Lesson 2.

1: Subject of Art

Subject of Art

There subject of art depends on how the artist described it. Subject varies from one person to another person supported
by a fact that individuals have different perceptions and see things in various ways. There is no specific standard as to
what should only be and what should not be considered as a subject because in general, the subject of art can be
anything under the sun. It can be an object, a person, situation, event, etc. In addition, it is not limited to imagination,
dream, invention, catastrophic or natural calamity, real-life events or even mermaids.

There are two kinds of art as a subject. The first one is called: Representational or Objective art, which means that the
selected subject is perceived commonly by the most audience in the same manner. There is an attempt on the part of
the artist to copy the exact same form and portray it as realistically as possible. For example, a still life type of artwork
uses inanimate subjects which can be natural or man-made. Another example is a painting that portrays the definite
features of a person, object or things. The second type of art as a subject is Non-representational or non-objective art.
This is a type of art that does not portray the exact reference also known as abstract. This is an evolution of which
gives artists and creators to explore by not only using objects but also the content of how the artwork is manifested.
Both types express the creativity and limitless ideas of creators and artists which gives them the freedom to utilize
their skills in a unique way. However, in this type of art, not everyone can identify the meaning, significance or even
appreciate the beauty of it compared to the aforementioned type.

Sources of the Subject of Art

It was established that the subject of art can be anything under the sun. However, it is also very important for learners
to identify them accordingly. Hence, five types of sources must be elaborated to add knowledge.

Here are the (5) five sources of the subject of Art

1. Nature-

2. History

3. Greek and Roman mythology

4. Religion

5. Sacred Oriental texts

These five examples can be a great help for aspiring artists to determine their preferred source which can be later
elaborated and/or magnified with a touch of uniqueness and creativity. Nature always amazed humans as it offers
satisfying and reliable comfort. An artist may choose animals, trees, rivers, mountains and other inspiring sources that
can be elicited from nature itself. History is a very interesting source that will not only help us remember significant
events of which either brings comfort or pain. An artist will be able to tell untold stories by utilizing this source to share,
inspire, inform, and reminisce. Greek and Roman mythology has been a very important source of the subject of art. In
ancient times, artists commonly used gods and goddesses as their subject by erecting statues and writing books about
them. Religion on the other hand played a role in the area of visual arts, music, literature and even architecture. Hence,
it doesn’t only tackle spiritual beings, morals and beliefs but also showcases the power of art in influencing and
inspiring people to live according to a particular standard of any religious beliefs. It is lucid enough that it’s easy for
people to identify religious groups by identifying symbols and recognizing how they dressed and the rituals they
manifest. The sacred oriental texts such as Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism presents its texts in a different manner
recognizable due to its uniqueness.
Methods of presenting art subject:

a. Realism refers to the artistic movement which began in France in which grew the introduction of photography-
which was considered as the new visual source that produces a thing that looks objectively real.

b. The abstract is derived from a Latin word “abstractus” which means “drawn away” or “withdrawn or separated
from the material objects or practical matters.

c. Symbolism is a visible sign of something invisible such as an idea or quality. It uses symbols to intensify meaning
and making the work more subjective rather than objective. In the Philippines, we have spolarium of Juan Luna
depicting the fall of gladiators being dragged to an unseen pile of corpses in a chamber beneath the Roman arena. The
artwork expresses the artist’s anger towards the cruelty of the abusive Spanish colonizers over the people of his native
country.

d. Fauvism is derived from the French word “les Fauves” which means “wild beasts”. It is an artistic movement in the
19th century emphasizing spontaneity and the use of extremely bright colours.

e. Futurism emerged with the appearance published by the poet in the name of Filippo Tommaso Marinette on the
front page of the February 1909 portraying the face of the future in form of visual art.

f. Surrealism is also known as “super-realism” which aims to make ordinary things extraordinary. It contains a
realistic subject but focuses on imagination or fantasy depicting dreamlike images of the inner mind.

g. Impressionism is also referred to as optical realism due to its interest in the actual viewing experience that
includes colour, light and movement. This type focuses on immediately describing the visual sensation that can be
manifested from nature. It is not about the actual depiction of the object but on how it is portrayed.

There are many ways to present ideas and imagination depending on the comfort and interest of an artist. However, it
is very important to explore possibilities and discover avenues that help artist discover full potential as he/she embarks
on the journey towards the realm of art.