Part 1 Lesson Learned from the discussed topic:

“SOULMAKING, APPROPRIATION AND IMPROVISATION”

Throughout history, art has served as a powerful tool for capturing and communicating the
events, traditions, and belief systems of different cultures. Even in ancient times, when resources
were limited, people found ways to create art as a means of recording their experiences. This
demonstrates the inherent human desire to preserve and share knowledge and stories with future
generations.
As society has advanced technologically, the methods and mediums through which art can
communicate have evolved. Art has become a vehicle for artists to express narratives and ideas
through symbolic representations. The artist becomes the author of the artwork, using their
creative skills to convey their message.
However, in the twentieth century, the concept of ownership and authorship in art has become
more complex. This is largely due to the recognition of the value placed on the viewer’s
interpretation and experience of the artwork. The viewer’s perspective and engagement with the
art now play a significant role in shaping its meaning and significance.
Art has always been a means of reflecting the past and sharing stories and experiences. With
advancements in technology, art has become more accessible and interactive, allowing for a
broader range of interpretations and experiences. The relationship between the artist, the artwork,
and the viewer has become more intricate, leading to discussions about ownership and authorship
in the art world.
Soulmaking: Making and Deriving Meaning from Art
-The process of deriving meaning from art is similar to how we make sense of language. Just as
we rely on semantics and grammatical rules to understand words, we also consider context and
symbolism when interpreting and analyzing verbal or written works. Similarly, when it comes to
art, understanding the visual elements and principles of design on which the artwork is based is
crucial for making sense of the work.
To fully appreciate visual art, the audience must have a certain level of awareness regarding the
style, form, and content of the artwork. Without this understanding, it becomes challenging to
appreciate the richness and depth of visual arts.
In essence, the act of deriving meaning from art involves engaging with the visual elements,
recognizing the principles of design, and understanding the context and symbolism embedded
within the artwork. This process allows us to connect with the artwork on a deeper level and
derive personal interpretations and insights from it. It is through this engagement and
understanding that art becomes a meaningful and enriching experience for the viewer.
Style in art refers to the unique way in which an artist, a school, a movement, or a specific
culture or time period handles the elements and materials of their work. It encompasses the
distinct characteristics and techniques that set their art apart from others. Throughout history,
various art styles have emerged, each representing different methods of artistic expression.
In addition to style, artworks also possess a specific form. Form refers to the overall arrangement
and presentation of the artwork, taking into account the principles of design. It encompasses the
textures, colors, shapes, and other visual elements that the artist has used to create a harmonious
(or sometimes intentionally discordant) composition.
However, art is not solely defined by its style and form. The content of an artwork is equally
important. It encompasses not only the physical attributes of the artwork, but also its subject
matter, underlying meanings, and themes. The content of an artwork can convey emotions, tell
stories, or provoke thoughts and discussions.
When perceiving and interpreting an artwork, it is essential to consider all these elements. The
viewer must take into account the totality of the artwork, including its style, form, content,
underlying themes, motifs, and composition. By considering these aspects, the viewer can
engage with the artwork on a deeper level and gain a more comprehensive understanding of its
artistic intent and message.
Improvisation
Improvisation in the arts refers to the act of creating or performing something without prior
preparation or planning. It is a spontaneous and often unpredictable approach to artistic
expression. In the context of the twentieth century, improvisation emerged as a reaction against
the perceived rigidity and predictability in the arts.
For many artists, incorporating spontaneity and improvisation into their work adds a unique
quality and individuality to the artwork. The unexpected changes and surprises that arise from
improvisation contribute to the distinctiveness of the final piece. Some artists embrace the idea
of embracing chance and allowing it to influence the creative process. For example, they may
seek to capture the atmosphere of an approaching storm or the beauty of a meteor shower at
night. Since they cannot control natural phenomena, they rely on chance and improvisation to
capture the desired effect. However, it’s important to note that the outcome may not always align
with their initial expectations.
By embracing improvisation, artists open themselves up to the possibility of unexpected
outcomes and new artistic directions. It allows for a sense of freedom and spontaneity in the
creative process, breaking away from traditional methods and encouraging experimentation.
Ultimately, improvisation in the arts can lead to unique and innovative artistic expressions that
challenge conventions and ignite the creative spirit.
When an artist creates a work of art, they usually have an idea of what they want to include in
the artwork. However, as they start working on it, they may change their original plan and make
decisions on the spot. This is called improvisation, and it is a part of the artistic process.
In the 1960s, there was a movement in New York City where artists started combining different
art forms like performance, dance, and visual arts. They created new kinds of artworks using
these different mediums. These performances were called “Happenings” and they were a form of
improvisation. They later influenced modern body art and performance art.
One important artist in this movement was Georges Mathieu. He started a style of painting called
“action painting” where the process of creating the artwork was shown in real-time. In this style,
the way the artist made the painting was more important than the final result.
So basically, improvisation in art means making decisions on the spot while creating an artwork,
and it can lead to new and exciting forms of artistic expression.
Appropriation in art refers to the act of taking existing artworks or elements from them and
incorporating them into new works of art. It raises questions about ownership and authorship in
the art world.
In the case of a painting displayed in a museum, the artist is usually considered the owner of the
artwork. However, during the twentieth century, there was a growing debate about whether the
meaning and interpretation of art should give ownership to the viewer instead of the artist. This
idea led to the emergence of appropriation artists who believe that the viewer plays a significant
role in determining the authorship of the artwork. According to this perspective, appropriation
artists can take elements from existing artworks and use them in their own creations.

Appropriation
Appropriation has been a common practice throughout history, especially for apprentice painters
who would copy their master's works to learn and improve their skills. This type of appropriation
is seen as a way to explore personal techniques and learn from established artists. However, there
are instances where people take the extreme approach of copying an artwork exactly and
claiming it as their own. This raises issues of authorship and can be problematic.
When appropriation artists incorporate elements from other works into their own, there is a risk
of losing the voices and perspectives of the original artists. The details and context of the original
works may be overshadowed by the appropriation artist’s interpretation. This blurs the line
between appropriation art and forgery, where a work is falsely attributed to a different artist.
It's important to note that the boundaries between appropriation and forgery can be subjective
and depend on the intentions and actions of the artist. Appropriation art, when done ethically and
with proper acknowledgment of the original sources, can be a way to pay homage, challenge
traditional notions of authorship, and create new meanings in art.
In conclusion
When an artist creates something, they want to evoke a specific response from their audience.
The artist is like the first audience for their own work. We usually think of art as something that
engages and enriches the experience of the audience, and artists use design rules to bring all the
elements together.
However, there have been art movements throughout history that have tried to break away from
the usual rules of visual art. Artists have experimented with different mediums and ways to
express their creativity. This freedom and creativity in art can sometimes lead to appropriation.
Art appropriation means taking elements from existing artworks and using them in new
creations. But there’s a debate about whether this is just appropriation or if it crosses the line into
forgery. Forgery is when someone copies an artwork exactly and claims it as their own.
The difference between appropriation and forgery can be a bit blurry. It depends on the intentions
and actions of the artist. When artists appropriate, they might take bits and pieces from other
works and incorporate them into their own. This can be seen as a way to pay homage or
challenge traditional ideas of authorship. But when it’s done without giving credit or trying to
pass off someone else’s work as their own, it becomes more like forgery.
So, the debate around art appropriation is about where to draw the line between borrowing and
copying, and how to give credit to the original artists. It’s a complex topic, but it shows how art
can be a source of inspiration and a way for artists to express themselves in unique and
unexpected ways
Observation on How the Reporter Presented the topic
Based on my observations, the group 10 has a well presentation. For the first reporter miss
MOBADAN, MARIAH FYBERT B. , base on her presentation, first she is just reading her
introduction I am expecting that she will explains it after but she did not, but in the midst of her
presentation she has full of effort to explain it , but the problem is she doesn’t provide any
images to support her topic.
For the second reporter, Miss ABELLA, MARILOU R. , she delivered her report with a calm
voice, she also add images especially to those individuals mentioned in the book and it made me
able to understand who and what she is referring to. For the third reporter miss EBRAHIM,
SADRA S. the way she presents is understandable, maybe because of the tone of her voice, her
topic was also interesting and she also provides an accurate information or details on her ppt.
And for the last reporter, miss ABDULLAH, BAI ELYSHAMAR K. , this reporter seems like
she is just reading her report , although she explains some part of her topics but it lacks of self
connections to it, but I used book so that I am able to comprehend it more.