MODULE I - Lesson 1
MODULE I - Lesson 1
INTRODUCTION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
INTRODUCTION TO ART APPRECIATION:
Definition and Assumption of Arts
ETYMOLOGY OF ART
The word “art” is rooted in the 13th century French word art, which
means skill as a result of learning or practice, and the Latin word ars,
meaning ability or practical skills; “Artis”, an Italian word which means
craftsmanship, skill,mastery of form, inventiveness and the association that
exist between form and ideas and between material and techniques; from
the Aryan root “ar” which means to join or put together; from the Greek
words “artizein” which means to prepare, and “arkiskein”, meaning to put
together. Art covers many meanings including ability, process, and product.
As ability, art is the human capacity to make things of beauty and things
that stir us; it is creativity.
Art is uniquely human and tied directly to culture. It takes the
ordinary and makes it extraordinary. It asks questions about who we are,
what we value, the meaning of beauty and the human condition. Art is
studied because “it is among the highest expressions of culture, embodying
its ideals and aspirations, challenging its assumptions and beliefs, and
creating new visions and possibilities for it to pursue” (Sayre, XVI).
ART APPRECIATION
The term art appreciation is referred to the knowledge of the general
and everlasting qualities that classify all great art. It is seen used to refer to
the exploration of visual art forms or the introduction of basic principles of
visual literacy. It refers to analyzing the form of an artwork to general
audiences to enhance their enjoyment of such works of art. It may be
analyzed without reference to subject matter, symbolism or historical
context.
Art appreciation can be subjective depending on personal preference
to aesthetics and form, or it can be based on several elements and principle
of design and also depends on social and cultural acceptance. Most of the
modern art critics and art historians draw back from this term, underrating
art appreciation as demanding too little serious thought.
Art appreciation in the humanities is being able to look at a work of art and
form a wise opinion of the work. Art appreciation therefore, deals with the
learning or understanding and creating works and enjoying them.
It takes an artist to make art. One may perceive beauty on a daily
basis. However, not every beautiful thing that can be seen or experienced
may truly be called a work of art.
ACTIVITY 1
ASSUMPTIONS OF ART
These are ways principles and bases of appreciating a work of art
since it is in art that man can communicate one’s individuality and way of
life.
1. Art is Universal and Timeless. Art is everywhere, wherever men
have lived together, art has sprung up among them as a language
charged with feelings and significance. Art has no limits and it
rises above cultures, races, and civilization.
2. Art is Not Nature. Art is man-made, it is a creation of man
utilizing his thoughtful skill and artistry, which undergoes process
and planning. Art that is created by God is divine, and art that is
created by man is superficial or temporary. Art is made by man,
whereas nature is a given around us.
ACTIVITY 2