Chapter 2 METHODS OF PRESENTING

THE ART SUBJECTS

Authorities on art are one in their view that the different methods used by the artist in presenting the art subjects
are:

1. Realism - this is the attempt to portray the subject as it is. Even when the artist choses a subject from a
nature, he selects, changes, and arranges details to express the idea he wants to make clear. Realist try to
be as objective as possible. The artist’s main function is to describe an accurately and honestly as possible
what is observes through the senses. However, in the process of selecting and presenting his material he
cannot help being influenced by what he feels or thinks. Realism is a common way of presenting the art
subject. Poetry and drama were influenced by realism, but it was the novel that realism achieved greatness.
2. Abstraction – this is used when the artist becomes so interested in one phase of a scene or a situation that
he not show the subject at all as an objective reality, but only his idea, of his feeling about it. It also means
”to move away or separate ”. abstract art moves away from showing things as they really are. The painter
or artist paints the picture not as it really looks like. The picture is not just like life. It is not “realistic”.

Abstract subjects can also be presented in many ways like:

a. Distortion. This is clearly manifested when the subject is in misshapen condition, or the regular shape
is twisted out.
b. Elongation. It refers to that which is being lengthened, a protraction or an extension.
c. Mangling. This may not be a commonly used way of presenting an abstract subject, but there are few
artist who show subject or objects which are cut, lacerated, mutilated or hacked with repeated blow.
d. Cubism. Its stresses abstract form through the use of cone , cylinder, or sphere at the expense of other
pictorial elements.
e. Abstract Expressionism is a style of abstract painting that originated in New York city after WWII and
gained an international vogue. The work is characterized by great nerve, the use of a large canvases,
and deliberated lack of refinement in the application of the paint, strong color, heavy impasto, uneven
brush strokes, and rough textures are other typical characteristics. In other words, it departs completely
from the subject matter, from studied precision, and from any kind of preconceived design.
f. Symbolism. In general, is a visible sign of something invisible such as an idea or a quality. It can be
simply an emblem or sign like: % to represent percent, a lion that represent courage or a lamb that
represent meekness.
g. Fauvism. This was the first important art movement of the 1900s. it flourish as a group from about 1903
to 1907, but their style greatly influenced many later artist. The fauves did not attempt to express ethical,
philosophical, or psychological themes. Most of these artist tried to paint pictures of comfort, joy and
pleasure. They used extremely bright colors.
h. Dadaism. They reacted to what they believe were outgrown traditions in art, they tried to shock and
provoke the public with outrageous pieces of writing, poetry recitals, and art exhibitions. Much dada art
was playful and highly experimental.
i. Futurism. Futurist painters wanted their works to capture the speed and force of modern industrial
society. Their paintings glorified the mechanical energy of modern life.
j. Surrealism. Like Dadaism, from which is arose, surrealism used art as a weapon against the evils and
restrictions that surrealist see in society. Unlike, Dadaism, it tries to reveal a new and higher reality than
that of daily life.
k. Expressionism. This method was introduced in Germany, the exponent of expressionism is to believed
in necessity of a spiritual rebirth for man in an age that was first becoming influenced by materialism.
ACTIVITY (30 pts.)
1. What are the methods of presenting the art subject? Describe each briefly.
2. Why realism more observable in novels than in visual arts especially in painting?
3. Search the Juan Luna’s Spolarium, describe the symbolic meaning of the painting;
4. What do you think is the relevance of Spolarium at present?