CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE

ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

Veronica E. Ramirez
DESCRIPTION APPLIED TO CONTEMPORARY ART
Lesson 5
 THIS LESSON WILL ENABLE YOU TO:

• Analyze the method of description of contemporary

artwork’s matter, medium, and form.
• Describe contemporary artwork guided by the
questions pertinent to every element that constitute
description.
• Apply a description to a sample contemporary
artwork.
3 ELEMENTS THAT CONSTITUTE DESCRIPTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART:

• There are three elements that constitute description of contemporary art: what are the
artworks (subject matter), what materials/medium were used in the process of art-
making, and the art form. At this point, we do not yet make any judgment.
Subject matter is what you see that is depicted on the artwork. It may be a
human form where the figure are engage in an activity, or combination of texture and
color. It may be a figure made from found objects put together or assembled into a
coherent whole.

Material is what the artwork is made of. It can also be a combination of object used in
the artwork.

Art elements and principle refer to the physical qualities of the image. The artist
uses color, lines, shape, and other elements to create visual images. These are
arranged into an organized manner that observes unity, harmony, rhythm, or other
principles of design in a creative way.
TO GUIDE IN DESCRIBING THE CONTEMPORARY ARTWORK THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS
THAT YOU CAN ANSWER UNDER EACH ELEMENT .

• The subject matter • What is the main figure in the artwork?

• How is the main figure place within the artistic
frame?
• How do the other figures in the artwork relate to the
main figure?

• The materials
• What are the materials or objects used by the artist?
• Do these materials bring out the intended effect of
the artist?
• If the artist chose other materials, do you think the
same effect will be achieved? Why and how?
 • What are the dominants elements in th artwork?
The Art Elements and Principles
• How are these used in the artwork?
• How are line,shape,or volume use within the
artwork?
• How are texture,movement,or space used within
the artwork?
• What are the unifying features in the artist
composition?
• Are there any variations among the repeated
elements ?
• How does the art form appeal to the visual sense?
LET US APPLY THE THREE ELEMENTS THAT CONSTITUTE DESCRIPTION ON MICHAEL
SCULPTURE , BALLOON(SEE PAGE 23)

• The Subject Matter • The are two figures In the sculpture,one higher
Female and the other, lower (male). They are
attached to each other in art manual. Way the
• What is the main figure In the
male Holding on the Foot of the female
artwork?
Upward by balloons. Each figure Has his/her
One hands up in the air. The lower figure has
• How Is the main figure Place Within his leg holding on to the staircase while the
the artist Frame? other leg is bend in the air. The female figure
is in the position.
 The Art Elements and Principles • Perfect balance is achieved in the
• What are the dominant element in the sculpture. The weight of the two figures
artwork? is supported by the two legs of the
ladder which is standing freely and not
• How are these used in the artwork ? attached to the wall. The only
connection of the two figures to the
• How are line, shape, or volume used ladder is the lower figures foot that is
within the artistic frame? pointed and attached on one step of
• How are texture, movement, or space the ladder. From the head of the higher
used within the artistic frame?
• What are the unifying features in the
artistic composition?
• Are there any variations among the
repeated elements?
• How does art form appeal to the visual
sense?
The materials • Cacnio use brass for this sculpture.
He has mastery in the use of this
• what are the materials used by the
medium as shown in the figures big
artist?
and small parts. We note that torso
• Do these materials bring out the is a must that is welded smoothly.
intended effect of the artist? The fingers, although tiny, are done
• If the artist chose another materials with precision. The balloons are
do you think the same effect will be printed add variety to the dominant
achieved? why and how? color, gold. The whole piece is
standing on a rectangular block
which also bears the signature of
the artist.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What are the three elements constitute description in contemporartary art.
2. Define each element by citing the scope of each one.
3. Do you think brass is the best material for Canio’s sculpture? Explain your answer.

APPLICATION FOR MAJOR

CONCEPTS
1. Art form is achieved in the sculpture by_________________.
2. The sculpture appears light despite the brass material because ____________.
3. It can be said that the artist has achieved mastery ofuse of the material because
___________.
 INDEPENDENT WORK
Describe the painting Puerto Galera IV by Pacita Abad on p. 22. Use the
three elements that constitute description in contemporary art.
The subject matter What is the main figure in the artwork?
How do the other figures in the artwork relate to the main
figure?

What are the materials or medium used by the artists?

The materials Do this medium bring out the intended effect of the artists?
If the artists chose another medium, do you think the same
effect will be achieved? Why and how?

The art elements and principles What are the dominant elements in the artwork?
How are these used in the artwork?
How does the artist use line to define shape and volume?
How is space used within the artistic frame?
What are the unifying features in the composition?
What variations appear among repeated elements?
How does the object appeal to the tactile as well as visual
sense?
INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS IN
CONTEMPORARY ARTS
Lesson 6
THIS LESSON WILL ENABLE YOU TO:
1. Explain the different philosophies that guide the
perception and practice of art-making.
2. Differentiate between modern and post-modern art.
3. Analyze the method and analysis of interpretation that
can be use for contemporary arts appreciation .
 It was the philosopher Imannuel Kant who laid the philosophical
foundation for artistic for modernism that influenced contemporary
artist. According to Kant, the viewers of art should put themselves in a
state of sensory awareness, give up their personal interests and not
associate art with anything when they respond to it. Therefore, they
should consider art as independent of any purpose or utility other than
aesthetic value.

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, beauty,

and value of art objects and experiences. It involves appreciating, and
understanding, and judging the value of art. An aesthetic judgment
should be neither personal nor relative. The viewer should rise above
time, place, and personal biases to reach the judgment of art to which
all reasonable people would agree. This also called “psychic distance”.

Contrary to Kant’s idea is the belief of Clive Bell and Roger Fry that in
viewing art. The artist’s intend or any social influence? that went to the
making of an artwork should be disregarded.
 In post-modernism, artists believe that is it alright to copy
masterpieces and exhibit it as their own. The term used for this
“appropriating” and “borrowing” For them, originality has to do
with the raising an issue rather than inventing a new image.
Therefore, invention and uniqueness are no longer essential to
making art. Artist Shrie Levine’s work exemplifies these qualities.
The contrast of modern from post-modern artists: Modernist
attempt to be pure in their use of medium and believe in the
possibility of universal communication. Post modernists embrace
a much wider array of art-making activities and projects and tend
to be eclectic regarding media freely gather imagery, techniques
and inspiration from a wide variety of sources, much of it from
popular culture (Barret,2000, pp 29-41)
ART ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Art analysis starts with a description of an artwork. Here the viewer focuses on beauty,
design qualities value of an artwork . Tis is where we determine what the features suggest
and decide why the artist used it to convey specific ideas. Analysis requires an
understanding of the content by separating the parts of the subject matter. This can lead to
grasping the artwork’s organizational structure, nature, functions, and values
THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS THAT CONSTITUTE ANALYSIS ARE:
a. Determination of subject matter through naming events or issues associated with the
artwork
b. Discussion of how the qualities of the artwork contribute to its appearance, image, or
function
c. Effect of the materials/medium used
d. Your reaction to the artwork

YOU CAN ALSO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

1. How did the artists make the artwork?
2. Is it a good artwork?
3. Do you like/dislike the artwork? Why?
4. How does it compare with other artworks in the same contemporary style?
5. What is the value of the artwork to you, the youth or society?
Art interpretation is employed by the viewer after describing the analyzing an artwork.
Here, focus is on the expressive qualities, the meaning, theme, mood, or idea
communicated by the artist.

The various elements that constitute interpretation are:

a. Main idea and the overall meaning of the artwork.
b. Interpretive statement “ can I express what I think the artwork is about in one
sentence?”.
c. The evidence inside or outside the artwork that supports your interpretation.

You can also answer the following questions:

1. What is the artwork about?
2. What is it intending to communicate?
3. What statement is the artist putting forward through the artwork?
4. Are there objects within the artistic frame that symbolize something? What are these?
5. What is the meaning of the artwork?
After you have done the tedious work of describing, analyzing, and interpreting the
contemporary artwork, you can now make a judgment. It is a good a artwork? On what
criteria and evidence did you base your judgment?
Based on the criteria and evidence, what is your judgment about the quality of the artwork?

SAMPLE APPLICATION OF ART ANALYSIS:

In Harry Mark Gonzales’ sculpture, reflection (see p. 26), the subject matter is god
embracing mankind. The dark color of wood evokes human feelings and attract the viewer
to go closer to look at the expression on the faces of god and the human beings engulfed in
his embrace.
The expression on the figures’ faces is one of love and independence, devoid of anger
and hatred. Such depiction of divine love makes the viewer want to be on God’s embrace.
It is a beautiful art piece that is perfect for display indoors, one that can stimulate
conversation among guests. It is also exemplifies God’s love, a value essential to humanity.
 SAMPLE APPLICATION OF ART
INTERPRETATION
Manny Montelibano’s digital art entitled, discretion of the lip
movement (see p. 27), is an expression of human engagement in
communication. It is part of installation the used variable materials.
Lifeline materials are used for telephones by media players. Although
this is part of an installation, it can stand on its own as it is able to show
the human emotion experienced by people communicate, even when
their are continents away from each other. Communication is a two way
process. This is shown in the two images in one frame. The dynamic
interaction facilitated by speech and language is depicted by the white
lines and spaces that break the monotony of red. The artist’s choice of
digital form as medium delivers the meaning of the artwork effectively.
This makes the artwork beautiful.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Who are the modern philosophers, scholars and artists who have influenced the
perception of contemporary arts?
2. What are the characteristics of modern art?
3. How does post-modern art differ from modern art?
4. How are “originality” and “art construction” viewed in contemporary arts?
5. Choose one artistic theory or belief about art and art-making discussed in this
lesson and explain what it means
APPLICATION OF MAJOR CONCEPTS:
1. It is necessary for the viewer to understand the philosophy, theories, and issues that
shaped contemporary arts
because____________________________________________________________
___________________
2. Art analysis start with description, where
___________________________________________________________________
__________________.
Analysis requires
______________________________________________________________________
_________________________.
3. Art interpretation involves
______________________________________________________________________
______________________.
 INDEPENDENT WORK
A. Write an art analysis of Manny Montelibano’s digital art entitled, Discretion of the Lip
movement (see p. 27). Used the elements and guide questions on the below.

ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ART

ELEMENTS STATEMENT

A. Determine the subject matter by naming

events or issues associated with the
artwork.
B. Discuss how the qualities of the artwork
contribute to its appearance, image or
function.
C. Describe the effect of the
materials/medium used.
D. Give your reaction to the artwork.
 QUESTIONS ANSWER

A. How did the artist make the artwork?

B. Is it a good artwork?
C. Do you like/dislike the artwork? Why?
D. How does it compare with other
artworks?
E. What is the value of the artwork to you,
the youth or society?
B. Write an art interpretation of Harry Gonzales’ sculpture, Reflection
(see p. 26). Used the elements and guide questions below:

ELEMENTS STATEMENT

A. What is the main idea and the overall

meaning of the artwork?
B. Interpretive statement: “Can I express
what I think the artwork is about in one
sentence?”.
C. Cite the evidence inside or outside the
artwork that supports your interpretation.
 QUESTION ANSWER

A. What is the artwork about?

B. What is it intending to communicate?
C. What statement is the artist putting
forward through the artwork?
D. Are there objects within the artistic
frame symbolize something? What are
these?
E. What is the meaning of the artwork?
 SUMMARY

Describing an artwork, especially if it is in the contemporary EVALUATION

style, requires knowledge of art: its scope, principles and
production and understanding of the artists and the factors that Perform the following
affect art-making. There are three elements of constitute art: what exercises:
the artwork is all about( subject matter) what materials/medium 1. Choose an artwork
were used in the process of art-making, and the art form . in your town.
Describe its subject,
Art analysis follows description of an artwork. Here, the materials and the
viewer focuses on beauty, design qualities, and the value of an process of art-
artwork. This is where we determine what the features suggest making, that art
and decide why the artists used to convey specific idea. Analysis elements and
requires an understanding of the content by separating the parts principles and the
of the subject matter. artists style .
2. Compare and
Art interpretation is employed by the viewer after describing contrast between
and analyzing an artwork. analysis and
Here, we focus on the expressive qualities, the meaning, theme, interpretation.
mood, or idea communicated by the artists. These two are
essential to art appreciation before making a judgment or wether
the artwork is beautiful or not.