Module 2

UNDERSTANDING THE ARTS Introduction

We can say art is the lifeblood of humanities because it
conveys one’s feelings and expressions. Art is the essential
factor, which motivates an individual to create and appreciate
“a thing of beauty.”

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session, learners are expected to:
a. Explained the meaning and importance of art to man;
b. Demonstrated understanding on the basic concepts and
assumptions about art;

Discussion
What is an art?

K W L
(What You Know) (What You want to (What You Learned
Learn) and still Want to
Learn)

Etymologically, art is derived from the Latin word “ars”,

meaning ability or skill. Art is from an Italian “artis”
defined as a human or skill.

This time, let us look at the definitions given by

different artists.

“Art teaches nothing, except the significance of life.” (Henry

Miller)

“Art is higher type of knowledge than experience.” (Aristotle)

“The object of art is to give life a shape.” (French dramatist

Jean Anouilh)

“Art is science in the flesh.” (French poet and playwright Jean

Couteau)
“All art is social,” because it is the result of a relationship
between an artist and his time (Historian James Adams)

“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world

has known.” Oscar Wilde

What are the different assumptions about art?

1. Art is everywhere.
2. Art is not nature.
3. Art is imitating and creating.
4. Art perfects nature.
5. Art message is universal.
6. Art is timeless.

Art as Expression and Communication

 Art has grown out of man’s need to express himself.

Expression is not limited to the revelation of emotions
alone. The personal and social values of the artist and his
penetrating psychological insight into human reality are
also conveyed through arts.
 The artist uses symbols which he organizes into some
comprehensible equivalent of the experience that he is
trying to convey. If the symbols are understood by his
audience, then communication has been established.

Art as Creation
Creation refers to the act of combining or re-ordering
already existing materials so that a new object is formed.

Art and Experience

• Three major kinds of experience are involved in the
artistic activity.
1. It starts as an experience which the artist wants to
communicate.
2. The act of expressing this experience –that of
creating that art object or form.
3. When the work is done, there is the artist’s
gratifying experience of having accomplished something
significant.
• On the part of the onlooker or listener, he may kindle
an experience which is similar or related to that which
the artist tried to express. These include sensory,
emotional, and intellectual responses.
Art and Beauty
 A thing of beauty is one which gives us
pleasure when we perceive it. The delight
that we experience is called aesthetic
pleasure