosophical term,
can be considered opposite. What we find in nature should
perception of art is always a value judgment. It
not be expected to be present in art too. Movies are not
meant to be direct representation of reality. They may, depend on who the perceiver is, his taste, his biases, and
according to the moviemaker's perception of reality, be a what he has inside him. Degustibus non
reinterpretation or even distortion of
disputandum est (matter of taste are not matter of dispute).
nature. This distinction assume that all of us see nature, One cannot argue with another person's
perceive its elements in myriad (a countless or extremely
great number), different yet ultimately valid ways. evaluation of art because one's experience can never be
known by another.
One can only imagine the story of the five blind men who
one day argue against each other on what an elephant With experience comes emotions and feelings. Feelings and
looks like. Each of the five men was holding a different part emotions are concrete proofs that the artwork has been
of the elephant. The first was touching the body, and thus, experienced.
thought the elephant was like a wall. Another was touching
VI. Legal Bases:
the beast's ear and was convince that the elephant was like
a fan. The rest were touching other different parts of the The Appendix of CMO 20, series of 2013, clarifies the
elephant and concluded differently based on their subject: "The course aims to provide students
perception.
the opportunity to observe, participate, or otherwise
Art is like each of these men's view of the elephant. It is experience works of art in order to appreciate their role
based on an individual's subjective experience of nature. It
is not meant, after all, to accurately define what the and purpose in life. Students will be exposed to various
elephant is really like in nature. Artists are not expected to works of art, ranging from classical art forms to
duplicate nature just as even scientist with their elaborate modern art installation, performance art, indie films,
laboratories cannot make nature. enhanced e-books, and multimedia aesthetics. This works
3. Art Involve Experience For most people, art does not of art will be examined from an aesthetic point of view and
require a full definition. Art is just experience. By also as reflection or critique of the societies that
experience, we mean
produces them. It will build upon and hone the skills of
the "actual doing of something (Dudley, 1960). When one understanding, critical appreciation and expression of
say that he has an experience of something, he
one's view.
often means he knows what that something is all about.
When one claims that he has experienced falling in

love, getting hurt, and bouncing back, he in effect claims SOME QUOTES/COMMENTS ABOUT ART:
that he knows the endless cycle of loving. When one
p.5
assert having experienced preparing a particular recipe, he
in fact assert knowing how the recipe is made. 1. Art evokes the mystery without which the world
would not exist - Rene Magritte
Knowing a thing is different from hearing from others what
the said thing is. A radio DJ dispensing 2. Art is a discovery and development of elementary
advice on love when he himself has not experienced it does principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for
not really knows what he is talking about. A human use - Frank Lloyd Wright

choreographer who cannot execute a dance step himself is 3. Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves
a bogus. at the same time - Thomas Merton
Art is always an experience. Unlike fields of knowledge that 4. The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life
involve data, art is know by experiencing. A painter cannot off our souls - Pablo Picasso
claim to know how to paint if he has not tried holding a
brush. A sculptor cannot produce a work of art if a chisel is 5. All art is but imitation of nature - Lucius Annaeus
foreign to him. Seneca
Dudley et al. (1960) affirmed that "all art depends on 6. Art is not what you see, but what you make others
experience, and if one is to know art, he must see - Edgar Degas
7. Art is the signature of civilization - Jean Sibelius value for time or money while taking into
consideration the aesthetic and practical value (Collins
8. Art is something that is created with imagination
& Riley, 1931).
and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses
important ideas or feelings - Merriam Webster The Role of Creativity in Art Making

9. Art is the concrete representation of our most Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative
subtle feelings - Agnes Martin ideas into reality. Creativity is characterised by the
ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find
10. Art is a way of recognizing oneself - Louise
hidden patterns, to make connections between
Bourgeois
seemingly unrelated phenomena, and to generate
11. Art is the only way to run away without leaving solutions.
home - Twyla Tharp
Creativity requires thinking outside the box. In art,
12. Art helps us identify with one another and expand creativity is what sets apart one artwork from another.
our notion of we - from the local to global - Olafur We say something is done creatively when we have
Eliasson not yet seen anything like it or when it is out of the
ordinary.
13. Art is the most intense mode of individualism that
the world has known - Oscar Wilde A creative artist does not simply copy or imitate
another artist's work. He does not imitate the lines,
14. Art without emotions like chocolate cake without flaws, colors, and patterns in recreating nature. He
sugar, it makes you gag - Laurie halse Anderson embraces originality, put his own flavor into his work,
15. Art is to console those who are broken by life - and calls it his own creative piece.
Vincent Van Gogh Nowadays, being creative can be quite challenging.
What you thought was your own unique and creative
idea may not what it seems to be after extensive
LESSON 2
research and that someone else has coincidentally
What is Art Appreciation? devised before the idea the idea in another part of the
world. For instance, the campaign ad "It's more fun in
Art Appreciation is the knowledge and understanding the Philippines" used by the Department of Tourism
of the universal and timeless qualities that identify all boomed popularity in 2011, but later it was found out
great art. The more one appreciate and understand that it was allegedly plagiarized from Switzerland's
the art of different eras, movements, styles and tourism slogan "it's more fun in Switzerland" back in
techniques, the better one can develop, evaluate and 1951. The DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez claimed that
improve his/her own artwork. it was purely coincidental. Thus, creativity should be
Art is the product of man's creativity, imagination, and back with careful research on related art to avoid such
expression. No matter how perfectly blended the conflict.
colors of a sunset are and no matter how Art as a Product of Imagination, Imagination as a
extraordinary formed mountains are, nature is not Product of Art
considered art simply because it is not made by man.
Not even photographs and sketches of nature, though Imagination is the ability to produce and simulate
captured or drawn by man, are works of art, but mere novel objects, peoples and ideas in the mind without
recording of the beauty in nature. An artwork may be
any immediate input of the senses. Imagination is a
inspired by nature or other works of art, but an artist
cognitive process used in mental functioning and
invents his own forms and patterns due to what he
perceives as beautiful and incorporates them in sometimes used in conjunction with psychological
creating his masterpiece. imagery. Imagination is the ability of the mind to be
creative
In cultivation an appreciation of art, one should also
exercise and develop his taste for things that are fine or resourceful.
and beautiful. This allows individuals to make
Imagination is not constrained by the walls of the
intelligent choices and decisions in acquiring
norm, but goes beyond that. That is why people rely
necessities and luxuries, knowing what gives better
on curiosity and imagination for advancement. There are countless ways of expressing oneself
Through imagination one is able to craft something through art. This includes, but not limited to, popular
bold, expression such as

something new, and something better in the hopes of 1. Visual Arts - is a kind of art form that the population
creating something that will stimulate change. is most likely more exposed to and its variations are so
diverse. Some mediums of visual arts include painting,
Imagination allows endless possibilities.
drawing, lettering, printing, sculpture, digital imaging
A German Physicist Albert Einstein who made and many more.
significant and major contribution in science and
2. Film - refers to the art of putting together
humanity emphasized that "Imagination is more successions of still images in order to create an illusion
important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited of movement. Filmmaking focuses on aesthetics,
to all we cultural and social value and is considered as both an
art and industry. Examples of techniques uses in
know and understand, while imagination embraces filmmaking:
the entire world, and all there ever will be to know
and 1. motion-picture camera of also known as movie
camera
understand".
2. animation
In artist's mind, an artwork does not need to be a real
thing, but can be something that is imaginary. 3.computer-generated imagery

Art as Expression The art of filmmaking is so complex it has to take into

account many important elements such as lighting,
Expression is defined as the process of making known musical score, visual effects and direction
one's thoughts or feelings.
3. Performance Art - is a live art and the artist's
According to Collingwood, an English Philosopher who medium is mainly the human body which s/he uses to
is best known for his work in aesthetics, and the perform and may employ props and sounds. It usually
author of the publication "The Principle of Art", he consists of four(4) important elements:
said that "what an artist does to an emotion is not to
induce it, but express it.". Through expression, the 1. time
artist is able to explore his own emotions and at the
2. place
same time, create something beautiful out of them.
3. body
Colingwood further illustrated that expressing
emotion is something different from describing 4. relation between performer and the audience
emotions. In his example, explicitly saying "I am
Since performance art is live, it makes it intangible,
angry" is not an expression of an emotion, but a mere
which means it cannot be bought or traded as a
description.
commodity.
According to him, description actually destroys the
4. Poetry Performance - is an art where the artist
idea of expression, as it classifies emotion, making it
expresses his/r emotions not by using paint, charcoal
ordinary and predictable. Expression individualizes,
or camera but expresses it through words. These
meaning the artist has the freedom to express himself
words are carefully selected to exhibit
the way he wants to. Therefore, there is no specific
technique in expression. This makes people's art not a clarity and beauty and to stimulate strong emotions of
reflection of what is outside or external to them but a joy, anger, love sorrow, etc. It
reflection of their inner selves.
uses a word's emotional, musical, and spatial; values
Activity 1: Compare and contrast Creativity, that go beyond its literal
Imagination, and Expression
meaning to narrate, emphasize, argue or convince.
Ways of Expressing Art
5. Architecture - is the art and science of designing 6. musical score
buildings and other physical structures. A wider
7. scenery
definition
8. props.
often includes the design of the total built
environment from the macro level of town planning, Some genres of theater are: 1. Drama, 2. Musical, 3.
Tragedy, 4. Comedy, 5. Improvisation.
urban design, and landscape architecture to the micro
level of construction details and, 9. Applied Art - are the application of design and
decoration to everyday objects to make them
sometimes, furniture. Not all buildings can be
aesthetically pleasing. These can be seen in furniture,
considered architecture because the structure,
carpets, tapestry, embroidery, batik, jewellery,
lines, forms and colors are not beautifully expressed. precious metalwork, pottery, goldsmithing, basketry,
In architecture, the building should mosaic art, and glassware).

embody these three (3) important elements: 1. Plan, Activity 2: Discuss briefly each of the ways of
2. Construction, 3. Design. expressing art.

6. Dance - is a series of movement that follows the In conclusion, creativity is what set apart one art work
rhythm of the music accompaniment. Dancing is a from another. A creative artist does not simply copy or
creative
imitate another artist's work. He does not imitate the
form that allows people to freely express themselves. lines, flaws, color, and patterns in recreating nature.
In art expression dance has no rules.
While through imagination, an artist is able to craft
Dancers are not confined to steps and rules but are something bold, something new, something better in
free to create and invent their own movement the hopes of creating something that will stimulate
change.
as long as they deem them graceful and beautiful.
Lastly, through expression, an artist is able to explore
his own emotion while at the same time, create
7. Literary Art - The body of written works of a something beautiful out if it. Expressing emotion is
language, period, or culture. 2. Imaginative or creative something different from describing emotions.
writing, especially of recognized artistic value. Artist
NOTES for LESSON 3
who practice literary arts use words to express
themselves and communicate emotions to the INTRODUCTION
readers.
Aristotle claimed that every particular substance in
Why Literature is an art? Literature is the organization the world has telos (Greek) which means end or
of words to give pleasure; through them it elevates purpose. He added that "every substance, defined as a
and transforms experience; through them it functions formed matter, moves according to a fixed path
in society as a continuing symbolic criticism of values. towards its aim". A seed is bound to become a full
Literature is a form of human expression. grown plant. A cocoon can look forward to flying high
when it morphs into a butterfly. A human baby will
8. Theater - is an art that uses live performers to
eventually turn into a grown man or a woman. (Caslib,
present accounts or imaginary events before a live
et. al)
audience. Is usually follow a script. Important
elements in theater arts are: The telos according to Aristotle, is intricately linked
with function. For a thing to reach its purpose, it also
1. acting
has to fulfill its function. In Aristotle's view of reality,
2. gestures Man is bound to achieve a life of fulfillment and
happiness, or in Greek Eudaimonia. All men move
3. lighting toward this final end (happiness). However, happiness,
4. sound the supposed end of man, is linked with his function,
which is being rational. This means that to Aristotle,
5. effects plant can never be happy because they are not
rational. Man's natural end, his telos is connected with ceramics, glasswares, etc. Are referred to as utilitarian
his function, which is his rationality. (Caslib, et. al) arts since they are intended for practical use or utility.
(Solmerano).
Moreover, the telos, the function of a thing are both
related to a thing's identity. What makes a table a Roughly and broadly, the functions of art are classified
table is the fact that it does perform its function and into three: 1. Personal (public display or expression),
thereby, reaching its telos. If a table does not a surface 2. Social (celebration or to affect collective behavior),
on which we can put things, then it ceases to be a 3. Physical (utilitarian). (Caslib, et. al).
table. The same for the human being. What makes a
1. Physical function of art are the easiest to spot and
human being a human being. according to some
understand (Caslib, et. al) and are most easily dealt
school of thought, is his capacity for thinking for
with (Solmerano) Works of art that are created to
thinking, is his supposed function. Without this
perform some service have physical function.
function, the human being ceases to be human being.
Examples are architecture, any of the craftworks and
The telas, the function, and the whatness of a thing
e\industrial design (Solmerano).
are all interconnected. (Caslib, et. al)
2. Social function of art addresses aspect of collective
In contemporary life, the connection between the
life, as oppose to one person,s point of view or
end, the function and the whatness of a thing has
experience (Solmerno). Political art is a very common
become closer and more interlaced, suggesting
example of an art with a social function. Art may
something that the end is the function and vice versa,
convey message of protest and often, art can also
and that they determine what kind of a thing a thing
depect social condition (Caslib, et. al). Art that depicts
is. When one sees a new kitchen appliance in the
social condition performs social function (Solmerano).
department store, one tries to know first what
Photography, as an art form, delivers this kind of
function the appliance has. After knowing these
function by taking photos of subjects in conditions
functions, then one can claim to know the purpose of
that people do not normally take a look at or give
the
attention to. Picture of poverty may carry emotional
appliance and then begins to realize what appliance overtones that may solicit awareness or action from
one is holding on his arms. (Caslib, et. al) their audience. Performance art like plays or satires
can also rouse
Now the question is, does art necessarily have an
end? When an artist creates a work of art, does he emotions and rally people toward a particular end
have an (Caslib, et. al).

end in his mind? What function does an artwork 3. Personal functions of art are the most difficult to
perform? Does it have any purpose? Do all artworks explain (Solmerano) and are varies and highly
have a function? Does the function make an object a subjective (Caslib, et. al). An artist may create an art
work of art? This topic somewhat is an attempt to out of a need for self expression or gratification
clarify these questions. (Caslib, et. al) (Solmerano). This is the case for an artist who needs
to communicate an idea to his audience.
FUNCTIONS OF ARTS

Function refers to the direct and practical usefulness

of the art. (Solmerano). When one speaks of function, can also be mere entertainment for his intended
one is practically talking about the use of object audience. Often, the artist may not even intend to
whose function is in question. An inquiry on the mean anything with his work. An art may also be
function of art is an inquiry on what art is for. (Caslib, therapeutic. In some orphanages and home for
et. al). Architecture is directly and almost entirely abandoned elders, art is used to help residents
functional because buildings and other structures are process their emotions or while away their time.
always built for some special purpose. Painting and Recently, the use of adult coloring book to de-stress
sculpture may be used to narrate events, to portray has been apparent. (Caslib, et. al).
people or events, to instruct, to commemorate
individuals or historical events. Crafts such as metal
works, furniture,
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON ART dangerous because it provides a petty replacement for
the real entities that can only be attained through
1. Art as Imitation.
reason.
Plato in his masterpiece, The Republic, paints a picture
(Caslib, Et. al)
of an artists as imitators and art as mere imitation. In
his description of the ideal republic, Plato advises 2. Art as Representation
against the inclusion of art as a subject in the
Aristotle, Plato's student in philosophy, agreed with
curriculum and the banning of artists in The Republic.
his teacher that art is a form of imitation but in
In his view of reality (Metaphysics), the things in this
contrast
world are only copies of the original, the eternal, and
the true entities that can only be found in the World with his teacher, he considered art as an aid to
of Forms. Human beings endeavour to reach the philosophy in revealing truth. The kind of imitation
Forms all throughout this life, starting with formal that art does is
education in school. From looking at "shadow in the
cave", men slowly crawl outside to behold the real antithetical to the reaching of fundamental truths in
entities in the world (Caslib, et. al) the world. Aristotle claimed that poetry is a literary
representation
According to Plato, when one ascribes beauty to
another person, he refers to an imperfect beauty that in general. Akin to other art forms, poetry only admits
participates only in the form of beauty in the World of of an attempt to represent what things might be. For
Forms. Plato was convinced that artist merely Aristotle, all
reinforce the belief in copies and discourage men kinds of arts, including poetry, music, dance, painting
reach the real entities in the World of Forms (Caslib, and sculpture, do not aim to represent reality as it is.
et. al) Two What art
reasons why Plato was deeply suspicious of arts and endeavors to do is to provide a vision of what might
artists: be or the myriad possibilities in reality. Unlike Plato
1. They appeal to the emotions rather than to the who thought
rational faculty of men that art is an imitation of another imitation, Aristotle
2. They imitate rather than lead one to reality. conceived of art as representing possible versions of
reality (Caslib,
Poetry and painting, the art forms that Plato
particularly concerned with, do not have place in the et. al)
ideal state. Plato is critical of the effects of art, In Aristotelian worldview, art serves two particular
specifically, poetry since it rouses emotions and purposes: 1. Art allows for the experience of pleasure.
feelings and thus, clouds rationality of the people. As A horrible experience can be made an object of
such, it leads on further away from the cultivation of humor in a comedy
the intellect that Plato campaigned for. Likewise,
Socrates is worried that art objects represent only the 2. Art also has an ability to be instructive and teach its
things in this world, copies themselves of reality audience things about life; thus it is cognitive as well.
(Caslib, et. al) (Caslib, etr. al)

In the dialogue, Socrates claimed that art is just an 3 Art as Disinterested Judgment
imitation of imitation. A painting is just an imitation of Immanuel Kant in his third critique entitled the
nature, which is also just an imitation of reality in the "Critique of Judgment" considered the judgment of
World of Forms (Caslib, et. al) To the early Greek beauty, the
Philosophers, the arts then are to be banished,
alongside the practitioners, so that the cornerstone of art, as something that can be universal
despite its subjectivity. Kant mentioned that judgment
attitudes and actions of the members of the Republic of beauty,
will not be corrupted by the influence of the arts. For
Plato, arts is and therefore art, is innately autonomous from
specific interests. It is the form of art that is adjudged
by one who
perceives art to be beautiful, or more so, sublime. mechanism for social unity. Art is central to man's
Therefore even aesthetic judgment for Kant is a existence because it makes accessible feelings and
cognitive activity. emotions from the past and present, from one
continent to another. In making these possibly latent
Kant recognizes that judgment of beauty is subjective.
feelings and emotions accessible to anyone in varied
However, he advanced the proposition that even
time and location, art serves as a mechanism of
subjective judgment are based on some universal cohesion for everyone. (Caslib, et. al)
criterion for the said judgment. For Kant, when one
Activity 2: Among the four philosophical perspective
judges a particular
of art, choose one and make a critique or a reaction.
painting as beautiful, one in effect is saying that the
Conclusion
said painting has induced a particular feeling of
satisfaction from Art has remained relevant in our daily lives because
most of it has played some form of function for man.
him and that he expects the painting to rouse the
Since the dawn of civilization, art has been at the
same feeling from anyone. There is something in the
forefront of giving color to man's existence. Functions
work of art that
of art may be classified as Personal, Social and Physical
makes it capable of inciting the same feeling of functions. Philosophically art may be perceive as
pleasure and satisfaction from any perceiver, imitation, representation, a disinterested judgment of
regardless of his condition. simply a communication of emotion. (Caslib, et. al)

(Caslib, et. al)

For Kant, every human being, after perception and the NOTES for LESSON 4 - ART APPRECIATION: SUBJECT
free play of his faculties, should recognize the beauty t AND CONTENT
is inherent in a work of art. This is the kind of P.1
universality that a judgment of beauty is assumed by By: Caslib, Garing and Casaul
kant to Have. So when the same person says By: Solmerano
something is beautiful, he does not believe that the
thing is beautiful for him, but in a sense, expects that INTRODUCTION
the same thing should put everyone in awe. (Caslib, The primary stage of engaging with art is its
et. al) perception. Looking at art is much like any instance of
taking information or stimulus that originates from the
4 Art as Communication of Emotion world around us. For most art forms, , the beginning
Leo Tolstoy, the author of "War and Peace and Anna of engagement is through looking at the artwork. The
Karenina" provided another perspective on what is art eyes play a big role in mechanically making a vision
is. In his book entitled "What is Art", he defended the possible. However, like any tool, it is but one
production of the sometimes truly extravagant art, like component. What makes the difference is the
operas, despite extreme poverty in the world. For him, awareness in the process of looking where subjectivity
art plays a huge role in communication to its is essential in navigating through the artwork.
audience's emotions that the artist previously Subjectivity is illustrated in the way that
experienced. Art then serves as a language, a selective perception renders one or two details more
communication device that articulates feelings and prominent than others, prompting the viewer to focus
emotions that are otherwise unavailable to the on some details as essential or as standouts. Even the
audience. In the same way that language disposition or mood of the viewer, his education, his
communicates information to other people, art background, and his exposure to varying contexts
communicates emotions. In listening to music, in contribute to what information is taken in and how
watching opera, and in reading poems, the audience is they are interpreted. To herd all of these coherence
at the receiving end of the artist communicating his and intelligibility, the relationship of visual details
feelings and emotions. (Caslib, et.al) presented, the ideas and feelings that they cull, and
other springs of information may be consulted.
Tolstoy is fighting for the social dimension of art. As a In most cases, there are clues that mediates
purveyor of man's innermost feelings and thoughts, between the artwork and the viewer, allowing the
art is given a unique opportunity to serve as a viewer to more easily comprehend what he is seeing.
These clues are the three (3) basic components of art: based on images which can be found in the
subject, form and content. objective world, or at least in the artist’s
This notes will focus on the two (2) imagination which can be names or
components of art which are the subject and content recognized. Sub-categories under
of art. Forms of art will be tackled in the topic representational art include Realism,
Elements and Principles of Art. In simpler terms, the Impressionism, Idealism and Stylization.
subject is seen as the “what”, the content is the All of these forms of representational
“why”and the form is the “how”. arts represent actual subjects from reality.
Although some of these forms are taking steps
SUBJECT OF ART towards abstraction, they still fall under the
In almost art forms - painting, sculpture, category of representation. Representational
photography, music, literature, theater of dance - art is perhaps the oldest type of arts. It is the
there is a subject that serves as the foundation of the largest collection of artwork created and has
creation of the work of art. The subject matter is the gone through many phases and movements,
most obvious aspect of an artwork. It is what the work yet the principle of presenting the viewer the
of art depicts or represent. It may be a person, an recognizable subject matter has stayed the
object, a scene, or an event. The subject provides the same. (Solmerano). Example: Monalisa of
answer to the question: What is the work of art all Lenoardo da Vince
about? (Solmerano)
In the book of Caslib, et. al, subject refers to
the visual focus or the image that may be extracted
from examining the artwork while content is the P
meaning that is communicated by the artist or the 2. Non-Representational or Non-
artwork. Solmerano on the other hand has this to say: Figurative/Non-Objective - in this type, the
subject matter is the literal, visible image in a work, artwork does not represent or depict a
while content includes the connotative, symbolic, and person, a place or thing in the natural world.
suggestive aspect of the image. Usually the content of the work of art is its
The subject matter is the subject of the color, shape, brushstrokes, size, scale and in
artwork, e.g. still life, portrait, landscape while content some cases, its process. (Solmerano) Example
is not the subject or things in the work of art but it is Number 1A of Jackson Pollock
the communication of ideas, feelings and reactions
connected with the subject. When one look qt an The main difference between non-
artwork its content is what is sensed rather that what representational and abstract lies in the
can be analyzed. It is the ultimate reason for creating subject matter chosen.The artist begins with a
art. (Solmerano). subject from reality, the artwork is considered
In the book of Solmerano entitled Art to be abstract. If the artist is creating with No
Appreciation, it is stated that the subject matter of art reference to reality, then the work of art is
should not be the basis for judging work of art. It considered as non-representational.
doesn’t mean that representational arts are superior (Solmerano). Example of Abstract is the “Head
to non-representational arts. Some arts have a of a Woman”by Pablo Picasso.
subject, others do not. Furthermore, works that depict
pleasant subject are not necessarily greater than Sources and Kinds of Subject
works that depict unpleasant subjects. What matter For artist, where do they source the subjects
most in art is not the subject matter, but how well the of their painting? What do they paint? For non-
artist handles or present the subject matter in his/her representational art, a higher level of perceptiveness
work. and insight might be required to fully grasp the
feeling, emotion, or concept behind the work of art. It
Types of Visual Art According to Subject is perhaps easier to infer where the subject matter
There are two types of visual art according to comes from if the artwork is an example of
subject: representational art. From the figure(s) depicted in
1. Representational or Figurative Art the artwork, there is already a suggestion as to its
- aims to represent actual objects or subjects inspiration. (Caslib, et. al)
from reality. They are Artworks which are
 However, in discussing the sources and kinds art production. History as a resource
of subject in artworks, it is important to note that for artist in search for subjects brings into
these two are often inextricably related. Often, even a consideration events that are familiar
singular source of inspiration can yield multiple and sometimes even common or shared in
translations. The good starting point of the source of world context: the establishment of nations and states
and kinds of subject:(Caslib, et. al) (discovery, conquest and
colonization), and the resulting ideologies that they
1. Nature. Artists throughout history have breed (*democracy, liberty, freedom and
explored diverse ways of representing this source of rights). These works serve as documentary and
art. commemorative artworks that illustrate
Kinds of subject that fall under this subjects such as important leaders and
source include: plants, animals, bodies of figures; events as they were recorded to have
water, terrain of landmasses and even happened; and representation of
perceivable cycles and changing of seasons. ideologies or values. (Caslib, et. al)
One artist who was attuned with
nature was Vincent Van Gogh which CONTENT IN ART
saw art and nature as inseparable. Filipino As discussed in the beginning, in discussing
National artists who gained prominence work of art, the subject may simply be referred to as
from their painted rural scenes were the “what” but apart from what is made explicit, to
Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa. recognize and grasp the message of the artwork, the
(Caslib, et al). viewer may sometimes need to go beyond what is
visible and ask “why was the artwork created in the
2. Greek and Roman Mythology is another first place?
source of art and were ripe with references. Some of When this question is asked, we are after the
the art forms they took on were meaning or message that is expressed or
wall paintings, or frescos (technique of mural painting) communicated by the artwork. One of the foremost
as sculptural works such as bust, scholars that expounded on content analysis on
statuaries, and ceramics and pottery. (Caslib, et. al) meaning is arrived at is art historian Erwin Panofsky in
his work Meaning in Visual Art. (Caslib, et. al)
3. Religion. Another integral aspect of human
life is the distinct relationship with a higher controlling
power. If the belief system of
Greek and Romans was Polytheism with multitude of
gods and goddesses, the P.3
Judeo-Christian tradition stem from a belief in His method used is identified as Iconology
a lone creator of the universe or what is called which is the study of visual imagery and its
Monotheism. This tradition symbolism and interpretation, especially in social
has an immense influence in Western civilization or political terms, while Iconography is the visual
especially in art. Guided by host
images and symbols used in a work of art or the
of styles and techniques, various media and art were
study or interpretation of these.
also experimented with: paintings, frescos,
church architecture (over-all plan of To take on the challenge of understanding
the space, stained glass windows, tabernacles, and the content of art one should look into the
altars), sarcophagus (a stone various levels of meaning. Perhaps the most
coffin adorned with sculpture or inscription), icons, common is what we call factual meaning which
carvings, vestment, tapestry, pertains to the most rudimentary level of
illuminated manuscripts and other sacred meaning for it may be extracted from t he
scriptures.(Caslib, et. al). Example: the fresco that line identifiable or recognizable forms in the artwork
the Sistine Chapel created by
and understanding how these elements relate to
Michelangelo. Caslib, et. al)
one another.
4. History. Significant events particularly in
It is the literal statement or the narrative
the affairs of humanity are abundant references for content in the work which can be directly
apprehended because the objects presented are medium determines the way it can be worked on an
easily recognized turned into a work of art.
On the other hand, there is the The medium an artist chooses for a given
conventional meaning which pertains to work has an important bearing on how the work is
going to look, and not all media lend themselves to
acknowledged interpretation of the artwork using
the same expressive ends. For example, Monet’s
motifs, signs, symbols and other cyphers as bases
haystack pictures would not be effective cast in
of its meaning. These conventions are established bronze, that is obvious. To understand this is to go a
through time, strengthened by recurrent use and long way toward an appreciation of an artist’s work
wide acceptance by its viewers or audience and and, therefore, some discussion of media is in order.
scholars who study them.
Finally, when subjectivities are consulted, WHAT IS TECHNIQUE?
a variety of meaning may arise when a particular Solmerano explained that technique is the
work of art is read. These meaning stem from the manner in which the artist control the medium to
viewer’s circumstances that come into play when achieve the desired effect. It is the ability with which
engaging with art. the artist fulfill the technical requirements of his
particular work of art. It has something to do with the
For example, when looking at a particular
way he manipulates his medium to express his ideas in
painting, perception and meaning are always
the artwork.
informed (and even colored) by a manifold of
context: what we know; what we learned; what MEDIA USED IN SCULPTURE, ARCHITECTURE, AND
we experienced; and the values we stand for. It is PAINTING
therefore expected that meaning may not be
singular; rather, a painting may communicate SCULPTURE
multiple meanings to its many viewers. This is In sculpture, variety of materials are used to
what we call subjective meaning of art. create their art. These include hard materials, sound
Subjective art is the art that is created by and light.
the artist themself. The art is made based on 1. Hard Materials. This is the most recognizable and
popular medium of which most sculpture are created
personal feelings and emotions felt when creating
with. This is also the oldest form of sculpture.
it. Subjective art has been around for a long time,
Examples include: Statues, kinetic sculpture, and
but it has gained popularity in recent years due to
environmental sculpture.
the rise of social media and digital technology. Some materials used are conrete, bronze, clay
stone, marcle, granite, limestone, alabasterr,
NOTE for LESSON 5 ON ART APPRECIATION: MEDIUM sandstone, schist, soaptone, wood, glass, stainless,
AND TECHNIQUE IN ART aluminum, platinum, silver, tin, gold, copper, lead,
nichrome, nickel, palladium, titanium, zinc, diamond
WHAT IS MEDIUM? jade, ivory and ceramics. Some of the alternative
According to Solmerano in his book entitled mediums used by contemporary artist are: ice, sand,
Art Appreciation, Medium refers to the material which plastic and found objects. These sculpture may be
are used by the artist to create works of art and to often be representational, or may be created in
interpret his feelings or thought. Medium denotes the abstract forms as well.
means by which an artist communication his idea. The 2. Sound. is an intermedia and time based art form in
plural of medium is media. Many materials have been which sculpture or any kind of art object
used in creating different works of art thus, the produces sound, or the reverse (in the sense
medium is very essential in the arts. Without medium, that sound is manipulated in such a way as to create a
there is no art. However each medium has certain sculptural as opposed to temporal form or mass).
advantages and limitations. Some experimental artists create sound
The artist thinks, feels and give shape to his sculptures, meaning the three dimensional structures
vision in terms of his medium. When an artist chooses also produce sounds. This art may also be known as
his medium, he believes he can best express the idea sound installation because the sculptures are regularly
he wants to convey. The distinctive character of the installed in art galleries. Some famous artist who are
known for their sound sculptures are Alewxander Calder.
Hugh Davies, and Nigel Helyer. Sound sculptures differ acrylic polymer diluted tacky
from musical instruments in that they are not emulsion. It is with - can ruin
manipulated by a human player to make sound; they water soluble water brush if it
but become is not clean
simply make a sound on their own due to their design. water resistant thoroughly
This medium that makes this type of sculpture unique is when dry
the element of sound. 2. Encau is a mixed - it cools - Their sole
3. Light. Light sculptures are unique type of medium stic media immediat disadvantag
because they use various form of light or lighting to technique that ely, with e is their
create an aesthetic effect. The medium of light may use a involves using minimum need to be
heated beeswax drying kept in a
fractal manipulation or gaseous forms of light
to which time, yet molten
(electricity) to produce an image. Some light sculptures colored it can state,
produce light due to hard materials in a sculpture while pigments have always be although
other are nothing but light. The most famous light been added. reworked. modern
sculptures are Olafur Eliason and Dan Flavin (the creator The liquid/paste tools have
of the light sculptures made via flourescent lights) is then applied made this a
to a surface, relatively
Activity 1. Write down one or two strengths and usually trivial task.
prepared wood,
weaknesses of the hard materials used in sculpture.
although canvas
Material used Strength Weakness and other
materials are
ARCHITECTURE often used. The
In architecture, an architect uses building term is derived
materials as its media in the construction of buildings from Greek,
and other physical structures. Many naturally occurring meaning a
burning in.
substances, such as, clay, rocks, sand, and wood, even
3. Fresco a technique of - Frescoes - fresco
twigs, and leaves have been used to construct buildings.
mural painting last for palette is
Apart from naturally occurring materials, many man- executed upon hundreds limited to
made products are in use, some more and some less freshly laid, or of years. those colors
synthetic. A man-made material is a material that is wet lime If they are that are not
manufactured through human effort often using natural plaster. Water is kept clean affected by
raw used as the and dry, the strong
vehicle for the the colors alkaline
dry-powder will stay action of the
pigment to bright for lime in the
merge with the a very plaster and
plaster, and long are
materials. A list of these man-made materials would be with the setting time. somewhat
glass, steel, and concrete cement. They provide the make of the plaster, - Fresco vulnerable
up of habitat and structures including homes. the painting does not to
becomes an use atmospheric
PAINTING integral part of dangerou impurities,
the wall. s such as
In painting, media refers to both the type of
chemicals hydrogen
paint used and the base or ground to which it is . sulfide,
applied. A paint’s medium refers to what carries 4. Gouac Gouache (/ɡu - it can be - Gouache
paint’s pigments, and also called a “vehicle”or “base”. he ˈɑːʃ, ɡwɑːʃ/; re-wetted paintings
A painter ca mix a medium with solvents, pigments French: [ɡwaʃ]), -being are fragile,
body color, or opaque, it they can
and other substances in order to make paint and
opaque covers crack if not
control consistency. The following are examples of watercolor, is brushstro painted or
common paint media one type of kes or mounted on
PAINTI DESCRIPTION STRENG WEAKNES watermedia, other a rigid
NG TH S paint consisting marks. support.
MEDIU of natural Second, it - quality
M pigment, water, dries very gouache is
1. Acryli A fast drying - Dries - Makes a binding agent quickly in expensive
c Paint paint made of quickly hard to use (usually gum a matt and can be
pigments when it arabic or finish. hard to find
suspended in - Can be become dextrin), and in some
 sometimes places. colored overtime, are able to
additional inert pigments mixed and you manage.
material. Gouac with a water- never
he is designed soluble binder need to
to be opaque. medium, use toxic
5. Magna is the brand - dries are typically usually pain
Paint name of an quickly environmen glutinous thinner or
and can material such as solvents.
acrylic tally
resin paint, be diluted unfriendly egg yolk.
developed by with to both the 9. Water also aquarelle is ingredient Maintenance
Leonard Bocour water. atmosphere Color a painting s required and easily
and sold by - clean up and method in for get yellow
Bocour Artist easily humans, which the watercolo and prone to
Colors, Inc. in due to the paints are made r painting damage
1947. It is very hazardous of pigments could be because
different from VOC's suspended in a easily usually it
modern (Volatile water-based ... available uses paper.
acrylic paint, as Organic in the
it is composed Compounds) market,
of pigments they along
ground in an contain. with the
acrylic resin water
brought into that is in
emulsion free flow
through the use in every
of solvents. home.
6. Oil is a type of - their Slow drying
Paint slow-drying pai flexibility and hard to NOTES for LESSON 6 ON ART APPRECIATION – ARTIST
nt that consists and depth move on the
next stage in
and ARTISANS
of particles of of colour.
painting p.1
pigment - slow to
suspended in a dry,
Caslib, et al.- Art Appreciation
drying oil, artists can Solmerano – Art Appreciation
commonly continue
linseed oil. working Introduction:
the paint What is the difference between an artist and
for much artisan? This question is comparable to the issue of
longer what constitutes art and what is labeled as a craft.
than An Artist is someone engaged in an activity
other related to creating art, practicing the art, or
types
demonstrating an art. The term Art refers to the
of paint.
7. Pastel is an art It's a Usually it
making of tangible and intangible products as an
medium in the quick, paints on expression of creativity and imagination for purely
form of a stick, closely paper and aesthetic reasons. On the other hand, the Artisan,
consisting of related to this makes though stimulated by the same impulses in creating
powdered the the work is tangible or intangible products, produces craft which
pigment and a drawing fragile and are meant for decoration and are designed to be
binder. technique needs to be practical or useful.
, which protected Though there may exist a perceived
allows with glass. dissimilarity between an artist (a producer of art) and
agility and
an artisan (a designer of craft) in their relative cultural
spontanei
ty.
status, the distinction are not in quality or artistic
achievement but in function. (Solmerano)
8. Tempe also known as - it will cannot
In today’s advent of technology, it is
ra egg tempera, is not usually remarkable what now has been made possible. With
a permanent, yellow, attain the just a click of button, an array of overwhelming
fast-drying change in deep colour information is made available informing every aspect
painting color or saturation of human life. In this fast-paced and highly complex
medium grow that oil 21st century, there is a real and nagging fear that soon,
consisting of transparen paintings
t
everything may very well be replaced by computers
and robots that can arguably do things with more The impulse to create is at the core of human
precision. civilization, much like the impulse to communicate
This nihilist (a person who believes that life is through language. Early on, artist were embedded in
meaningless and rejects all religious and moral the development of culture, and in turn, art was
principle) notion is contested by whay are arguably nurtured by the varying cultures in which it existed.
the most resilient qualities of man, which is his The work produced varied from
creativity and imagination. And as long as there is a prosaic(ordinary/dull) to those that explored a wide
cultivation of both these qualities, no robot or range of aesthetic possibilities. Seen every day, the
artificial intelligence can replace man. interaction with these objects was intimate in the
The arts is one of the most significant ways in sense that their presence was experienced in a
which we try to grapple with how the present unfolds. multitude of ways and in all of the affairs of man:
In Robert Henri”s “The Art Spirit”(1923), he stated Ornamentation in tools and other surfaces, weaving
that Ärt when really understood is the province of patterns, in textiles, visual features and the
every human being.” It is simply a the question of design/plan for architectural structures, and ritual and
doing things, anything, well. It is not an outside, extra burial implements, among others.
thing. When the artist is alive in any person, whatever Artists even created places and spaces where
his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, communities may gather. There are numerous
searching, daring, self expressing creature. He become monuments and memorials that are plotted over the
interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, world such as the infamous Vietnam Veterans
enlightens, and he open ways for better Memorial in Washington DC. There are others like the
understanding. Where those who are not artist are cave paintings that have the aura of mystery like the
trying to close the book he opens it, show there are Pyramid of Giza, or have alluded comprehension like
more pages possible.”There is gap if one continues to the Stonehenge.
persist with the idea that art is something that is
detached from every day life. In what has been
reduced to a blur, it became more integral that man
pursues a better understanding of the world where he
lives. One of the avenues that makes this possible and p
exciting is the engagement with art and culture. Artisan and the Guilds
Artist have threaded a long history. Their roots Guild is a medieval association of craftsmen of
can likewise be traced in one of the major milestones merchants, often having considerable power or an
in human civilization. In the first episode of the video association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a
series “New Way of Seeing,” a project of by the The common goal.
New York Times’T brand Studio and jewelry giant
Tiffany & Co., art Critic Jerry Saltz (2016) underscore Have you ever wondered why some
the significance of not only the discovery of the cave examples of artistic and creative production have
paintings but also the paintings themselves. He survived to this day? Museums are packed with
asserted that “these first artists invented a way to get numerous artifacts and interesting objects from all
the three-dimensional world into two dimensions and over the world that have survived centuries for us
attach value to their own ideas. And all of the history to see. Magnificent structures that are often
of art flows forth from this invention.” He is appreciated not only for their historical significance
apparently referring to the drawings and painted nut more so for their aesthetic characteristics that
images of animals, hunting scenes, and a variety of render them unique, become tourist destination for
symbolic figures created during the Stone age. those who wish to explore and see the remarkable
Example of these are scattered all around the world, facade, interior, and even the minutest of details up
from France, Spain, Namibia, Australia, and Argentina close.
to name a few. Another contributory factor is the
Out of the shadow of these caves, astounding emergence of technology and knowledge in
headway was seen moving down history from Bronze managing and conserving all of these objects and
Age down to Middle Ages in terms of how man structures, enabling the retention of the integrity of
continued to utilized his surroundings to create the artwork and the intention of the artist in term
varying expression of his ideas and feelings. But the of design and overall aesthetic.
most integral development that allowed his identity of
an artist to fully emerge is the systematization and Craftsmen and builders in the past did not
sophistication that his world - the art world - has have sophisticated terminologies and principles that
become. architects and engineers abide by today. Yet, they
fulfill overlapping roles such as the draftsman,
architect, engineer, and even as builder. What they benefitted from the talents of artists, Spanish
have was a sense on how materials behaved, how colonial churches were were also lined with frescos
the environment, light, and weather patterns and ceiling paintings, with a number of them
affected structures, and other more intuitive undergoing restoration in the early 1900s.
principles of creation.
Project Kisame is a collective endeavour
Gothic cathedrals along with other structures among enthusiasts and advocates who aimed to
inspired by its architectural tenets have survived promote this art form through documentation,
through time, not only by their sheer durability, but engagement, and appreciation of surviving ceiling
more so through the articulation of the processes paintings in more than 60 churches in the
that they followed. An example of this would be the Philippines Technology and heritage conservation
Cologne Cathedral in Germany. It is one of the occupied a substantial part of this project.
many examples of the early Gothic architecture.
The account was that master mason Gerhard Ryle One example of a Spanish architecture that
started the project in 1248 but was only completed has been documented is the church of the Most
roughly 600 years later, claiming the record as one Holy Trinity in Loay, Bohol. Built in 1822, the ceiling
of the longest construction projects to date. paintings were rendered trompe l’oeil style
depicting biblical scenes. In2003, it became a
What is meant here is a kind of formalization National Historical Landmark. It was therefor
of craft education in which regulation was set in unfortunate that this church was one of those
place. Here, skill qualification was needed for an heavily damaged during the devastating earthquake
apprentice to register under a particular guild. that rattled Bohol in 2013. Photos taken by Project
These guilds were prevalent during the Middle Ages Kisame were able to document the beauty of the
particularly the 13th to 15th century, where towns ceiling paintings prior to its destruction.
had formalized groups of artisans or craftsmen who
took on a particular specialization or trade: From the church, the next patrons of the arts
shoemakers, textile and glass workers, carpenters, were the then new elite, the Illustrado or the
carvers, masons, armorers, and weapon makers, Middle Class, along with foreign guests who wanted
among others. Here, the practice of artist was not souvenirs to take along with them.
grounded on the idea of individual capacities or Two other genres for painting at that time
success; rather, in the commitment to work were the Tipos del Pais and Letras y Figuras. Tipos
together as a collective. Guilds were a type of social del Pais was a watercolor paintings that showcased
fellowship, an association structured with rules, the different local inhabitants of the country in
customs, rights and responsibilities. With a lifetime different garbs and clues to their occupation, while
commitment to a particular trade, an artisan Letras y Figuras combined the principle of tipos de
develops immense skill and expertise in his craft. pais and incorporated it as a means to illustrate the
Although the timeline is a bit skewed, the letters of one’s name or surname.
culture of artisans became prevalent in the
Philippines as well, particularly during the Spanish
colonial period. Formerly done in the spirit of
communal, patronship changed the way art was p
perceived. This was both the case for religious and
secular art, wherein the existence of artisans The establishment of Damien Domingo of the
proved to be immense use. It was through mimesis Academia de Dibujo is one key example that illustrate
(copying/imitation) that artisans first learned to the systematization of art instruction - a combination
depict religious images and scenes. of sorts of guild and the art school. Known as the best
tipos del pais painter, this school specialized in
Friars, being non-artists themselves, teaching the miniaturismo style of painting along with
provided the references that artists could use. the tenets of classical European painting. Eventually,
During the propagation of the faith, Spanish Friars other school emerged teacnhing other genres such as
commissioned a lot of artisans to carve, paint, and bodegones(still life) and paisajes(landscape).
engrave images for churches and public sites. Each
locality had a chracterizing style or feature in the The Artist and His Studio
way their depictions were made; the manner in The big shift that propelled the evolution of
which Boholano artists would paint saints and the pivotal role of the artist in the arts started during
scenes were different from those of Rizal or in the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance period in
Laguna. Like other Baroque churches that Europe. Most pivotal development included the
transformation of the craftsman to an artist or an The conferment of the Order of National Artist
independent artist; the widespread patronization of is the highest national recognition given to Filipino
secular art(alongside the continuous production of individuals who have significant contribution to the
works with religious subject); and the assertion of development of the Philippine art: namely, music,
cognition, the will, and the individuality. Before the dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film, broadcast
Renaissance period, artworks were left unsigned. arts, and architecture and allied arts.
Artists claiming authorship for their works by affixing The Order is jointly administered by the
their mark onto the surfaces of their paintings were a National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and
big milestone in the history of the artist. Combined, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and
these resulted in a wider variety of artworks, not just conferred by the President of the Philippines upon
in form, but more so in style and technique. The cite recommendation by both institutions. The very first
or place that saw this shift was a very personal space recipient of this award was the painter Fernando
for the artist himself, which is the studio. Amorsolo, who was touted as the Grand Old Man of
the Philippine Art. He was the sole awardee in the
Engagement with Art - Exhibitions year 1972, a National Artist for Visual Arts.
The defining roles and nature of exhibitions At present, there are 66 awardees of this
have had an interesting evolution, changing alongside prestigious honor across different art forms. Some of
the demands of the society that purports to partake in them were given the award posthumously, while
its display. In Anne Cline’s The Evolving role of the others were fortunate enough to receive the award
Exhibition and its Impact on Art and Culture (2012), themselves. The following are some of the honors and
she wrote that: exhibitions act as the catalyst of art privileges that a national artist awardee receives: 1.
and ideas to the public; they represent a way of the rank and title as proclaimed by the President of
displaying and contextualizing art that makes it the Philippines; 2. a medallion or insignia and a
relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences. citation that will be read during the conferment; 3.
In Paula Marincola”s What makes a Great cash awards and a host of benefits (monthly life
Exhibition (2006), it reads that “exhibitions are pension, medical and hospitalization benefits, life
strategically located at the nexus where artists, their insurance coverage); 4. a state funeral and burial at
work, the arts institution, and many different public the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Heroes’Cemetery); and 5.
intersect”. Exhibition create an opportunity in which a place of honor or designated area during national
the different roles in the art world to get meet, state functions, along with recognition or
interact, and even inter into discussion. acknowledgment at cultural events. The most recent
Aside from exhibitions, other opportunities conferment was in 2018.
for art engagement transpire in the classroom They were: 1. Lauro “Larry”Alcala for visula art; 2.
(instruction); studio visits; lectures, workshops, and Ryan Cayabyab for music; 3. Francisco Manosa for
other events that augment the exhibition (programs); architecture; 4. Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio for theater;
auction sales, art fairs, biennials, and triennials and 5. Eric de Guia (Kidlat Tahimik) for film; 6. Resil
other larger showings of not only artworks but also Mojares for literature; 7. Ramon Muzones for
where art personalities can flex their influence and literature.
authority. Publications are also good way to introduce The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)
the artwork and opens it up for appreciation, critique or the National Living Treasure Award was created in
and analysis. 1992 under the Republic Act No. 7355. GAMABA
conducts the research for the finest traditional artists
Awards and Citations (Philippine Setting) of the land, adopts a program that ensure the transfer
After an artist has spent considerable time in of their skills to others and undertakes measures to
honing his skills, establishing the relevance of the promote a genuine appreciation of and instill pride
body of his works, and even gaining respect from his among our people about the genius of the Manlilikha
colleagues in the art world, he may be considered or ng Bayan. It was first conferred to three outstanding
nominated for awards and citations. artist in music and poetry back in 1993. They are
One of the most common measures in which Ginaw Bilog, a master of the Ambahan poetry; Masino
artists and other creative producers are given Intaray, a master of various traditional musical
incentives and honor for their work is through state- instrument of the Palawan people; and Samaon
initiated and given awards and citations. The two Sulaiman, a master of kutyapi and other instrument.
major awards given to artists in the Philippines are the
Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining (Order of
National Artist) and Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan P
(National Living Treasure Award) GAMABA. The recipients of GAMABA are sought under
the qualification of a “Manlilikha ng Bayan” who is a
“citizen engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino
whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level
of technical and artistic excellence and have passed on
to and widely practiced by the present generation in
his/her community with the same degree of technical
and artistic competence”. This may fall under the
following categories: folk, architecture, maritime
transport, weaving, carving, performing arts,
literature, graphic and plastic arts, ornament, textile
or fiber art, pottery and other artistic expressions of
traditional culture.
Some of the incentives afforded to the
awardee are the following: 1. a specially designed
medallion;2. an initial grant of 100,000 and a 10,000
monthly stipend for life (this was later increased to
14,000); 3. benefits such as a maxumum cumulative
amount of 750,000 medical and hospitalization
benefits; and 4. funeral assistance or tribute fit for a
National Living Treasure.