(Topic 1) HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS

Humanities: Meaning and Importance

•Latin word: “HUMANUS” (human)
•Anchored on humanism philosophy articulated by Protagoras: “Man is the measure of
all things.”
•Humanism began as a protest against Medieval Christian teachings
•Scholars: intrinsic value of man’s life before death and greatness of his potentialities
•Renaissance Period: body of knowledge aimed to make man a FULL MAN – literature,
history, philosophy, arts, among others.
•For man to adapt positively to changes surrounding him
Definition of ART
•product of creative human activity
•materials are shaped or selected to convey an idea, emotion, or visually interesting form
•“ARS” – Skill or Ability
Meaning and Importance of Art
• Art is a subject under humanities
• There is no one universal definition of art since it is subjective
• Subjective in the sense that people differ in their perception of an object or thing
• Meaning of art has changed throughout history due to multicultural settings
• Every time a new movement in art emerged, the meaning of what is art, or what is
acceptable as art, is being challenged
Some definitions of art
1. Art is derived from Latin word, “Ars,” meaning ability or skill (JV Estolas)
2. Art is taken from the Italian word “artis,” which means craftsmanship, skill, mastery of form,
inventiveness, and the associations that exist between form and ideas, between material and
technique (A. Tan)
3. Art is a product of man’s need to express himself (F. Zulueta)
4. Art is concerned itself with the communication of certain ideas and feelings by means of
sensuous medium, color, sound, bronze, marble, words and film (C. Sanchez)
5. Art is that which brings life in harmony with the world (Plato)
6. Art is an attitude of spirit, state of mind – one of which demands for its own satisfaction and
fulfilling, a shaping matter to new and more significant form (John Dewey)
7.Art is the desire of man to express himself, to record the action of his personality in the world
he lives in (Amy Lowell)
8. Art is the realization in external form of a true idea and is traced back to that natural love of
imitation which characterizes human (Aristotle)
9. Art is the conscious creation of something beautiful or meaningful using skill and imagination
Art Appreciation means:
- Not just responding to it emotionally
- There should be intellectual movement
Topic 2-A (Scope of Humanities (Visual Arts)- Graphic Arts)
SCOPE OF HUMANITIES
GRAPHIC ARTS
• Basically, visual artistic representation in which portrayals of forms and symbols are
recorded on two-dimensional surfaces
• Flat surface is used
Examples:
Drawing - Art of representing something by lines
Mediums: pencil, pen and ink, crayon, charcoal, etch
PAINTING
• “process of applying pigment to a surface to secure effects involving forms and colors”
• Some surfaces used: canvas, wood, paper, plaster, etc.
GRAPHIC PROCESSES
• “processes for making multi-reproduction of graphic works”
• A master image must first be made before printing
• 3 Divisions:
o Relief printing
o Intaglio printing
o Surface printing
Commercial Art
• Includes book design, advertisements, and other displays for the purpose of promotion
• Keep in mind: commercial purpose
Photography
• “chemical-mechanical process by which images are produced on sensitized surfaces by
action of light.”
• Black and white or colored
Mechanical Processes
• “developed by commercial printers for rapid, large- quantity reproduction of words and
pictures in one or more colors.”

Topic 2-B (Scope of Humanities (Visual Arts) - Plastic Arts)

Architecture
•“art of designing and constructing buildings and other types of structures”
Landscape Architecture
•“planning outdoor areas for human use and enjoyment”
City Planning
• “refers to planning and arranging the physical aspects of a large or small community.”
• “Structures are concerned with all phases of living and working are attractively and
efficiently organized and related.”
Interior Design
• “design and arrangement of architectural interiors for convenience and beauty. It
includes backgrounds, furnishings, and accessories.”
Sculpture
• “design and construction of three- dimensional forms representing natural objects or
imaginary shapes.”
Crafts
• “designing and making of objects by hand for use or for pleasure.”
• Includes: ceramics, jewelry, weaving, etc.
Industrial Design
• “design of objects for machine production.”
• Ex. Automobiles, household appliances
Dress and Costume Design
• “design of wearing apparel of all types” even accessories like ties and belts
Theater Design
• “design of settings for dramatic productions”
• Includes set design but remember, not just the stage but the whole performance area

Topic 2-C(Scope of Humanities (Performing Arts)

PERFORMING ARTS
 LIVE ART
 Art that requires present action
 Divided into these fields:
- Music
- Dance
- Theater/Drama
Music
• Medium: Sound
• Vocal Medium – Voice
• Instrumental Medium – Musical Instruments
• Ensemble
Dance
• Medium: Body Movement
• The use of body movement as a form of expression
• Various genre: Modern/Contemporary, Social, Folk, Ethnic
Theater
• Story acted out on a stage in front of an audience
• Elements: story, characters, costume and props, music, sound and sound effects
• Examples (Philippines): Senakulo, Moro-Moro, Moriones
Topic 3 - The Concept of Art Appreciation
Meaning of Art Appreciation
• Ability to interpret and understand man-made arts and enjoy them through actual work
experience with art tools and materials
• Possession of the works of art for one’s admiration and satisfaction
• Refers to the knowledge and understanding of the general and everlasting qualities that
classify all great arts
• Introduction and exploration of visual and performing art forms
• Analysis of the form of an art work to general audience to enhance their enjoyment and
satisfaction of the works of art
Art appreciation is subjective
• Appreciation of art depends on personal preference on:
- Aesthetics and form of art
- Elements and principles of design
- Social and cultural acceptance
Importance of Art Appreciation
• Can help the person make sense of this world by broadening his experience and
understanding of things around him
• Can help the person imagine even the unimaginable
• Able to connect a person’s life and experience the past, present and the future or
sometimes simultaneously
Topic 4 - The Three Components of Art
Subject, form, and content have always been the three basic components of a work of
art, and they are wed in a way that is inseparable.
In general, subject may be thought of as the “what” (the topic, focus, or image); form, as
the “how” (the development of the work, composition, or the substantiation); and content, as the
“why” (the artist’s intention, communication, or meaning behind the work).
Subject
The subject of visual art can be a person, an object, a theme, or an idea.
• Objective images, which represent people or objects, look as close as possible to their
real-world counterparts and can be clearly identified
These types of images are also called representational.
 • Non-objective images, the subject does not refer to any physical object,
• Nonrepresentational image; the subject may be difficult for the observer to identify, since it is
based solely on the elements of art rather than real-life people or objects.
• This type of subject often refers to the artist’s idea, about energy and movement, which guides
the use of raw materials, and it communicates with those who can read the language of form.

Form
• Refers to the total overall arrangement or organization of an artwork.
• It results from using the elements of art, giving them order and meaning through the principles
of organization.
• When studying a work’s form, we are analyzing how the piece was created.
• More specifically, we are examining why the artist made certain choices and how those choices
interact to form the artwork’s final appearance.
Content
• The emotional or intellectual message of a work of art
• A statement, expression, or mood developed by the artist and interpreted by the observer.
• Of the three components of art, content may be the most difficult to identify, because the
audience, without direct communication with the artist, must decipher the artist’s thoughts by
observing the work’s subject and form.
• Ideally, the viewer’s interpretation is synchronized with the artist’s intentions.
• However, the viewer’s diversity of experiences can affect the communication between artist
and viewer.
• For many people, content is determined by their familiarity with the subject; they are confined
to feelings aroused by objects or ideas they know.
• A much broader and ultimately more meaningful content is not utterly reliant on the image but
is reinforced by the form.
• Little research about the artist’s life, time period, or culture can help expand viewpoints and
lead to a fuller interpretation of content.
• Example: A deeper comprehension of Vincent van Gogh’s specific and personal use of color
may be gained by reading Van Gogh’s letters to his brother Theo.
• His letters expressed an evolving belief that color conveyed specific feelings and attitudes and
was more than a mere optical experience.
• He felt that his use of color could emit power
• The letters also revealed a developing personal color iconography, in which red and green
symbolized the terrible sinful passions of humanity; black contour lines provided a sense of
anguish; cobalt blue signified the vault of heaven, and yellow symbolized love.
For Van Gogh, color was not strictly a tool for visual imitation but an instrument to transmit his
personal emotions

Organic Unity
• Contains nothing that is unnecessary or distracting, with relationships that seem inevitable
• If an artist is successful in wedding all three of the components (subject, form, and content) in a
work, they become inseparable, mutually interactive, an interrelated
Subject: Moment when Christ is presented to the Jewish chief priests,
rulers, and the common people.
Form: Focus on the figures near the center, and the changes between the
first print (A: stage 1) and the last print (B: stage 5) emphasize the Christ figure,
enhance the scene’s complexity, and draw the viewer into the picture.
Content: While the picture draws the viewer into the moment when Christ
is presented to the people, it does so without endorsing any specific religious
point of view. The print was made during a time of economic crisis in
Rembrandt’s life, and it reflects his lifelong interest in biblical themes.
M2 – Topic 1 (Functions and Philosophies)
There are various ways of seeing art as a field and experience. In this lecture, we will get to gaze
at arts in its various lenses through philosophical perspectives and functions
When one speaks of function, one is practically talking about the use of the object whose
function is in question. An inquiry on the function of art is an inquiry on what art is for. The
name of the art basically points toward the direction of the product or its function.
Different art forms come with distinctive functions. Some art forms are more functional than
others. Architecture, for example, as an art is highly functional just like most applied arts. A
building as a work of art is obviously made for a specific purpose. For example, the Taj Mahal, a
massive mausoleum of white marble built in Agra was constructed in memory of the favorite
wife of the then emperor, Shah Jahan.
Music and dance as forms of art functions primarily for social folk and entertainment.
Paintings and sculpture capture, commemorate events and portray people. Most artists consider
this as a form of personal expression. Some artists even use these art forms as a means of
conveying social or political messages.
Arts or crafts which are made by hands for pleasure and use. Not only that they function for
convenience but they showcase culture through designs.
From the examples mentioned, we can describe the function in terms of the following: Aesthetic,
Utilitarian, Social, Political, Educational, Cultural and Spiritual.
While it has been shown that most arts are functional, there are some which are not. The value of
a work of art does not depend on function but on the work itself. In here, art demands much more
than mere efficiency. The question now of beauty and what makes art as an “art” leads us to
discussing the various philosophical perspectives in art (Caslib, Garing and Casaul, 2018: 31).
Philosophy, on the other hand, explains art in various academic and intellectual perspectives. For
instance, Art as Mimesis is articulated by two known Greek philosophers, Aristotle and Plato.
They have contextualized art through Drama as a form of Tragedy. Aristotle espouses the idea
that tragedy helped citizens to become good citizens because it is good, evokes pity and fear
which makes good citizens. Meanwhile, Plato sees the opposite wherein Tragedy is bad because
it is "imitation twice removed from reality." Tragedy, as he explains, promotes very strong
emotions so people tend to forget to become rational.
From these philosophical perspectives, art in the form of drama is not a mirror of life. In theater,
the objective is to represent the real world as the play is a different world from the real one.
Other perspectives explained in this lecture are: Art as a Representation, Art for Arts Sake, Art as
an Escape and Art as Functional.

Functions of Art
• Architecture – functional because buildings and other structures are always built for some
special purpose
• Music and dance – used in ancient rituals and worship of the gods; for social and folk
entertainment
• Paintings and sculpture – used to narrate events, portray people or events, to instruct
(Christian art), commemorate individual or historical events; serve as vehicles of personal
expression
• Arts or crafts – gates, grills, lamps, Christian religious objects, weapons, tools, ceramics,
glassware, stained glass, mosaic, textile, tile work and furniture
Seven Functions of Art
1. Aesthetic – Through art, man becomes conscious of the beauty of nature; He learns to use,
love and preserve them for his enjoyment and appreciation
2. Utilitarian – Man now lives in comfort and happiness. Through art, man is provided with
shelter, clothing, personal ornamentals etch.
3. Cultural – Art transmits and preserves skills and knowledge from one generation to another.
Art makes man become aware of his cultural background
4. Social – International understanding and cooperation are fostered
5. Political – Art reinforces and enhance a sense of identity and ideological connection to
specific political views, political parties an politicians
6. Educational – There are art symbols and signs to illustrate knowledge and attitudes that are
not expressed in words
7. Spiritual - Some art works express spiritual beliefs, customs, ceremonies and rituals about
life; religious significance

Philosophy of Art
• Refers to the study of nature of arts, its concept, interpretation, representation, expression and
form
• Closely related to aesthetics which is the study of beauty and taste
Five Philosophical Perspectives of Art
1. Art as Mimesis
• Mimesis (Greek) – “imitation” or “copying”
• May also mean representation
• Plato and Aristotle spoke of mimesis as representation of nature
• Plato believed that all artistic creation is a mimesis
• It exists in the “world of ideas” and is created by God
• The concrete things that man created are just shadows created by man’s mind. All
artists are imitators of nature
• Plato speaks of tragedy as an “imitation of action” – that of a man falling from a higher
to lower estate
 • When an artist skillfully select and present a material, he is purposely seeking to imitate
or copy the action of life
2. Art as Representation (Aristotle)
• Art represents something
• When he uses signs and symbols to take the place of something else, he is using art as a
representation of such signs and symbols
• It is through representation that people organize the world and reality through the act of
naming its elements
• Signs and symbols are arranged in order to form semantic constructions and express
relations with other things
3. Art for Art’s Sake (Kant)
• It was Victor Cousin, a French philosopher who translated this slogan which means I’art
pour I’art
• Artists associated with aestheticism believes that art needs no justification
• Art does not serve political didactic or other hand
• Immanuel Kant’s main interest was not in art per se but in Beauty in the Sublime
• Kant being an enlightenment writer thought that beauty or sublimity were not really
properties of objects, but ways in which we respond to objects
• Kant pointed out that what he meant by beauty is not the Form of the Beautiful but
about the Tastes
• Kant's concern is not on the subjective aesthetic response but on the function of
individual or personal taste
• He claimed that judgment of taste are both subjective and universal

4. Art as an Escape
• Artists have to get rid of this anxiety and pressure because if we keep these worries and
anxieties within our mind, they will come out in the form of anger and hatred
• Artists’ works of art reveal the emotional outburst that has been kept for many years in
their minds
• Arts are cathartic solutions to one’s anxiety and life’s difficulties
• Awareness that these works of art created among the viewers may also lead to a positive
or negative emotional reaction
5. Art as Functional
• The artist’s intent in creating a functional piece of art is to bring creativity, beauty and
usefulness into people’s everyday lives
• Functional art makes us rethink and re-assess the way we look at ordinary things,
sometimes by using unusual materials in their construction

Topic 2 - Human-Centered Design and Utilitarian Function of the Arts

The utilitarian function of the art can be linked to the concept of the Human-Centered
Design as one of the Social Innovation Fundamentals.
Human-centered design is a problem-solving method that requires you to put your
consumer’s needs first when tackling an issue. To use human-centered design for your creative
process, you must know your consumer deeply, empathize with a real problem they face, and
come up with solutions they’d embrace. Human-centered design means creating products to
solve your consumer’s struggles and help them live better, easier lives. Here is an example of
how a piece of furniture is improved through the idea of human-centered design.
What makes this object innovative in terms of its design?
The bed also functions as a sofa and it follows the ergonomic design (the design is
created for efficiency and comfort of the user). There is a space for keeping her slippers and
other essentials and a charging port which for her gadgets.
What consumer/user -problems were addressed/solved following the human-centered
design of the object?
The problem regarding use of space in the house and the convenience of placing charger
ports near the bed is addressed through the design of this furniture. It is easy now for the user to
save space in her house, organize her essentials and even charge her gadgets.
If you were to improve the design of the object, what changes can you suggest?
There could be additional lamps that can be installed for night use. The need for bedside
lamps can be addressed by this.