UNIT I

CHAPTER I

HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter, the student should be able to:
• demonstrate understanding on the role played by arts in human culture and society;
• recognize the significance of art in understanding the different world cultures; and
• advocate art as an integral element in the evolution of human cultures

Introduction

Art as a branch of humanities, is considered as one of the oldest fields of study known to
man. This course introduces you to the world of arts as one
of the learning branches involved with human ideas, emotions and experiences that enable you
to see the world from different vantage points, thereby helping you grow and become better
human beings.

Your identity as a person, i.e. how you conduct yourself and express your feelings which has
always been the concern of humanities results in art. For instance, when you think of something
that stirred your emotions and you decide to put this on paper, be it in writing, drawing, or music,
you are already making art. Wherever you go, whether it be in a city or province, you surely
encounter different kinds of art. Like when you passed by an attractive and inviting building, you
appreciate it with awe and admiration; when you watched a play or dance performance, you feel
excited; when you listen to music or sing a song, you connect with an artist of music.These make
you realized that there is a certain connection between you and how the artist conveyed his or
her message through art.

Art plays a large role in people’s daily lives. It includes designing, painting, decorating,
singing, dancing and even writing poems and composing songs. Everywhere you look as you
travel from your home to school every day you see art. The beautifully landscaped gardens, the
tall office buildings, beautiful churches, the murals for voicing out social/political adherents, the
clothes that you wear and even the style of your hair is all art. Thus, art creates a language that
we all understand as it appeals to our mind, awakens our emotions, and charms our senses which
provide enjoyment especially when we try to understand and uncover things.

In the academe, the study of art and art appreciation covers a vast amount of subject
materials. In this chapter, you will be presented with a definition of art and why it is a significant
aspect of being human.
Understanding the Humanities and Arts

Art is derived from the Latin word “ars”, which means, ability or skill. It aims to communicate
beauty by enticing the senses. While humanities, comes from the Latin word “humanus” which
means human, cultured, and refined. The distinction between the two is frequently debated,
however, the meaning of art has always been correlated to the notion of humanities, as they
both cultivate the refinement of humane significance - that to be human is to have qualities such
as principled, rational, and kind-hearted. Hence, in studying humanities in which art is a part, you
gain understanding of the many ways, humans conduct themselves. Art will help you enhance
and enrich your thoughts and emotions enabling you to relate to the experiences of others. A
comprehensive study of the arts is the study of humankind, for through the arts you can discover
your humanity.

Unlike other fields of study, humanities do not concern itself with scientific or technical areas
of studies as observed in the pure sciences. A study of humanities includes the arts – the visual
arts which includes drawing, sculpture, architecture, and painting; and performing arts which
includes literature, theater/film, music, and dance. This course will teach you to look beyond the
meaning of things, at fine details that will enrich your perspective and see connections between
you and others and realize the similarities in your dreams of making the world a better place to
live in.

The Realms and Thrusts of Humanities and Arts

The humanities and the arts study human creativeness as expressed in various aspects of
human life. For example, the writings of Jose Rizal embodies principles of truth, oppression, and
struggle for freedom of the Filipinos during the Spanish colonization and awakens the spirit of
nationalism. Humanities and arts bring tranquility in times of crisis and elevate the senses to be
able to view things on a higher level. They also give the world the best of human achievements
from painting to photography, from colonial style to high-rise structures, and from stage plays to
TV and net shows. These two are also keepers of the network of humanity. For instance, there
are songs which delivered cognizance to the whole world that humanity is a community, such
songs like Magkaisa, Handogng Pilipino sa Mundo, and IsangLahi. This is a proof that our local
artists and singers make distinguished contributions around the globe. In general,“the humanities
and arts hold the greatest treasure of mankind.”

The Rationale and Significance of Humanities and Arts

With the rise of computer age and the advances in technology, it cannot be denied that these
have overwhelmed many aspects of life. Oftentimes, you feel the need to get away from all these
just to experience and appreciate the beauty of the real world around you. This course will help
you appreciate the important things life has to offer. Through this course, you will experience a
certain degree of relief as it provides you with enjoyment and satisfaction as you try to figure why
things are the way they are.

The significance of your existence and how you express your emotions, have always been
the concern of humanities and arts. For art is considered man’s most ancient and significant
means of expression. Furthermore, the art concerns itself with some thoughts and emotions being
communicated. Without art, you will be clueless as to what really happened in the past; and
without art, people with poor mental health will find it difficult to deal with adverse situations for
art offers them a means of emotional release to gain a certain level of peace. Hence, art plays a
huge part in making you see the interconnectedness of distinct areas of understanding and the
way they all fit together.

Four E’s in Learning Humanities and Arts

The four E’s in learning humanities and arts prepare the learner for a lifetime of pleasure
and appreciation: to be open to new experiences, and to become the ideal that all institutes of
learning strive to produce- a lifelong learner.
The four E’s can provide pleasure and stimulation, particularly when you attempt to
comprehend what they cover. Through exploration, exposure, experience and enjoyment, you will
learn to think creatively and critically about humanities, to reason, and to ask questions. These
abilities will enable you to acquire fresh insights into everything from poetry and paintings, to
company models and politics. Since the ancient Greeks first used them to teach their people,
topics in the fields of humanities and the arts have been at the core of education.

Exploration Sense of Discovery

Exposure Environment
Experience Main Learning Process
Enjoyment Release and Discovery

• Exploration. This method occurs throughout the primary step of learning. If you want to
understand something, you should make inquiries and do research on the topic to find out
more about it. Hence, this is a way for you to discover new and interesting things.

• Exposure. Through exposure, you will enter a setting where there is access to the
required media. Exposure to the various types of strategies of learning is important for
preparing you to bigger and richer settings, and as a result, hones your sensitivity and
nurture your innate capabilities.

• Experience. This stage is the main learning method where you will make full use of your
senses. This is considered as a personal and intimate process. Experience enables you
to create ‘something’. This requires patience, for you to come up with beautiful results.
 • Enjoyment. This is the last stage where you will experience a sense of pleasure and
discovery. It wraps up all previous stages, with self-assurance allowing you to feel peace
and happiness. This is where you reach the next level of understanding to make you
appreciate more your life, and the world around you.

The Three Domains in Learning Humanities and Arts

There are three primary domains in learning humanities and arts. These are
cognitive (thought), affective (emotion / feeling) and psychomotor (physical / kinesthetic)
domains. Below are descriptions of these learning domains:

• Cognitive. Students, in the tertiary level can show their talents through analyzing,
synthesizing, and evaluating topics within the humanities and the arts.
The cognitive domain includes understanding and intellectual skills growth (Bloom, 1956
).This involves recalling or recognizing particular facts, procedural patterns and ideas tha
t help to develop intellectual skills and abilities.
Factors: acquisition of useful statistics in interpreting data

• Affective. This includes attitude, motivation, participation, and emotional assessment of

students which leads to better learning and understanding.
The affective domain is hierarchical, like the cognitive domain, with much
greater concentrations being more complicated and depending on the mastery of the
reduced levels. One becomes more engaged, and self-
reliant with motion to more complexity.

Elements: To deepen their understanding of the emotional stimulus and the emotional
appraisal processes, social scientists and artists need this knowledge. People are related
to works of art, texts and ideas. Humanist or critical theories of art forms can be used to
define the works of art as an emotional stimulus to their design.

• Psychomotor. These are capabilities and skills shown and uncovered through interaction
and activities in a humanities discipline and art category.
Psychomotor behaviors are neuromuscular activities that require certain levels of physic
al dexterity in nature. This includes physical motion, motor skills, coordination and use.
Developing these ability needs practice and measure in terms of accuracy.

Factors:Manual or physical skills.Inborn talents or skills/discovered and abilities from

sports. Psychomotor goals are specific to discrete physical tasks, reflex actions and
motions of interpretation.
Arts in Human Development

In 1983, Dr. Howard Gardner, a Harvard College school professor, postulated the concept
of a few intelligences. He proposed the eight intelligences to account for a wider range of human
potential in adults and young people. The following is a description of them:

1. Linguistic or languages (word smart)

People with elevated verbal language skills show word and language facility. Typically,
they are great at reading, writing narratives, and memorizing words with dates. Imagine
writers, voracious readers, or individuals who enjoy playing with words.

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (number/reasoning smart)

This capacity includes logic, abstractions, reasoning, numbers, and critical thought.
People with powerful logical-mathematical skills tend to like to play with numbers and
determine simple to complex systems causation. Imagine individuals with big numbers
who can do mental math or tinkerers who like to find out how things function.

3. Spatial intelligence (picture-smart)

This capacity involves spatial assessment and visualization of stuff. Think of individuals
who "believe in images," can fix Rubik's Cube game very rapidly or can spot small differe
nces between images that seem to be identical.

4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (body-smart)

This capacity includes the ability
to regulate one's body movements or the capacity to skillfully manage items. Think of ath
letes, dancers or performers who are talented.

5. Musical intelligence (music-smart)

This capacity includes sound, rhythm, tone, and music sensitivity. People with elevated
musical skills generally have good pitch and may like singing, playing musical instruments
and composing music. Think of individuals who like music making, walking around the
humming songs, or playing interesting musical instruments.

6. Interpersonal intelligence (people-smart)

This ability entails interactions with others. Individuals with high interpersonal skills tend
to be keenly aware of the moods, feelings, and motivations of others and tend to like to
work as part of a group. Think of leaders or sales individuals who are nice.

7. Intrapersonal intelligence (self-smart)

This capacity includes capacity for introspection and self-reflection. This relates to being
deeply aware of one's own strengths / weaknesses and predicting one's own responses.
 Think of someone who is good at setting and attaining self-goals on the basis of an
awareness of what he / she can achieve.

8. Naturalistic intelligence (nature-smart)

This capacity has to do with the natural environment of one. Think of botanists, "nature e
nthusiasts" who like to be in the wild, pet lovers who connect well to pets, or even chefs
who produce distinctive flavor combinations.

Dr. Gardner says that the focus of linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence is for
faculties and cultural awareness. In Philippine society, these articulated or logical people are
highly respected. The same respect, according to Gardner, should also be given to people who
display talents and abilities in the other intelligences such as: writers, painters, poets, composers,
singers, actors, architects, musicians, designers, and dancers, to mention a popular few.

Other Disciplines in the Study of the Humanities

The field of Humanities is a broad one. Although the focus of this manuscript is on the arts, it
would be worthwhile to mention some of humanities’ branches. Below are brief descriptions of
each one:

Communication. It is the diverse manner through which people relay information to the populace
through mass media. Communication involves both social-scientific and humanistic approaches
to human communication assessment, comprehension and enhancement.

History. This involves the study and research of change that

includes all elements of human society. Historical record encompasses
all political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious,
and military developments and its their significant impact to all people in the society.

Psychology. It is the study of the mind and behavior.Psychology is the scientific study of people
on how they relate to others and the world in general. It is an academic discipline and a vital
component in professional practice for maintaining mental health.

Philosophy. This seeks reasoned answers to some very abstract questions, usually left
unchallenged in everyday life, such as, the nature of the universe and the place of humans in it
and everything that is distinctly human.

Religious Studies. This aims to comprehend religion from a view that can be shared by all. It
focuses on the different aspects of beliefs and an understanding of a superior/divine being from
different points of view.

Sociology. This deals with the study of human social conduct and how society operates. The
study of relationships between organizations, communities and societies, from small
and private organizations to big organizations.
Anthropology. This is the study of human cultures from the dawn of human race up to the
present. It focuses on factors that influence human cultures and how these factors help a culture
survive through time.

Summary
• Art came from the word “ars” which means ability or skill while humanities came from the
word “humanus” which means human, cultured and refined.

• Arts and humanities cannot be separated for they are humanity’s expressions through art
creation.

• Exploration, exposure, experience and enjoyment are the ways for an individual to think
creatively and critically on the aspects of humanities and art.

References:
Anderson, L. W. and Krathwohl, D. R., et al (Eds.) (2000) A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching,
and Assessing: A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (complete edition).

Allyn& Bacon. Boston, MA (Pearson Education Group) Retrieved from

:https://www.uky.edu/~rsand1/china2018/texts/Anderson-Krathwohl%20-
%20A%20taxonomy%20for%20learning%20teaching%20and%20assessing.pdf

Carlson, Allen. (1999). Aesthetics and the Environment: The Appreciation of Nature Art and
Architecture. Routledge

Curtin, Deane W. Varieties of Aesthetic Formalism Journal of Art and Art Criticism

http://staff.uny.ac.id/sites/default/files/pendidikan/paulus-kurnianta-spd-sfil-mhum/philosophy
arts-3rd-ed.pdf

Armstrong, Thomas. (2018) Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom 4th ed. Alexandria, VA:
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Armstrong, Thomas. (1999) 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Multiple
Intelligences. New York: Plume.
 CHAPTER II

SUBJECT AND CONTENT

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the chapter, the students should be able to:
• demonstrate knowledge of art subjects, the manner they are presented and the message
that the artworks want to impart;
• discuss how the different sources of art subjects can contribute to the meaning of the
message the artist wants to convey; and
• analyze artworks to discover the intended meanings the artist wanted to express.

Introduction

Creativity of an artist develops in the course of solving problems or expressing his or her
feelings, which enables him or her to overcome difficulties in the process of confronting reality.
An artist possesses a knack for expressing artistic ideas through words, pigments, stones, notes,
wood or any materials to create profound effects on his products. Through his or her artwork,
the artist enriches and gives new meaning to experiences that may be common to everyone. For
instance, playwrights and novelists have always been concerned with the frailties of the human
beings hopes and anxieties, courage and cowardice, love and greed;
poets with their art of expression give human experience nobility and intensity and through
dance, symbolic and ceremonial form is provided to the occurrences of life.

There are things that you notice when viewing art that mediate between the artwork and the
viewer, making it easier for the viewer to understand what he or she is seeing. These things/clues
are the two basic elements of artworks: the subject, the visual focus or the picture that can be
discerned from the examination of the artwork; and the content, which is the meaning that the
artist wants his or her artwork to communicate.

The emotion or passion evoked by a work of art, however, differs from person to
person.Some may be fascinated on the proportions of cubes and squares and the harmony of
colors in a painting, others may not be impressed by it. The difference is due to the feelings
evoked by the work of art among the viewers. The artist communicates his or her feelings through
art, and wants us to appreciate the meaning of art to our lives. Thus,
our function is to find out what the artist, through his or her work is attempting to tell us.

Activity

Before the lesson, choose an artwork (local or foreign) from the internet and print it on a
standard size bond paper. Show it to the class and answer the following questions:

1. What is the title of your chosen artwork? Who is the artist?

2. What is the subject of the artwork or what is it about?
3. What do you think is the message of the artist?
Reading the Image

Look around you and you will see, hear, and experience a lot of art. Art can come in many
forms, and people will look at artworks and form distinct opinions on what they mean. For it is
human nature to evaluate and understand what surrounds them.

Appreciating art or art appreciation is a way to inspire and allow individuals to express their
thoughts and emotions when looking at or experiencing a work of art. It helps develop critical and
modern questioning capacities and teaches how to listen, observe, and react to various
viewpoints. It also develops the ability to differentiate between artistic styles. The following are
the steps necessary for a viewer to have a deeper appreciation of an artwork:

1. Know the Artist

Recognizing the artist is the first step towards enjoying any portrayal of artworks. Getting
to know who produced the painting, for instance, will help you admire significantly any
piece of art. When you get to know the artist's work, you will become aware of his or her
paintings and specific style.

2. Recognize the Type of Art

Knowing who the artist is at the back of a portrayal is easy; finding out what kind of artwork
it is will prove challenging. Although there are unique styles and types of portrayal of
artwork such as realism, surrealism, impressionism to name a few, it is better to keep it
straightforward and determine whether figurative fashion or summary style follows the
portrait.

3. Understand the Medium

The medium used to produce the art will build your understanding of instruments and
materials used to aesthetically make a mark on stone, wood, glass or canvas. The manner
and technique employed produces the effects the artist wishes to express in his
masterpiece.

4. Understand the Meaning

You should realize that art is interpreted subjectively. For instance, it is not simple to read
why the artist chose certain colors in his painting; or why choose marble instead of wood
for his sculpture. Hence, to understand what the artist meant, you should look deep into
yourself and discover what feelings the artwork is able evoked.

A piece of art can get various meanings from people depending on how they feel and how
they think. Even if you ask the artist to explain his or her work, the explanation seems not
enough for you to understand the art. The feelings evoked by the work, however, are pure
and easy to recognize. For example, when you look at the brush strokes, texture stylistics
and the colors used in a painting, you know the emotions. You should take some time to
flesh out and expose the real meaning of these works of art. For instance, consider
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The first thing you will notice when you look at her face
 is her smile, but a closer look of her face in relation to her surroundings, changes the
impact of the smile into something deeper.

5. What you find interesting in the Art

Your creativity might be aroused when you see a piece of art, like a painting, for instance.
It sets your senses and perceptions on fire. You are keenly interested in this specific art.
It might be the feelings or the ideas in the art that struck you. Furthermore, how you
interpret this work would be the factor that makes it different.

When deciphering art, it is important to realize that you are not always right. It does not
matter if you are wrong in some circumstances but what is important is how the work
fueled your imagination and how it influenced you as a human being.

Similarities and Differences of Art Works

As discussed above, there are various kinds of arts, but, one thing is common to them. You
might ask, what relates a song to literature; or a play to dance?
The fundamental connection is that all the arts are involved human expression of thoughts and
feelings about things. When you see a painting, it stirs something inside you that makes you
think that it is beautiful; when you watch a drama, you are moved by how the actors portray the
characters and in turn, it gives you an intellectual and emotional response to the story, this is
because intellectual and emotional response are part of your nature.

Arts also differ in some ways. Some examples are: when you write a literary piece, you use
distinctive words and metaphors to express how you feel; when you compose a song, you create
sound and harmony using musical notes; when you paint, you may use paper or canvas and
different hues and tones of color to express what you see; when you dance, you move your body
in a graceful manner to show and express your feelings; when you sculpt, you may form statues
of heroes by using chisel on stone, or your hand in clay. These art forms differ from each other
as they employ different mediums and techniques. All art help you to freely express yourself and
to bring out the emotions inside you through your artwork.

Thus, when you make art you express yourself in one medium or another for others to understand.
Your goal as an artist is to open the senses of others for them to experience your work so they
may also see things that will help them find the meaning of arts in their lives.

Grouping the Arts

The arts are grouped as they have many dimensions. The purpose is to create order and make
connection when presented as people have different view and taste when it comes to an artwork.
It is generally grouped as: visual arts, plastic arts, performing arts, popular arts, literary arts, and
decorative arts.

1. Visual Arts. These arts are what you perceive with your eyes. It is a broad category of art
which includes a number of artistic disciplines from various sub-categories. It includes art forms
such as drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, printmaking, and photography. Visual art may also
be used to describe art produced by digital means such as animation, film, and graphic design.

2. Plastic Arts. The term is derived from the word "plasticize", meaning "to mold". It describes
any art form which involves modelling or molding in three dimensions. The most common example
of the plastic arts is sculpture as the sculptors use different range of traditional materials. More
types of plastic arts include: collage, paper art, metalworking, glass blowing, glass art, ice
sculpture, and sand art.

3. Performing Arts. It is a form of art where artists use their voices and bodies to convey a
message or artistic expression which in turn reflects the artist creativity. It includes acting, singing,
and dancing. Other forms of the Performing Arts include opera, theatre, magic or illusion
performances, mime, spoken word, recitation and public speaking.

4. Popular Arts. It is distinguished by the rapidity of its changes of style by its revivals from earlier
periods and by its constant borrowings from elite art, folk art, foreign cultures, and modern
technology for its song tunes and lyrics, radio and television broadcasts, novels, dances, and
many other entertainments, objects, trends, and fads. Hence, it is the totality of ideas, views,
attitudes, pics, that are fashionably emulated for the millennial and new generations and other
phenomena that showcase prevalent, properly-liked, and state-of-the-art visual materials that
makes use of media and generation.

5. Literary Arts. It relates to the written words and includes writing, editing, critiquing, teaching,
reviewing, and other activities related to written communication. This includes creative writing
which is categorized as fiction, poetry, non-fiction novels, epics, wander tales for young audiences
and children, concrete poems, free verse poems, screenplays, and degree dramas. These arts
assert the significance of constructive criticism, reasoning, and rationalization.

6. Decorative Arts. This art is concerned with the design and decoration of objects that are
chiefly prized for their utility rather than for their purely aesthetic qualities. These arts include
ceramics, glassware, basketry, jewelry, metal ware, furniture, textiles, and clothing. This portrays
to beautify the home and place to make it minimalist and maximize the space through decorating
to creative aesthetics and inner beauty. Hence, it is chiefly connected to the design and utility of
its purpose.

Subjects of the Art

The attraction of most artwork is on the depiction of people and objects. Many modern artists
have switched from representational to non-representational or non-objective works. The reason
for this, is they have shifted their attention to the artwork as an object itself and presented it as an
exciting combination of shapes and colors that fulfills an aesthetic need without objectively
representing an image or telling a story.
Although the present choices of subjects of the arts are mostly non-objective, it is still important
for you to know the sources of art subjects of artists throughout history. The artwork’s main idea
refers to subject of the art. Essentially, the subject of the art is the nature of the work. The subject
of the art is the focus of the artist’s description or representation. There are variations in the
presentation of any person, object, scene or event. There are two types of subjects of the art:

1. Representational or Objective Art – They represent specific subjects: people, nature,

events that are generally known by most artists and viewers. They try to copy something that is
actual, even if in a subjective manner. They use “type” and are concerned with “how” to be
illustrated in the artwork. Examples are still life paintings, portraits and wide ranges of scapes
such as landscapes, seascapes, urbanscapes, and cityscapes.

2. Non-representational or Non-objective Art – Without representation. They do not have any

connection to anything outside themselves. It is not objective because it does not have objects
that can be identified. In the sense that it does not represent real entities but not having a physical
or concrete existence, it is abstract. This uses "material" and the "how" of the artwork is shown.

The following are sources of art subjects aesthetically portrayed by various artists:

1. STILL-LIFE. is a work of art that represents lifeless subject matter, usually common
objects which may be either natural (food, flowers, plants, rocks, or shells) or man-made
(drinking glasses, books, vases, jewelry, coins, pipes, and so on) in an artificial setting
and concept.These everyday objects and physical surroundings that may include detailed
scenes from ancient, medieval, renaissance, popular, post-modern and contemporary art.
These objects are generally arranged for maximum design or pleasing effect by the artist.
Fig. 2.1 Still Life with Glass Bowl of Fruit and Vases’ (63-79 AD) (Photo: The Yorck Project via Wikimedia
Commons Public Domain)
(from: https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/still-life-painting-2.jpg)

2. ANIMALS. The artist features the rigorous and graceful movements of these subjects.
They have been represented by artists from almost every age and place. In fact, the
earliest known paintings are representation of animals on the walls of caves. Animals have
been used as symbols in conventional art.

Fig. 2.2 Franz Marc, Little Yellow Horses from 1912

(from:http://headforart.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Monarch_of_the_Glen_Edwin_Landseer_1851-
650x631.jpg)

3. LANDSCAPES. The different angular perspectives and dimensions of a rural setting,

agricultural hub, plain view and mountainous area. Also includes many kinds of scenery
in nature like mountains, farmlands, forest, and valleys. Other similar types of scape
subject matter includes: Cityscape art similar to landscape art, but it depicts urban areas
 like towns, cities, buildings, factories, and villages. Cloudscape art depicts clouds and
cloud formations. Riverscape art depicts rivers and similar bodies of water.

Fig. 2.3 Sandra Mendelsohn Rubin - Aqueduct at Quail Lake, 2012

(from:https://d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Sandra-Mandelsohn-Rubin-Detail-of-aquaduct-
Quail-Lake-2012.jpg)

4. CHURCH RITUALS AND RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES. These includes religious

ceremonies, symbols of church, and objects of faith. These source of subject vary from
culture to culture based on the beliefs of a group of people.

Fig. 2.4 Claudia Terstappen, Fire, Water, Sky and Earth, 2006
(from:http://www.otherspaces.org/artworks/images/Claudia_Terstappen,_Fire,_Water,_Sky_&_Earth,_200
5,_Crisis,_Catharsis_and_Contemplation,_2006-1.jpg)

5. LEGENDS AND LIFE OF THE SAINTS. These are the stories that have been told and
passed- on from one generation to another that apply cultural integration.
Fig. 2.5 Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George (6th or early 7th century)
(From:https://www.theartstory.org/images20/works/byzantine_art_5.jpg?1)

6. HISTORICAL EVENTS. These relate to art that conveys a narrative about a case in history
or legends. These are composed of verifiable facts and unverifiable legends. Many of
these works had been accepted as real because they have been part of tradition.

Fig. 2.6 Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1801.

(from:https://blog.invaluable.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/07-neoclassicism-david-1.jpg)

7. MYTHOLOGY. These are works of art about the ancient Greek and Roman gods, heroes
and rituals.
 Fig. 2. 7 Phas/UIG, Fallen Warrior from Temple of Aphaia (c 480-470BC)
(from: images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/8/14/1408015114751/Sculpture-of-a-fallen-war-
011.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=4214f11737c4082eba29c5e821a0abfe)

8. NATURE. Artwork based on nature can take many forms. Nature is vast and art
subjects may take the form of mountains, oceans, animals, trees, and even people.

Fig. 2.8 Plain Field In front of Mountain Peak, 2019

(from:https://www.pexels.com/photo/daylight-environment-forest-idyllic-459225/)
 CHAPTER III

THE ARTIST AND HIS MEDIUM

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you shall be able to:
• match the types of artist and their chosen medium of self-expression;
• identify the different ways of presenting art subjects and their characteristics to understand
what the artist wanted to express; and
• reproduce some works of famous foreign and local artist and the mediums they chose to
mark their legacy as artists.

Introduction

An artist uses various mediums and techniques or methods to express the idea he or she wants
to convey. He or she makes use of his or her creativity to achieve this challenge. The kind of
medium an artist chooses will largely depend on the talents and abilities he or she has and a
strong conviction to use this medium to express his or her thoughts, dreams and emotions.
Hence, a painter is an artist who chooses paints to express himself or herself; a sculptor chooses
stone, wood or clay; and an architect chooses to express his or her ideas through designs of
structures of functional value and so on, for the other kinds of art forms.

In addition, certain techniques of presenting arts are employed. The artists use distinct
techniques to present the ideas they want their audience to understand.

Activity
Before we start the lesson, let’s see what you already know about the artist and his or her
medium by answering the following questions:

1. Name an art work of one local and one foreign artist. Explain what you learned about their
works.
2. Why do you think it is important to employ certain style/method of presenting the art subjects?

Ways of Presenting Art Subjects

Artists make use of certain styles or techniques of presenting art subjects. An artist utilizes distinct
styles to convey the concept or idea he or she wishes to share to his or her audience. In presenting
his or her work, the primary role of the artist is to portray it in such a way that it is experienced as
correctly and honestly as possible.
 1. Realism. In artwork, this technique is also known as naturalism. When the artist chooses
a topic from nature for his or her artwork, he or she transforms and arranges details to
express the idea clearly. Realists try to be as real as possible to the original. This
technique stresses the importance of artist’s sense perception.

Realism is the first movement in the arts. During the 1840s in France, realism
revolutionizing portraits and expanding conceptions of what constituted art. Realist
painters replaced the idealistic pictures with actual life events through observation.
Realism in art is the presentation of the subject/s as it is.

FIG. 3. 1 THE HORSE FAIR

French Title: Le marché aux chevauxArtist: Rosa Bonheur,1853
From:https://elliottingotham.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/joyeux-anniversaire-rosa-bonheur/

2. Abstraction. To “abstract” literally means to move away from. This technique shows an
artwork that is not considered to be an objective representation of reality. The artist sees
this as a most imaginative means for him to express the idea, concept or emotion. It is far
from displaying matters as they are in reality. Viewers of these artworks should “read
between the lines” to discover the message the artist wants to convey.
 Fig. 3. 2 WassilyKandinsky,Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor), 1910
(From: https://d1dzh206jt2san.cloudfront.net/posts-content-images/1518765290MYGbZ.jpg)

The following are the different types of abstraction:

a. Distortion. The subject is presented as twisted and misshapen. The features of the
subject in this type of abstraction may result in exaggerated facial expressions that arouse
emotions in the viewer.

b. Elongation. The subject is lengthened/extended vertically giving it an appearance of

thinness.

c. Mangling. The subjects in this type are cut, lacerated, mutilated, and disfigured. It is a
process that came from a deviant art. It is common among contemporary artists.

d. Cubism. It started when artist Pablo Picasso (Spanish) in early 1900s began painting in
a manner different from traditional artwork styles. The Cubists created a new way of
expressing things in artwork. Cubist images are described as looking like fractured glass
through the use of combined geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, diamond,
trapezoid, hexagon and more.

e. Abstract Expressionism. This began in the 1960’s and flourished in America. It is also
adapted in Paris in France. Different strokes of brushes thin or thick make and fill up
massive canvases. Uneven strokes make the quality of art alive. Tough textures are its
 manifestations, it departs from an accurate precision of strokes and is easily conceived by
the feelings and emotions of the artist.

3. Expressionism. This was stimulated by the Existentialist Philosophy, which emphasizes

the importance of being driven by your emotions. Artworks that make use of expressionism
in their presentations always convey strong emotions of fear, sadness, anger or
happiness.

Fig. 3.3 The Scream, Edvard Munch, 1893

(From: https://www.theartstory.org/images20/works/expressionism_1.jpg?1)

4. Symbolism. This is a visible representation of a persona or idea. Symbolism makes

the artworks more subjective rather than objective, traditional, and cultural-oriented. For
instance, a flag is the national symbol of a country and depicts nationalism and patriotism.
The Edsa Shrine depicts the courage and unity of the Filipinos in opposing a dictator.
 Fig. 3. 4- Virginia Ty-Navarro, The Statue of Lady of EDSA, 1989
(from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EDSAShrinejf0089_05.JPG)

5. Futurism. It is a modernist technique of presenting subjects by celebrating the

technological advancement of the present and future generations. The automobile,
the plane, the industrial metropolis represents the motion of current existence and the
technological triumph of man over nature.

Fig. 3.5 -The Cyclist 1913 Artist: Natalia Goncharova

(from:https://www.theartstory.org/movement-futurism-artworks.htm)

6. Surrealism.This emphasizes the use of the subconscious mind in creating imaginative

art. It refers to “extraordinary realism or the highest form of realism”, it involves creating
everyday matters and make them look fantastic. The topics are discovered within the
 unconscious thoughts; depicting fantasy photos of the internal mind. The two types of
surrealism are veristic presented through analysis and abstract presented through
abstraction.

(Fig. 3. 6- Apparatus and Hand, Salvador Dali, 1927

(From: https://www.identifythisart.com/gallery/symbolism/1/the-dream-by-pierre-puvis-de-
chavannes.jpghttps://imgix.ranker.com/node_img/3162/63223237/original/apparatus-and-hand-artwork-
photo-1?w=650&q=50&fm=pjpg&fit=crop&crop=faces)

7. Fauvism. This method shows the artist’s experiment to work with the tonality of a
different color wheel. Fauvists alter and replace an object’s color to not its original color,
for contentment and pleasure. This is derived from the French “les fauves,” which
means “the wild beasts.” This inventive movement shows spontaneity in the use of vibrant
hues to depict the joys and comforts of life.
 Fig. 3. 7 The River Seine at Chatou (1906)
Artist: Maurice de Vlaminck
(From: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/hb/hb_1999.363.84.jpg)

8. Dadaism. The term “dada” is French for “hobby-horse.” Dadaism is a method of

presenting art subjects and an art movement that began in Zurich, Switzerland. These
artworks show the real scenario of global politics, terrorism, media, and other social
issues. Some would say Dadaism is ridiculous, that it is not an artwork and has no
meaning at all. It is a response to world struggles, and a cultural movement for the
opposition of barbarism in warfare. Dadaists show outworn traditions in artwork, and the
evils they see in society.This art displays the social will and the movements in an
attempt to shock and initiate the general public with outrageous portions of recitals,
writing, freedom of press, freedom wall and art exhibitions.
 Fig. 3. 8, Marcel Duchamp, “The Fountain”, 1917
(from: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/T/T07/T07573_10.jpg)

9. Impressionism. A radical art presentation that embraces modernity and was influenced
by western countries. This method was introduced in the 1800s. The artworks are
described as using pure color touches rather broader of strokes. The artist chooses
varieties of colors that are loud, pure and vivid. The subjects are presented in the “way
light falls on them”. Claude Monet is the famous artist of this movement in the 19 th century
during the French Art movement.
 Fig. 3. 9 Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet, 1870-1900
(From: https://www.identifythisart.com/gallery/impressionism/woman-with-a-parasol-by-monet.jpg)

Some Famous Foreign Artists

Historically, artists are renowned for their distinctive style or the personality they exude in the
world of art. Since the Renaissance era, art has been transformed, it has increased the
importance of art, and it has generated a respect from society that has not been there in the past.
Art masters have become recognized everywhere, their work has been researched in their lifetime
and beyond. Innovations and variable school of thought took place after the Renaissance and
since then artist and their work have differentiated themselves from every age. Below are lists of
the most famous artists of all time and examples of their works:

1. FRANCESCO PETRARCH (1304-1374)

Petrarch, an Italian poet whose works inspired some of the Renaissance’s key tenets.
Most of his works are of high quality and perhaps, he became obsessed with historical
Greek and Roman classical texts known during the 14 th century. A humanist from Italy
who devoted his life to examining classical texts. He wrote a collection of
lovely classical sonnets of love. Petrarch’s deep appreciation of classical
understanding, his emphasis on human rationalism/ideology and crucial questioning, and
his tendency to venture into the traditions of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages set
the principles for the movement of humanism that is more of a rationalist outlook, a
philosophy that dominated the Renaissance, the classical revival of art and wander.
 Fig. 3.9 Francesco Petrarch, The Sonnets, Triumphs, and Other Poems of Petrarch, 1859
(from: https://i.gr
assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1402473132l/19228153.jpg)

2. VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890)

Vincent van Gogh's paintings mix his impressionist art with loud and vibrant colors
and with strong emotional effects. The collection of sketches and artwork shows his
creative pursuits and the evolution of his style into fine arts. Although his artworks were
not noticed until his death where he committed suicide by shooting himself many admired
his distinctive painting style. Van Gogh is one of the legendary artists in art history.
Vincent suffered from a mental condition, the effect of which is observed in his choice of
colors in his beautiful paintings. His famous work, Starry Night, is one of the most popular
works in the world next to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Fig. 3.10 Van Gogh’s Le Docteur Paul Gachet, 1890

http://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00097lldTKbJFgQUECfDrCWQFHPKcDqqF/vincent
-van-gogh-le-docteur-paul-gachet.jpg
3. PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)

Picasso, a Spanish painter, draftsman and sculptor is known for cubist paintings with
concealed objects and messages. Pablo Picasso was the first half of the 20th century's
most dominant and influential artist. Mostly associated with pioneering Cubism, he also
created collage art with Georges Braque and made significant contributions to
symbolism and surrealism. Although Picasso saw himself as a painter, his sculpture was
highly influential. He also explored other areas like printmaking and ceramics.

Picasso was known for his charismatic personality; his many interactions with women have
not only filtered into his art, but may also have guided his course and his conduct.
Influences of Paul Cezanne and Henri Rousseau, archaic and tribal art, encouraged
Picasso to give more structure to his figures which finally set him on the road to Cubism,
in which he deconstructed the perspective conventions that dominated painting since the
Renaissance. These inventions would have far reaching implications for almost all modern
art and revolutionizing attitudes to shape representation in space.

Fig. 3.11 Pablo Picasso,“The Weeping Woman” (1937)

(from: https://www.pablopicasso.org/images/paintings/the-weeping-woman.jpg)

4. LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519)

Leonardo is celebrated as a painter despite his explorations into various fields of

knowledge. Some of his works have been continuously considered timeless with a
universal reputation, such as his enigmatic portrait, Mona Lisa, his most reproduced
religious work of all time, The Last Supper, and his Vitruvian Man, an early instructive
drawing of accurate spatial and anatomical proportion.
 Early Renaissance forebears such as linear perspective, chiaroscuro, naturalism, and
emotional expressionism evolved from Leonardo's contribution to the aesthetics and
techniques of High Renaissance art. By his introduction of fresh techniques such as his
sfumato method, he surpassed many artists. Sfumato is a fresh way of mixing glazes
that led to works that appeared so realistic; it was as if his subjects lived and breathed
from within the pictorial plane.

Fig. 3.12 Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper 1495

(from: https://www.leonardodavinci.net/images/gallery/last-supper.jpg)

5. MICHELANGELO(1475-1564)

This artist because of his monumental sculpture David (1501-1504), became an eminent
figure in the Italian Renaissance. The expertise of Michelangelo in several mediums was
comparable only to that of his countryman, Leonardo da Vinci.

Through the remainder of his life, Michelangelo continually worked on the Basilica of Saint
Peter. His major contribution to the project was his work on the dome at the eastern end
of the Basilica. He merged the design thoughts of all the previous architects who had
contributed to the work, imagining a big dome like the renowned Florence dome of
Brunelleschi, and combining them with his own grand visions. Although the dome was not
finished until after his death, the foundation on which the dome was to be placed was
finished, which means that the dome's layout could not be changed.
 Fig. 3.13 Michelangelo, Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica (1496-1497)
(from: https://www.theartstory.org/images20/works/michelangelo_1.jpg)

6. RAPHAEL SANTI (1483-1520)

The prodigiousness of Raphael in painting, despite his brief existence, was the result of
practice, which started when he was only a child. He gained the reputation of being one
of the most successful painters of the Renaissance. He spent most of his childhood up to
his adult life in the workshop of his father who is a painter and operating one of the biggest
studios of the time.

The peaceful and harmonious characteristics of Raphael’s paintings were considered to

be some of the greatest models of the humanist impetus of the moment, seeking to
discover the significance of man in the world through artwork that emphasized supreme
beauty. Not only did Raphael master the signature methods of High Renaissance art: like
the sfumato, perspective, anatomical accuracy, genuine emotionality and expression but
he also integrated an individual style known for its clarity, rich color, effortless structure,
distinctly his own grandeur. Although widely recognized for his paintings, many of which
can still be seen in the Vatican Palace, the fresco-ed Raphael Rooms were his greatest
work. He was also an architect, printmaker and specialist draftsman. In other words, a
Renaissance Man.
 Fig. 3.12 Raphael, Marriage of the Virgin, 1504
(from:https://learnodo-newtonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The-Marriage-of-the-Virgin-1504-
Raphael.webp)

7. LORENZO GHIBERTI (1378-1455)

One of the Early Renaissance's most important Old Masters was the Florentine
sculptor designer and goldsmith, Lorenzo Ghiberti. Only his student Donatello (1386-
1466) superseded him in the sculpture of the quattrocento era in Florence. He
possessed a good understanding of ancient forms although critics claim he was over-
influenced by the International Gothic language and lacked the very profound
understanding of the classical art that Donatello and his two excellent contemporaries
possessed— the sculptor Masaccio (1401-1428) and the architect Filippo Brunelleschi
(1377-1446).
Nevertheless, Ghiberti was one of the great figures in Renaissance sculpture, be
st known for his two sets of sculptural reliefs made for the doors of the Baptistery
in Florence,
a task that occupied him for much of his life: the first set during the period (1403-
24) and the second set, during the period (1425-52) the so-called "Gates of Paradise."
There is no doubt that he was a highly influential contributor to the early Florentine
Renaissance, and artists and the public revered his work.
 Fig. 3.13 Ghiberti, “The Gates of Paradise”, 1425
(from:https://www.italian-renaissance-art.com/images/Ghiberti-John-the-Baptist.jpg)

8. SANDRO BOTTICELLI (1445-1510)

Botticelli may have been the Early Renaissance's biggest humanist painter, yet
much of his life and many of his influences still remain a mystery. His paintings represent
the pinnacle of Medici Florence's flourishing culture, a prosperous society that encouraged
art, philosophy, and literature to advance and become prominent in these fields.

He was commissioned to paint many distinct topics throughout his lengthy life, but
at the core of his work, he always sought beauty and virtue which is the topic of many of
his most popular paintings,such as the characteristics depicted by goddess Venus.
Influenced at the time by the revival of Greek and Roman ideas in Florence, Botticelli has
been one of the first western artists to portray non-religious subject matter since classical
times. A breakthrough concept that art could be for enjoyment and not for religious
purposes.
 Fig. 3.14 Botticelli,The Birth of Venus, 1485
(from: https://artisticjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/The-Birth-of-Venus-Botticelli-1024x768.jpg)

9. CLAUDE MONET (1840-1926)

He was the French Impressionist movement’s leader and literally giving its name to the
movement. He was instrumental in bringing his followers together as an inspiring talent.
Interested in painting in the open air and capturing natural light, Monet later brought the
method with his series of paintings to one of his most renowned pinnacles, in which his
observations on same topic and viewed in different moments of the day, were captured in
countless sequences.

His later work, masterful as a colorist and painter of light and atmosphere, often attained
a remarkable degree of abstraction, and this has recommended him to subsequent
generations of abstract painters. Inspired in part by Edouard Manet, Monet departed from
the clear representation of shapes and linear perspective prescribed by the established
art of the time, experimenting with loose handling, bold color, and strikingly unconventional
compositions. In his images, the emphasis moved from representing figures to portraying
distinct atmospheric and light characteristics in each scene.
 Fig. 3.15 Monet, Bain a la Grenouillere (1869)
(from: https://learnodo-newtonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Bain-a-la-Grenouillere-1869-Claude-
Monet.webp)

10. JACKSON POLLOCK (1912-1956)

Art historians refer to the distinctive style of Pollock as Abstract Expressionism. In this,
Pollock did not choose to investigate the topic of art, but rather how to apply the paint to
the canvas. While previous painters had undoubtedly used different weights and lengths
of stroke to emphasize certain components of a structure, Pollock instead permitted these
methods to tell the tale he wished to depict. In this, he borrowed strongly from Native
American sand paintings that he saw in his youth.

Early in his life, despite his time with an artist like Benton, Pollock adopted Surrealism, as
demonstrated by his works Make and Female and The Moon Woman, both of which
showed a strong use of Surrealist forms. By the time of his Mural for the Museum of Art at
the University of Iowa, it was clear that he had mastered many Surrealist techniques but
was already moving away from conveying a message in shapes and how the paint was
applied to the canvas. In reality, he applied paint by pouring it onto the canvas.
 Fig. 3.16 Pollock, Number 18, 1950
(from: https://www.jackson-pollock.org/images/paintings/number-18.jpg)

11. FRIDA KAHLO (1907-1954)

Many of Kahlo's early 1930s paintings, especially in scale, format, architectural setting
and spatial arrangement, relate to religious ex-voto paintings, a large collection dating back
many centuries. Ex-voto is made as an appreciation for redemption, a miracle or tragedy
granted that is placed in churches or shrines. Ex-votos are usually painted on small metal
panels and represent the event together with the Virgin or saint to whom they are given. Henry
Ford Hospital is a good example where the artist uses the ex-voto format but subverts it by
placing herself at the center of the stage instead of recording the miraculous acts of saints.

Fig. 3.17 Frida Kahlo, Henry Ford Hospital

(from: fridakahlo.org)

12. YAYOI KUSAMA (1929-Present)

She is a Japanese contemporary artist who works through painting, sculpture, film and
installation. By using repetitive dots, pumpkins and mirrors, she has created a body of work
formally unified. For she believes, “With just one polka dot, nothing can be accomplished and
 achieved” There’s the sun, the moon, the earth and hundreds
of millions of stars in the universe, "the artist has mused.” She follows the philosophy,
“Pursuing the philosophy of the universe through art under such circumstances has led me to
what I call stereotypical repetition.”
In the circles of Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg, Kusama proved to be a unique artist
producing hallucinatory paintings and installations such as Infinity Mirror Room (1965).

Fig 3.17 Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirror Room, 1965 (Art Installation)
(from: cbc.ca)

SOME FAMOUS FILIPINO ARTISTS

Philippine art reflects a wide range of influences, from the country’s colonial past to contemporary
culture. Here, are the contributions of ten (10) Filipino masters you should know.

1. JUAN LUNA (1857-1899)

Juan Luna is regarded as the country's best painter. He was highly trained and was able
to study abroad. But he murdered his wife because of his jealous accusations, with the
same hands that painted his masterpieces. Despite all the achievements in his career,
family life proved to be challenging. Luna became a friend of the King of Spain who was
an art lover himself because of the former’s outstanding talent in painting. In 1884, at the
Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in Spain, Luna's huge painting, "Spoliarium," won a
Gold Medal. While Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, another Filipino painter, won the silver for
his painting in the same competition.
 Fig. 3.18 Juan Luna, Spoliarium, 1884
(from: http://www.populopost.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Juan_Luna_Spoliarium.jpg)

2. FELIX RESURRECION HIDALGO (1855-1913)

A Filipino impressionist painter who initiated this technique of presenting art. Felix
Resurrection Hidalgo became an important part of history. Although he was not involved
in the Philippine Reform movement, he called some movement friends, in the persons of
José Rizal, Mariano Ponce, and Pio Valenzuela, and gave them enduring impressions
through his works. Taken as one of the driving forces in the use of the force of visual art
to create claims about national conflicts by a few historians, Hildalgo painted landscapes,
rural environments, seascapes, historical and mythological scenes revealing the real
identity and intentions of the Philippine colonial rulers. For his ancient and aesthetically
strong art work, he was regarded by the Filipinos as a national hero and a famous artist.

Fig. 3.19 Hidalgo, "El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante” (The Assassination of Governor
Bustamante), ca. 1904,
 (http://img.masterpieces.asemus.museum/masterpieces/12167/detail/thumb_540x420_NMG-
0_NCT%201.JPG

3. GUILLERMO TOLENTINO (1890-1932)

Tolentino won the Philippine Arts father's title. Through a carving method, he
dominated the Philippine sculpture to create concrete statues symbolizing national heroes
like Andres Bonifacio. A renowned sculptor, and a prodigy of other talents such as
musician, teacher, and Fernando Amorsolo's close friend. His renowned works are
Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan and the UP Oblation.

Fig. 3.20 Guillermo Tolentino,The UP Oblation, 1930

(from:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/98/UPOblationOr-02.jpg/300px-UPOblationOr-
02.jpg
4. FERNANDO AMORSOLO (1892-1972)

Amorsolo is regarded as the greatest rural landscape portraitist and painter. In particular,
he believes the farmland aesthetics and the agricultural hub to be the lifestyle of local
farmers. He is the father of Philippine artists who portray Philippine Presidents by using
petroleum as a medium. Amorsolo’s paintings traditionally involve a glow against which
the figures are described, and at one stage in the canvas there may usually be a burst of
light, highlighting the smallest component.
 Fig. 3. 21 Amorsolo’s Antipolo, 1947
(from:http://driftwoodjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Antipolo_by_Fernando_Amorsolo.jpg

5. MAURO “Malang” SANTOS (1928-present)

Malang's paintings are determined by shape and the abstract stylistic genre. His
works play around with the viewers' feelings and emotions through a strict and different
spatial illusion. Malang believes that, unlike an artwork's point of view of realism and
naturalism, the summary of his artwork has turned into a way to get to an important truth.

Malang avoided integrating abstract / cubist style in a natural manner in an earth

scape. Malang's works suggest a secular lifestyle and place, yet they smile to the viewers
without any issues. A prolific artist, he has held exhibitions here and abroad.His first two
one-man show took place at the Philippine Art Gallery, and incidentally at the Luz Gallery.
Both art spaces supported the steady rise and appreciation of modern art. Nevertheless,
the art of contemporary Malang appears in terms of style and structure, therefore recurring
aspects and motifs in the works of Malang have always been distinctly Pinoy.
 Fig. 3.22 Malang, Flower Vendor, 1928 – 2017
(From: https://leon-gallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24-1-768x678.jpg)

6. VICENTE SILVA MANANSALA (1919-1981)

The canvases of Manansala were defined as masterpieces that brought together the
cultures of the neighborhood and town. His Madonna of the Slums is a portrait of a village
mom and her baby who once lived in the town as urban shanty inhabitants. In his
Jeepneys, Manansala coupled the city's congestion problems with the aspects of
provincial folk culture. Manansala created transparent cubism, masterfully superimposing
the “sensitive tones”, forms and patterns of figure and atmosphere. “His structure is a
good illustration of Manansala using this method of “transparent and translucent”.

Fig. 3.23 Vicente Manansala, Madonna of the Slums, 1950

(from:https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/fa/ff/c6faff11a8fc4e5e9e1be2ca159f7a1e.jpg)

7. JOSE JOYA (1931-1995)

National artist Jose Joya is a modern and abstract pioneer who worked as a painter,
printmaker, mixed media artist and ceramicist. It was said that it was Joya in the
Philippines who "spearheaded the birth, growth, and bloom of abstract expressionism."
His mature abstract works were said to be "marked by a sense of color and calligraphic
gestures and linear forces. Vibrancy emanating from an oriental sensibility.”

It has been said that Joya's feeling of color originated from the hues of the Philippine
landscape, and his use of rice paper in collages showed an interest in transparency. He
portrayed nature through his painting in a very distinct and playful manner. Abstract
paintings of expressionism may seem very hard to comprehend, particularly if you speak
about what the artist believes and does. But one thing is certain:they are part of their
 painting and working as if they are in the painting. He was one of the modern artists
who, through this style, abstract expressionism or better known as gestural painting,
encouraged younger Filipino artists to go beyond the norms of painting.

Fig. 3.24 Jose Joya, Girl with Salakot, 1985

(from:http://www.gallerybig.com/gallerybigimages/whatsnewjoya08.jpg)

8. LEANDRO LOCSIN (1928-1994)

A well-known Philippine architect. He intended countless contemporary buildings that

take on Southeast Asia’s climatic features and the Philippines’ traditional style. His
achievement has made a notable contribution to the growth of Asian Architecture culture.
Leandro V. Locsin has harmoniously mixed modern architecture into Southeast Asia’s
environment. Because of the high temperature and elevated humidity in the Philippines,
being situated in a volcanic area and is susceptible to earthquakes, Filipino architecture
needs durability and ventilation. Large roofs, elevated ceilings and lengthy eaves are
typical characteristics of traditional Filipino architecture. Mr. Locsin’s works beautifully
embody such traditional characteristics with modern architecture, openness and vastness.
In his contemporary, western art form, his distinctive interpretation of architectural
characteristics such as lattice and curved lines is eloquently articulated. His concept lies
behind this originality: synthesizing or mixing western and eastern culture.
Without this theme, within the current Filipino architecture, the modern architecture of the
west could not have taken root.
 Fig. 3.25 Leandro Locsin, Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1969
(from: (https://pgoyos.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/cultural_center_philippines_tp.jpg?w=570&h=427)

9. LINO BROCKA(1939-1991)

One of the biggest directors in the Philippines was Catalino Ortiz Brocka, more famously
known as Lino Brocka. He joined the Philippine Educational Theater Association where he met
his founder, Cecille Guidote, who made his first film, Wanted: Perfect Mother, a box office hit
based on The Sound of Music. It was the only film he made that was not serious about social
injustice and drama.

From that time on, Brocka’s movies became more personal, his filmography portraying the
Filipino people’s plight and suffering. Some of his greatest works are Insiang (1978), a
vengeance story of a girl’s rape by her mother’s lover, which became the first entry at the
Cannes Film Festival by a Filipino filmmaker, earning him the prestigious Palm d’Or. Manila:
In The Claws of Darkness (1976), Jaguar (1980), and Bayan Ko (My Country, 1984). He was
also nominated for the prize, further consolidating his reputation as one of South East Asia’s
biggest managers. Brocka’s movies are very character-driven, magnifying the common
citizen’s oppression and disregard, the poor everybody scraping scarcely by fighting against
the system’s violence. In order to concentrate more on the tale and not on the celebrity, he
often casts unknown actors.
 Fig. 3.26 LinoBrocka,Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang,1974
(from:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/df/Tinimbangkangunitkulang.jpg/220px-
Tinimbangkangunitkulang.jpg)

10. NICK JOAQUIN (1917-2004)

He was an author, a historian and reporter from the Philippines, best known in for his short
stories and novels in English. He also wrote using Quijano de Manila as pen name. Joaquin
was awarded the rank and title of Philippine National Artist for Literature. Throughout his
entire life, he wrote so varied and so well about so many phases of the Filipino life and culture.

Joaquin also received the following awards: the 1964 Kalinangan Award for the City of
Manila Patnubayng Sining; the 1962 Harry Stonehill Nowel Award; 1961 Republic Cultural
Heritage Award; and the 1955 Most Excellent Young Man in Literature.

Fig. 3.27 Nick Joaquin, “The Woman Who Had Two Navels”, 1961
(From:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f2/The_Woman_Who_Had_Two_Navels_by
_Nick_Joaquin_Book_Cover.jpg/220px-
The_Woman_Who_Had_Two_Navels_by_Nick_Joaquin_Book_Cover.jpg)
11. NAPOLEON ABUEVA (1930-2018)

His sculptures have won prizes in local and international competitions since 1950s and
have been installed and displayed at prominent locations around the world such as, The Sculpture
at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City. He was a specialist in both historical
and traditional abstract representation style and used almost all kinds of material in his painting,
from hard wood to adobe, stone, stainless steel,
concrete, marble, bronze, iron, alabaster, coral and brass.

According to the National Commission on Culture and Arts, among “the early development
which Abueva implemented in 1951 was what he called “buoyant sculpture” (which) was intended
to be viewed from a placid pool. ”Some of his major works include Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of
Judas (1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Transfiguration (1979), Eternal Garden Memorial Park,
UP Gateway (1967), Nine Muses (1994) at the UP Diliman Faculty Center, Celebration of Life at
the UP Manila campus, Sunburst (1994) at the Peninsula Manila Hotel, the bronze figure of
Teodoro M. Kalaw in front of National Library, and murals in marble at the National Heroes Shrine,
Mt. Samat, Bataan. He also did the Blood Compact Monument in Bohol and designed the door
handles in all the National Museum galleries.

Fig. 3.28 Napoleon Abueva, Sanggol, carved wood, 2007

(from:http://www.gallerybig.com/gallerybigimages/artworkfullabueva01.jpg)

Summary:
• In presenting anything, different methods are used so it could be presented in an effective
manner. Similarly, in presenting the art subjects, the artist uses strategies and techniques
to express the idea/s he or she wants to convey.
• The different techniques or methods used by the artists in presenting the art subjects are:
realism, abstraction, symbolism, fauvism, Dadaism, futurism, impressionism and
surrealism.
 • Famous artists have touched lives through their artworks as they were able to project their
creative impulse through art and were able to deliver the message they wanted to share
with their audience.

References:
Gurney James, (2009) Imaginative Realism, How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist, Andrews McMeel.
Publishing, LLC

Lesson 4 The Subjects of Art and the Methods of Presenting Them. In Humanities 2.
VitasophiaBookcenter.
 CHAPTER IV

ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you shall be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge about the elements and principles of design across art forms;
• recognize the art elements to discover how to apply the principles of design to come up
with pleasing compositions; and
• create an artwork using the principles of design.

Introduction:

Elements in all art forms answer the question, “how is it put together?” In other words,
elements refer to all the parts and components that make-up a piece of art. The principles of
design, on the other hand, ensure that all these elements are arranged in such a way as to achieve
a pleasing composition. Artists use and exploit visual arts elements, combining them with design
principles to create amazing artwork pieces. Not every piece of art includes all the components,
but there are at least two. For several reasons, the art elements are significant. First, and most
important, without using at least a few of them, an artist cannot create art.

Second, knowing what the elements of art are, enables us to:

1. Describe what was done by the artist.

2. Analyze what is happening in piece.
3. Use a common language to communicate our thoughts and conclusions.

It is vital to have a solid foundation from which to develop in order to understand any area.
It requires the perception of the elements of arts. The artistic building blocks are necessary and
it is important for artists and art lovers to have an understanding of how they work.
It is easier to examine, dismantle, and construct any kind of artwork from painting and
photography to sculpture and design by having a deeper understanding of the elements of art.

The elements of art are concrete conceptual components that work in conjunction with
creative concepts which organize and harmonize them. Line, color, shape, value, space, texture
and movement are the seven core elements of the art, often overlapping and informing each
other. Whether it is a drawing, painting, sculpture or design, these elements of art need to be
taken into account.

Once you've got a handle on these seven visual elements, making your own art becomes
easier. However, you do not have to be an artist yourself to find the elements of art useful.
Through learning more about these main visual elements, any art lover will be able to view artwork
in a more meaningful way.
Activity

This chapter deals with the elements and principles of design in painting, sculpture and
architecture. Before we proceed to the content of the chapter, let’s find out what you know.

1. How are color, line, shape, texture, value, space used in painting?
2. Why is it important to know the different elements of the visual arts?
3. Can you give examples of architectural designs and constructions? What are they for?

Basic Elements of the Visual Arts

The elements of painting are the fundamentals or building blocks of painting. It is simpler to
evaluate, unravel and generate any kind of artwork by obtaining a deeper understanding of its
basic elements. Learners and art beginners are taught many of these elements, after which they
can extend and develop in all directions once they are mastered. Basic elements are concrete
visual components that operate in conjunction with art principles to organize and harmonize the
work.

1. Line. It is the extension of a point. It can be straight, curved, vertical, horizontal or zigzag.
It is the beginning of the creation of an artwork.

Fig. 4.3 Kinds of Lines

2. Color. The property of light that is reflected by objects to the eyes. Color for the visual
arts refers to the subtractive mixture of colors as seen in pigments and paints. Colors
have three properties:

a. Hue is the color’s specific identity. Hue refers to the names of the colors. For example,
red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and violet. Red, Blue and Yellow are called primary
colors. A combination of two primary colors result in secondary colors of Orange,
Green and Violet. A primary color and a secondary color combine to produce the
intermediate colors: Red Violet, Blue Violet, Red Orange, Yellow Orange, Yellow
Green and Blue Green. These colors are arranged in the Color Wheel, which is used
as basis for determining color relationships.
 Fig.4. 4 Color Wheel
(from: https://images.template.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/30101213/Printable-Color-Wheel-
Chart.jpg)

b. Value refers to a color’s lightness and darkness. It is described as a color’s relative

lightness or darkness. Degrees of value is determined by the additions of white and black.
When white is added to a color, the resulting color is called a tint and when black is added
the result is its shade. Thus, the tint of red is pink and the shade is maroon. Thus, a
monochromatic color scheme is one hue with varying degrees of lightness and
darkness.

Fig. 4.5 Monochromatic Color Scheme

(from:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/CPT-Websites-
monochrome.svg/1200px-CPT-Websites-monochrome.svg.png)

c. Intensity relates to color’s brightness or dullness. A color’s brightness or dullness can

produce an illusion of depth. A color in its purest form (pure hue) is most intense.
Intensity is the percentage of pure hue in a color and is measured as high or low.
 Fig. 4.6 Henri Matisse, Fruit and Coffeepot, 1898
(from:https://drawpaintacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Matisse_-
_Fruit_and_Coffeepot_1898-WEB.jpg)

3. Texture. An element of art that refers to the manner things feel when touched, or the
appearance of how they could feel if touched. This is known as visual texture. Visual
texture is knowing how the surface of an object feels like by just looking at it.

Fig. 4.7 Visual Texture “How does the surface feel?”

from: visualartspdfs.blogspot.com

4. Shape. This result when lines meet to enclose an area. Shapes may be flat, like a square
or a triangle; three dimensional like a cube or a pyramid; or organic like the various shapes
of living organisms. The area surrounding the shape is called negative space.
 Negative Space

Fig.4.8 Negative Space

from: layersmagazine.com

5. Value/ Light & Shadow This refers to the lightness and darkness in the portrayal of visual
art. It indicates luminosity that is the presence or lack of light. The lightest value is white;
the darkest is black. The midway value between this extreme is called center gray. Light
and shadow is also known as chiaroscuro. Extreme light and shadow is known as
tenebrism.

Fig. 4.9 Hobby: Larry Vela, On Light and Shadow, 2011

(from: https://cloud.netlifyusercontent.com/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/52634f0e-
f335-4716-8780-511b6ec53845/licht.jpg)

6. Space is the depth/distance which relates to techniques that would give paintings or
two-dimensional works the perception of depth. Creating and understanding of two-
dimensional or three-dimensional work of art is essential. This refers to differences in
the perspective in views, lines and proportions of objects.
 Fig. 4. 10 Linear Perspective: How to show depth and distance
from: isfdn.org

7. Movement also referred to as motion. This component depicts the act or process of
altering location or direction, orientation and/or position visually illustrating starting or
stopping points, blurring action, etc. Movement can be applied simultaneously to a single
component in a composition or to the entire composition. Visual motion depends on other
art components and principles.

Fig. 4.11 Marey’s Futurist Movement

(from: https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FUTURISM.jpg)

Painting
In art, the word painting defines both the act of painting (using either a brush or other tool such
as palette knife, sponge or airbrush to apply the paint); and the outcome of the action, the
painting as an artwork. Painting is the medium that is commonly associated with art, and indeed
its materials and processes have been around since the first images on cave walls were
created.Painters use a combination of colors and unique brush strokes to express their thinking.
Through painting, the artist expresses his or her emotions and awareness. The
mediums/materials used in painting are: pigment, vehicle or binder and ground or surface.
 • Pigments are the dry, very fine powder with a color of their own and are used as coloring
material for painting. Pigments are usually organic or inorganic. Organic pigments come
from plants while inorganic comes from metallic oxides. Paints consist primarily of
pigments and binders.

• Binder is one of the paint's main components. It is also called vehicle. It is usually liquid
like oil, water, egg yolk or synthetic emulsion that is blended with the pigment. This liquid
substance holds the component of the paint together, i.e. pigment, base, extender, etc.
Binder provides durability and toughness to the paint.

• Surface/Support refers to the material on which the paint is applied. The kind of surface
should be able to support the paint and keep it in place. Some examples of surfaces are
paper, wood, canvas, wall, glass, ceiling, and even the human body.

Examples of Painting

Fig. 4.1 Egon Shiele, Agony (The Death Struggle) 1912 Oil on Canvas
(from:https://imgix.ranker.com/node_img/1547/30933315/original/agony-the-death-struggle-
artwork-photo-1?w=650&q=50&fm=pjpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
 Fig. 4.2 Amedeo Modigliani, Anna Zborowska (1917) Oil on Canvas
(https://imgix.ranker.com/node_img/520/10382926/original/anna-zborowska-artwork-photo-
1?w=650&q=50&fm=pjpg&fit=crop&crop=faces)
Paint Media

Paint media are extremely versatile because they can be applied to a variety of surfaces,
including paper, wood, canvas, plaster, clay, lacquer and concrete.The different media have
distinctive limitations and opportunities. For this reason, to know the context in which visual
language evolves, you need to look at the media that is traditionally used before you start
examining the real styles that have historically evolved. The following are characteristics of some
of the popular paint media:

• Oil paint. Oils, traditionally use linseed oil as its binder where the pigments are blended.
Pigments can come from many sources, such as coal tars, nectar, minerals and vegetable
matter. All of these are able generate pigments. The surface generally used for oils is
canvas, although it is possible to use other surfaces such as wood.

Pros: Oil paint is a slow drying process, enabling more time for modifications and
color mixing. For a lovely and glowing color, oil refracts the color pigment in the
paint. Working in a transparent manner (such as glazing) involves the use of oil
media that often contain toxic solvents.

Cons: Oil paint is not poisonous, but some oil paint mediums are poisonous.
Overtime, most oil paintings turn yellow, decreasing luminosity in colors of white
and light value dramatically.
• Pastel. It resembles dry pigment. The color tone is quite similar to the tone of a crayon,
not moist and has no glazed effect. Pastel paper or other specialty papers can be used
in this media. As support for pastel painting paper, pasteboard, or canvas is used.

Pros: Drying time is not an issue when working with pastel, making it portable and an
excellent choice for working outdoors. Good quality pastels can produce a unique and
luscious sheen in the final surface. Colors come in a wide range and can be blended
and mixed directly onto the surface.

Cons: Pastel remains delicate on a surface and rubs off easily. Pastel works require
protection with glass and framing. Alternative protection such as, spray fixatives and
sealers, tend to diminish pastel’s color and sheen.

• Tempera. The word tempera means “to bring to a desired consistency.” Dry pigments are
made usable with egg yolks and glue. Tempera is usually done on a wooden panel.

Pros:The special characteristic of tempera is its being an emulsion. A watery milk-like

combination of oily and water like blend. One of its benefits is fast drying.

Cons: Since tempera paint dries quickly, no changes can be made on the artwork.
When the tempera is varnished, some colors may appear glaring and may stand out
in an unpleasant way.

• Fresco. It refers to the chosen mixed colors with small drop of water
and applied to fresh plaster. It lasts until the wall is decayed, yellowed and tarnished. It
was discovered and diffused during 15th to 16th centuries. In Italian,the word “fresco”
means fresh, referring to fresh wet plaster. It is for walls and portable panels.

Pros: Since the pigment has been incorporated with the plaster, it lasts until the wall
is destroyed.

Cons: There is no changing once the design has begun, it is subjected to the disaster
that may happen to the wall which it has become a part of.

• Watercolor. Pigment is mixed with water and applied to fine white paper. Paper like
bond paper, parchment, oslo paper and many more are commonly used as the base or
ground.

Pros: Watercolor paintings are easy and transparent. This paint media is always
available in the market.
 Cons:The artist must be aware that the surface should clean in order to bring out the
brilliance of the paint. This requires a lot of practice on how to apply this media carefully
with proper brush strokes.

• Ink. Traditionally used with brushes or types of quill or pen. Drawings are made with the
aid of of ink and a quill pen made from reducing the hollow stem of a huge feather from
goose or swan. Ink is a product of carbon and binders, but it may also come from plant or
animal resources which includes iron.

Pros: Ink stands as a medium on its own, but could also be used in mixed media and
washes to unify areas in drawing, collage, and pastel.

Cons: Ink fades, and most of them fade over time and they are not lightfast.

• Charcoal. Traditionally crafted from skinny peeled willow twigs which are heated. This
produces black sticks, which leave tiny particles and generating a line that is dense and
powdery at the edges. The general result is less precise than hard graphite pencils.
Charcoal smudges without difficulty and is often protected with a sprayed fixative.

Pros: It is a versatile medium that can be used in an expressive drawing style or with
a more detailed technique suited to naturalistic art.

Cons: It is harder to erase. It also smudges and makes a dark mark.

• Acrylic. A paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. It’s

contemporary, saturated and flexible. It is suitable to any kind of painting techniques and
styles; from finely detailed portraits to abstract art, you can use acrylic paints and
mediums.

Pros: A wide variety of acrylic products are available to customize paint and to
personalize preferences in surface absorbency, texture and sheen. Fast-drying acrylic
paints are great for layering while slow-drying acrylics imitate the look and feel of oil.

Cons: Acrylic binders usually contain ammonia. And although considered nontoxic,
this can cause sensitivity with some people, especially when used without proper
ventilation.

• Crayons. This medium is for the beginners; used by children as part of their leisure and
learning. It is a stick of wax, to which color or pigment is brought. Crayons are broadly
famous as art mediums. The exercise of mixing wax and pigment to create writings or
paintings has been done for years. You can create a work of art using crayons on paper
surface.
Pros: Crayons are easy to use, they are non-toxic and their accessibility and
economical value are also advantages.
 Cons: It is not small enough for detailed work and not ideal for advanced techniques.

Functions of Painting

Painting has existed in many forms throughout history. It is the most popular form of
human expression. Yet, the question is, “why do humans paint?” The following may serve to
enlighten you about the functions of painting.

• Personal expression of the artist. This involves the expression of the artist’s feelings so
others can realize it. This expression is split into two, namely: non-creative expression
and creative expression.

• As a social or political commentary. This makes visible sensitive issues that are maybe
invisible to the general public. The objective is to draw the public’s attention to social and
political problems like, violence of conflict, oppression and corruption of a
ruling group, military powers, hypocrisy and bigotry of the secular and non-secular
institutions, social injustice, racism, and gender inequality. This can be a ground for
expressing opinions through an art.

• The recording of history, culture and technological advancement is connected to the

approach of science and technology in art through the computer-aided models.

SCULPTURE

Sculpture is a three-dimensional work of art created through forming or combining hard or

pliable materials such as gold, silver, lead, plaster, clay, glass, stone, wood and metal. Sculpture
is regarded as one the most realistic form of art because it preserves the likeness of both the
human body and objects.

Sculpture is a three-dimensional art form: it has length, width, and depth. It is often intended to
be viewed from all sides. It is possible to create sculptures from almost anything. The materials
that an artist chooses to produce sculpture can be manipulated to transmit the art significance.
Sculpture has played an important part in western culture's development the most enduring and
perhaps the greatest form of fine art known to man.
 F i g . 4 .1 2 T h u t m o se , B u st o f Ne f e r t i t i ( 1 3 4 5 B C)
( f r o m : h t t p s/ / m m o d e r n m e t . co m / w p / wp - co n t e n t / u p lo a d s / 2 0 1 7 / 0 8 / f a m o u s - sc u l p t u r e -
n o f r e t e t e - n e u e s - m u se u m . jp g :

THE MEDIA OF SCULPTURE

Sculptors use materials that works for the piece they want to create, and they choose the medium
based on what they want to convey aesthetically. Some artists choose the medium for their
sculptures because of tactile qualities, while others create sculptures that appeal to other senses.
Some sculptures are produced of temporary mediums, like ice or food, while others are intended
to be more permanent. The selected medium is only a component of the art as the work itself.
Common media are clay, stone, wood, metal, glass, and concrete. Some sculptors operate with
a huge amount of material and machinery.

TYPES OF SCULPTURE

Sculptures exist in many forms. Throughout history, sculptors have been experimenting on ways
of how to present their works. Their sculptures may be huge, made of expensive materials, small
but moving or has a background. Whatever type he or she may chooses, he or she believes that
it will be his or her legacy.

• Freestanding. It is also called "in the round" which means that the sculpture can be
viewed from all sides. Examples of freestanding sculptures are human statues.
This is probably the most recognizable form of sculpture for modern people. It is any
sculptural work that can be viewed around the pedestal from any angle.
 Fig. 4. 13 Seguidor de Diego de Siloe of Burgos, Virgin and Child, 1530- 1540
(from:https://a.1stdibscdn.com/archivesE/upload/366869/f_38821621517263524153/DSC03643
_copie_master.jpg?width=768)

• Relief sculpture. This type relates to works which projects from the background. In high
relief sculptures, almost half of the figures project from the background which results to
lots of shadows. While in low reliefs, the figures are close to backgrounds resulting to less
shadows. Relief sculpture has a remarkable background in both eastern and western
cultures that dates back over 20,000 years. The word relief is to be elevated from the Latin
verb “relevo”;giving the sense that the sculpture was raised above the background plane.

Fig. 4. 14 Lorenzo Ghiberti, Jacob & Esau Relief, Gates of Paradise

(1425-52, Florence)
(from:http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/images-renaissance/early-ghiberti.jpg)

• Kinetic Sculpture. In this type of sculpture movement is a fundamental component (as

an element driven by motor or as a changing digital image). Using true motion in the
20thcentury became a significant element of sculpture. Most kinetic sculptors strive to
 create movement as an essential part of the design of the sculpture and not simply to give
movement to an already complete static object. For example, for their aesthetic effect,
Calder's mobiles depend on continuously changing relationship patterns through space
and time.

Fig. 4. 15 Alexander Calder, “Mobile du Garag,” circa 1954.

(from: https://blog.invaluable.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AlexanderCalder-670x450.jpg

Techniques of Making Sculpture

When you look at sculptures, you will admire the artist’s method and techniques of making
images. They knew geometry, chiseling, medium identification, and aesthetics. It is interesting to
study and compare techniques employed by sculptors. A discussion of materials and methods
will follow for you to better comprehend artists ' decisions, and how their decisions affect the
outcome(s) of their work.

• Carving. It is a subtractive technique. The artist removes or cuts away parts of the material
to form the finished product. The sculptor makes use of instruments like chisels, gouges,
mallet and other carving tools on wood. The locals from different regions in the Philippines
are popular for wood sculptures. Paete, Laguna is known for its beautiful wooden
sculptures.
 Fig. 4. 16 Carving wood
(from: http://kimjotuni.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/woodsculpting-in-progress.jpg)

• Casting. In this technique, the sculptor begins by constructing a mold then pours into it
the liquid medium: melted metal, or plastic. This technique is also used in culinary art for
chocolates, candies and other desserts. In the mold, the fluid hardens and then the mold
is broken to reveal the sculpture inside. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin,
is one of the most widely used casting media.

Fig. 4. 17 Casting Technique

(from:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/599b69e8197aea12f44c4e46/t/5a2ad5c8f9619a48
e6e75150/1512756816257/Nilo+with+Chris.jpg?format=1000w)

• Modeling. The sculptor builds up and forms a soft, pliable material into a figure. Some
examples of pliable materials are clay and smooth plaster. After the figure is formed, it is
either dried or baked in a kiln. Temperature in baking clay varies depending on the
expected product; whether earthenware, ceramic or porcelain. Baked clay is called terra
cotta. The weakness of this material after baking is, it breaks easily.
 Fig. 4. 18 Modeling Technique
(from:wisegeek.com)

• Modeling and assembling These are referred to as additive methods of sculpture. This
method uses materials such as wax, clay and polymer-based material. Materials are built
or added to produce the art. This technique also involves molding and building a form by
hand.

Fig. 4. 17 Clay modeling and Assembling

(from: https://payload.cargocollective.com/1/9/293781/4995957/head%201_900.JPG)

• Assembling. It is also recognized as an additive method synonymous with building, the

sculptor glues or joins parts of the material. The concept always creates a masterpiece
from different media like stone, concrete, wood, and so on.
 Fig. 4. 18 Assembling Technique (Pablo Picasso, Still Life,1914)
(from:https://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/T/T01/T01136_9.jpg)

Functions of Sculpture

Sculpture played a historical role because it has been used to respect gods, portrayed imagined
beasts, religious icons, and special things or remarkable individuals. In the modern era, however,
the role of sculpture, like most art, has changed to exploring or expressing more secular concerns
such as individual expression on the various issues of the world and of people’s lives. Apart
from telling a story, they can also bring an aesthetic value to your home or office.

Sculpture functions as an important part of many ceremonies and events. Sculptures

provide people with a visual reference of the passages of life. For example, monuments serve as
reminders for historical events that place you where you are today. Sculptures record the full
spectrum of human experience in ways that are sometimes shocking, sometimes touching, but
always exciting to see, touch, and appreciate.This has always been central to religious devotion
in many cultures. Huge sculptures, like the Lady of Edsa, The Statue of Liberty, and Christ the
Redeemer, have usually been an expression of religious beliefs or political ideologies.

Fig.4.19 The Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil

from: askideas.com
ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is the art of designing and constructing buildings and structures for communal
need; commerce, business operations, recreation, education, and religion. It should include
functionality and conventionality. It can be said that architecture is the most functional of all art
forms. In its simple form, architecture is the design and organization of spaces, their interiors and
surroundings. The evolving architectural styles resulted not only from functionality of spaces but
also from creativity and aesthetic sensibility of the architect throughout the years. Evolving
architectural styles are becoming more complex with the discovery of new materials that meet the
requirements of functionality for the welfare of all.

Being an architect is considered as one of history's oldest professions. It began with the
need for shelter for human beings to protect themselves from danger and the elements. Building
structures became a craft as human cultures advanced and later the formalized version of that
craft, which is practiced by professionals, is what you know today as architecture. Below are
some examples of architecture in the Philippines:

Fig. 4. 20 Main Building – University of Santo Tomas

(from:http://cdn2.zipmatch.com/public/articles/article_1418200881_5764_6891.jpg)

Fig. 4. 21 Quezon Hall – University of the Philippines Diliman

(from:http://cdn2.zipmatch.com/public/articles/article_1418201560_0737_1714.jpg)
 Fig. 4. 22 Philippine International Convention Center
(from:http://cdn2.zipmatch.com/public/articles/article_1418203327_531_5719.jpg)

Fig. 4. 23 National Theater – Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

http://cdn2.zipmatch.com/public/articles/article_1418203865_3691_8058.jpg

Mediums of Architecture

In choosing materials for construction, durability and availability must first be considered.
Wood, stone, steel, bricks, concrete, glass, and plastic should always be accessible during
construction. Below are other mediums for architecture:

Wood is organic. Narra, acacia, molave, kamagong, bamboo, palm wood are locally available.
Although the use of narra and kamagong which are both hardwoods is restricted by environmental
agencies. The weaknesses of wood are: it burns; it rots when it gets wet and it is eaten by insects
like termites.

Stone is the material to use if you want to achieve permanence and stability. It has a high
compressive strength and it does not easily break when compressed by heavy loads or weight. It
is fire resistant and does not rot. Marble, the most beautiful of stones is also use in architecture:
for the walls and floors.

Steel is made up of sustainable amounts of alloy of iron. It is fire-tested and hardens by cooling.
In the modern and contemporary architecture, it is used for the construction of multi-level
structures that maximize the use of space as seen in high rise structures like skyscrapers, towers,
and buildings.

Brick is composed of coarse clay that is hardened by baking or exposure to the sun. These are
used as base for pavements, walls, and other masonry construction. Before, houses made from
bricks projected the economic status of the owners as being elite or high-class members of the
society.

Concrete is used widely and was recognized early in the Roman period. It is used to enhance
the appearance of a building and its functional structural requirements, and it can take almost any
form. It also provide smooth to rough surface and has a variety of colors. Architectural concrete
also serves as a structural purpose while providing the building with aesthetic finish. The
concrete remains stiff, even under water, and has a stable volume.

Glass is a material with so many distinct characteristics and uses

and has presented many fresh opportunities and designs to architects. They often use strength
ened, toughened, and laminated glass in their search for transparency and security.
Transparency is the main property of glass that allows the beauty of the outside world through it.
New processes and new glass compounds turn glass into a major building material.

Plastic is a popular term used in many synthetic or semi-synthetic products. The word was
derived from the Greek plastikos, meaning "fit for molding."
Plastics are used in a vast and growing range of goods, from paper clips to spaceships due to
their relatively ease of production, versatility and affordability. Plastic in architecture is used for
roofs, windows and fixtures. Plastic, though bad for the environment is so much cheaper to
produce than other materials.

Functions of Architecture

The success of any building or structure is that, its design enables it to realize the function
for which it is built. Schools, churches, malls, bridges, roads, and houses should be built in such
a way that they perform their functions. It is a waste of time and money if a structure is built for
reasons other than functionality.

An architecture may convey something symbolic to its users or viewers. In religious and
governmental structures, this symbolic content could be readily viewed. For instance, a
courthouse could be deliberately intimidating, or a religious building could be constructed to
generate a sense of awe. In addition, architectural works could function as city icons, such as the
Eiffel Tower of Paris or the One World Trade Center of New York.

The Eiffel Tower was created to celebrate the anniversary of the French revolution. This tower
has become France's global icon. On the other hand, the One World Trade Center of New York
has become an evidence of self-confidence of New York. It was built at a moment when the
future of New York seemed unsure, the towers restored the trust and helped to put a stop to
Manhattan’s decrease.

Fig 4.24 Eifel Tower Fig 4.25 One World Trade Center

What do these architectures symbolized?

Crafts

Decorative arts are concerned with producing works for functional or ornamental purposes.
These are sometimes referred to as "crafts." Craft is an art category that displays a high level of
skill in its manufacturing. Craft works although usually connected to their utilitarian purpose, are
often extremely decorated aesthetic works in themselves.

Craft is different from fine arts which an artist expression of his thoughts and emotions.
Crafts can be categorized as distinctive development of a single-artist manufacturing objects
according to functionality, intent, importance, status. The decorative arts are widely recognized to
consist of objects that possess artistic characteristics and have been produced by expert makers,
but do not belong to the general categories of painting, sculpture, or architecture. They include,
but are not restricted to, interior decoration and furnishing, private decoration (costume and
jewelry), and subsequently, product design, with the increase of industrialization.
 Fig. 4. 26 Tinalak baskets
(from: http://shopmitchellhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tnalak-fabric-baskets.jpg)

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Principles of design are the various ways of using or mixing the elements or "ingredients" of
a piece of art to come-up with pleasing compositions. These are essentially a set of criteria used
to explain how a work of art should arrange the visual elements. These principles serve as an
objective criteria for evaluating and judging art.

When it comes to objectively identifying what is good and what is not, art is a notoriously
gray region. During his lifetime, an artist of an age may be mocked, but revered after his passing
(like Vincent van Gogh). To some extent, the principles of design help address this gray area. It
enables the viewers to interact with an aspect of objectivity and consistency to what makes a
good artwork great. Below are descriptions of the principles of design:

1. Balance
In this principle components must be arranged in such a way that between them there is
a sense of balance and equilibrium. Equilibrium is reached when all the pieces are spread
equally around a key point. If objects are equally distributed on each side of a center, then
balance is achieved. Balance gives a feeling of stability and rest. Balance may either
formal or informal.

a. Formal Balance
Another term is called symmetrical balance.
By doing exactly the same on both sides, this can be accomplished. Objects of the
same size and shape will generate official equilibrium when arranged on two sides of
a middle. You will see official mantle equilibrium where two vases of flowers are
located at the same distance from the middle. This kind of equilibrium provides dignity
and formality to an atmosphere.
 Fig. 4.28 Formal Balance
(Source: quia.com)

b. Informal Balance
It is usually used when the aim is to attract spectators and observers’ attention to the
object being observed. This is an active equilibrium. It indicates motion and
spontaneity. It also provides a casual feeling. This is sometimes referred to as occult
balance.

Fig. 4.29 Seesaw Informal Balance

(from:https://cloud.netlifyusercontent.com/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-
46f01eedd629/04d0d7bc-bb98-4a07-987f-ab65872e0f35/see-saw-asymmetry-opt-small.png)

c. Radial Balance
The third kind of balance is based on a circle with its design extending from center.
This is a circle with a balanced design. Normally, in radial balance, art lines and
shapes face outward from central point. Some examples are the stars, the iris around
the pupil of your eyes, and the daisy flowers.
 Fig. 4.30 Radial Balance
(from:https://artclasscurator.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/The-Art-Curator-for-Kids-Example-
Artworks-the-Show-Balance-Radial-Balance-Examples.jpg

2. Emphasis
Design quality is referred to as emphasis. It is given if the design or shape captures the
viewer’s attention while the remainder is subordinated. Emphasis in all types of art is
essential. In advertising art, this is the most noticeable. In visual arts, emphasis can be
achieved in many ways. It can be achieved by placement and size. For example, the
biggest figure readily captures the viewer's interest.
It draws attention, thus creating emphasis. Emphasis is significant for relieving
monotony. It can also be used to attract attention to interesting areas.

Fig. 4. 31 Shelley Esaak, Emphasis

(from:https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/84Dbizv8VnzrsP_Wonvy4wMqUUs=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():m
ax_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/103860482-56a03d613df78cafdaa09dc5.jpg)

3. Proportion
A design precept that relates to the connection between certain components to the whole
and each other. It achieves a harmonious proportion if one portion of an object does not
seem too large or too tiny when compared to the other parts.
It is not pleasant to look at objects that are "out of proportion." This picture is the ideal
illustration in proportion of Leonardo’s keen interest. Moreover, this image is a cornerstone
of Leonardo’s efforts to connect man with nature. Thus, these qualities are equally shared
by the creation of the human body and the production of a good building by human being.
 What can you say about Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man? (Fig. 4.32) How did he present the
importance of proportion in this work?

Fig. 4. 32 Vitruvian Man by Leonardo Da Vinci

(from: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p040mgkq.jpg)

4. Pattern

This is a very significant aspect of design that relates to the visual structure of repetitive or
intelligible sequence of components. The pattern is not always apparent. It could be a
straightforward underlying not a structure that dances in some sort of sequence between
light and dark. Or it could be the use of a sequence of colors.

Fig. 4. 33 Paul Klee, Dream City, 1921

(from: http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/visual-elements/images/pattern/klee.jpg)

5. Rhythm
This is a way of blending components by a chain of slow modifications. It is accomplished
by periodic or harmonious occurrence of lines, shapes and colors. Rhythm is a motion that
 is structured, a repetition. A pattern is generated by the repetition of lines and shapes that
follows the eye as it moves the eyes to the left. Rhythmic motion is also produced by a
sequence of units repeated from one another. Color repetition in different parts of the room,
such as red roses in a vase above the table, can occur in the reception room or in the
dining room which produces rhythm. Rhythmic patterns assist the eye to readily move
from one portion of the space to another. In a design, landscape or space, rhythm helps to
build harmony. It is used in prose, music, dance, painting, architecture, and sculpture as
the most efficient manner to create aesthetic unity.

Fig. 4. 34. Merimekko Hevoskastanja, Regular Rhythm

(from:http://www.writedesignonline.com/resources/design/rules/marimekko_hevoskastanja_779_big.j
pg)
6. Unity.
A way of mixing similar components in an art work to emphasize their similarities. It is often
realized by intentional or intuitive harmony and diversity balance. However, harmony may
outweigh variety, or variety may outweigh harmony.This equilibrium does not have to be
of equal proportions. Harmony helps to combine pictorial components to form a whole.
Variety contributes to this unified whole visual concern.
 Fig. 4. 35 Wassily Kandinsky – Several Circles.
(from:via wikimedia.org)
7. Variety. This is carried out by using special shapes, sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.
It refers to a way of combining the art elements involved ways to achieve intricate and
complex relationships. Variety is often obtained through diversity and change by an artist
who wish to increase the visual interest of their work.

A photograph that utilizes a lot of distinct shades, values, lines, textures and forms
represents the desire for diversity of performers. Variety can be used to break up
repetitive or monotonous components of the design.

Fig. 4.36 Angu Walters, African Art Painting

(from:https://i.pinimg.com/236x/cb/b1/d5/cbb1d5b0ed76345a988c71996dba4dcb--african-paintings-
african-artwork.jpg)

8. Movement.
This is used to produce the appearance and sense of action and to guide the eye of the
viewer for the length of the artwork. As a design principle, it relates to a way in which the
 art components are combined to create the appearance of movement or cause the viewer's
eye to sweep over the work of art in some way.

Fig. 4.37 Optical Art

(from:https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/OpArt.jpg)

9. Repetition
This can operate in a variety of aspects in design. Repeating design components enables
multiple repeats of a single point throughout. One of the examples that can clarify the
principle of repetition is the set of steps.Each step is individual but repeated in a sequence
with the same size / shape creates a pleasing composition.

Fig. 4.38 Andy Warhol, 100 Cans (1962)

(from:https://www.albrightknox.org/sites/default/files/styles/200w/public/artwork/K1963_026_o2.jpg?itok=
QF9oxmqb)
Summary:
• The elements of visual arts are lines, color, shape, space, texture, value, and movement
which the artist uses in expressing ideas.
• The basic elements of arts are expressed in the figures in paintings, the three dimensional
work in sculpture, the structural design in architecture, and decorative arts in crafts for
utilitarian purposes.
• The different principles of design maintain the organization of distinct components in the
visual arts. Through these principles, the artist can produce interesting and lovely
compositions.

Research Citation:
Watch this video, click the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HljPPwQcg0. This video
focuses on principles and elements of the art. Answer the following question.
1. How are the elements and principles of art important in creating pleasing photographic art?

References
Getty, J. P. (2011). Getty. Edu. Retrieved June 18, 2019, from www.getty.edu:
https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/elements_art.pdf

Lesson 4 The Subjects of Art and the Methods of Presenting Them. In Humanities 2.
VitasophiaBookcenter.

Payne, A. A. (1994). Rudolf Wittkower and Architectural Principles in the Age of Modernism .
The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians , 322-342.

Rotilie, Susan. (2009)"Elements and Principles of Today’s Art." Art Today. Walker Art Center

Wittenburg, S. (Director). (2017). Lesson 78: The Art Elements and Principles of Design [Motion
Picture].

https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/elements_art.pdf

http://schools.walkerart.org/arttoday/index.wac?id=2135

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/apayne/files/rudolf_wittkower_and_arch_principles.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HljPPwQcg0
 CHAPTER V

ART HISTORY

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you shall be able to:

• demonstrate a good background knowledge of the history of the arts from the cave
paintings to the contemporary period;
• explain the significant roles of art in the history of a country and its people; and
• illustrate how art has evolved throughout human history and how this knowledge is
essential in art appreciation.

Introduction:

Knowledge of art history is important not only because it encourages creativity among artists but
in particular it makes you realize the beauty and mystery of what it means to be human. Art history
is human history, the evolution of human expression from the earliest times to the present. While
studying art history, you will realize why it is important to preserve these artifacts not only for
museum display but for you to understand why you are and how you are a part of the
interconnected web you call humanity.

In this chapter, you will understand how ideas, emotions and aspirations have been
expressed in different ways in the past yet remain unchanged today. For instance, styles on
how art is presented have changed with the influx of computer technology, but the message the
artist wanted to convey remains the same. Hence, in art history you study the flight of human
beings through time, appreciating artists’ legacies that brought human culture to what it is today.

Activity
This chapter deals with art history and its timeline. Before we proceed to the content of the
chapter, let us find out what you know by answering the following questions:

1. What is the relevance of studying art history to the present?

2. Why do art historians study art made from the cultures of the past?

Ancient Art (3000BC - 300BC)

In the past, ancient art has played a major part in influencing artworks of today. It
is often considered mysterious until academics adjust their perspective of history. Artworks, like
carvings defy explanations of why and how they were created and has become an inspiration to
some mind boggling and at times crazy theories. The Paleolithic era, an ancient cultural phase of
human history (literally “Old Stone Age”) spanned between two and a half to three million years.
Paleolithic art related to the Late Upper Paleolithic era of art history happened 40,000 years ago,
up to the ice age of Pleistocene, and around 8,000 BCE as its final point. The increase of Homo
sapiens and their developing capacity in producing tools and weapons for survival marked this
period.

Two kinds of art marked this era: portable art and stationary art. Both forms, however, are limited
in scope.

• Portable art. These figurines or decorative items are small (to be portable). These
artifacts were usually sculpted (from stone, bone, or antler) or modeled from clay. Most of
this portable art were figurative, which means they portray something that could easily be
recognized, like human or animal.

Fig. 5.1 Venus of Willendorf (28.000-25,00 BCE) limestone 11.1 cm high

(From: https://cdn.britannica.com/s:700x450/49/144249-004-2FF7341A.jpg)

• Stationary art. In Western Europe, the now renowned cave paintings, were created
during the Paleolithic period. Paints used were made from combinations of minerals,
burnt bone, and charcoal blended into water, and animal blood. Experts theorize that
these paintings have some sort of ritualistic or magical purpose, as they are situated far
from the caves’ mouths and not where everyday life was taking place. Cave paintings
contain more non-figurative art, which means that many aspects are not real but symbolic.
An exception would be the realistic representation of domesticated animals
whereas humans are either totally absent or depicted as stick figures.
 Fig. 5.2 Lascaux Cave Paintings in France, 17 000- 15 000 BC

(from: https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/14041134.jpg)

Characteristics of Ancient Art

Paleolithic art is closely linked to anthropological and archaeological research. These researches
had created some generalizations about Paleolithic art:

• Paleolithic art involved food as depicted in hunting scenes and animal sculptures, and
fertility as shown in the figure of the Venus of Willendorf. Animals were usually the
predominant theme.

• Regarded as an attempt by the people of Stone Age to obtain some kind of control over
their surroundings, whether by magic or rituals.

• This period's art represents a gigantic leap in human knowledge: abstract thinking.

Egyptian Art (31st century BC - 4th century AD)

Egypt is among the places in the world where civilization was cradled. Among these evidences of
life are artworks that can be considered unique and ahead of their time. Egyptian art consisted of
forms carved in stones and woods. During this period, the sun, moon, stars, and sacred animals
were common subject of art. Artists also decorated the tombs of the dead with scenes from his
life and signs of his rank and profession with assurance that his spirit may continue to exist within
the tomb. Statues also began to flourish during this period. Portrait sculptures were emphasized
which depicted the individual moods and usual poses like walking, dancing, and bending which
showed dignity and serenity.
 Figure 5.3 Egyptian Art
(from: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/AarPxpiHXWE/)

Hellenistic Art (4th century - 1st BC)

This art was created during an age characterized by a strong sense of history, as it is generally
taken to begin with the death of Alexander the Great. When Alexander was advancing the Greeks
through victory, he divided the conquered lands among his generals. But the death of Alexander
made these dynasties and alliances broke up into smaller kingdoms infused with Greek cultural
elements.
Grecian influence mixed with local cultures within these dynasties and kingdoms led to a variety
of styles and subject matter in Hellenistic art. A number of the best-known Greek
sculptures belong to this period, including Laocoön and His Sons, Venus de Milo, and the Winged
Victory of Samothrace. It followed the period of Classical Greek art, while the succeeding Greco-
Roman art was very largely a continuation of Hellenistic trends.
This art heightened individualism and featured tragic mood and contorted faces. It was also the
representations of Greek gods which took on new forms. Hellenistic art, also had
a wide range of subject matter and stylistic development. Earlier styles were copied and adjusted
by Hellenistic artist and also they made excellent innovations.
 Figure 5.4 Villa of P. Fannius Synistor Hellenistic Art, 323 BC
(from: https://www.theartist.me/art-movement/hellenistic-art/)

Medieval Art (300 AD - 1400 AD)

The medieval period of art history spans from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of
the Renaissance. In the Middle Ages, art evolves as humans continue addressing the traditional
and the new, including biblical subjects, Christian dogma, and classical mythology. This era
introduces concepts of three periods namely: Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine.

The age of dynamism is reflected in this art. At the beginning of the eleventh century,
Romanesque architecture symbolized the growing wealth of European cities and the power of
Church monasteries. Romanesque church structures used stones for efficient structures in the
early Medieval Europe, where round arches, thick walls and pillars, tiny windows and rounded
stone ceilings gave their interiors a mysterious darkness in many cases. Painting during this
period also showed spiritual expression over physical beauty were artist used subjects such as
alpha and omega, triumphal wreaths, saints and martyrs, and the Virgin Mary.

Fig. 5.5 Bell tower in provencal Romanesque style. Arles, Provence, France, 12 th century
(From:https://www.terragalleria.com/images/france/fran41853.jpeg)

The Gothic style developed in the middle of the twelfth century and is named after the Goths who
ruled France. Some contemporaries of the Goths thought that the use of figures such as gargoyles
was hideous, but Gothic cathedrals represented the most beautiful and timeless accomplishments
of the period. Gothic church also used stained glass networks in partitions through the use of
pointed arches and ribbed design of inner ceilings and flying buttresses out of the windows. Gothic
paintings on the other hand were also religious similar to Romanesque paintings, however it is
different in style as it has plastic and calmer in style.

Fig. 5. 6 Antoni Gaudi’s 'TemploExpiatorio de la Sagrada Familia', 1882

(From:https://www.barcelonayellow.com/images/stories/antoni_gaudi/sagrada_familia_unfinished
_church.jpg

Byzantine architecture emerged which is also known as the full Christian Roman Empire where
Christian religious imageries were emphasized, often mixed with the naturalistic style of Greek
and Roman art. The subject matter of byzantine paintings were also religious as they showed
Christ as the Creator and Mary the Mother.

Fig. 5.7Shah Jahan Mausoleum of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, 1631
(From:http://famouswonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/taj-mahal-main-post-thumbnail.jpg
Characteristics of Medieval Art

Medieval art is vast and encompasses a broad variety of centuries and genres. Medieval art was
prominent in the areas of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Some of the most valuable
examples of Middle Age art can be discovered in churches, cathedrals and other religious
doctrines.Precious metals such as gold were used for church artifacts, personal jewelries,and
mosaic backgrounds. In addition, gold leaf was applied on manuscripts. Here are the noticeable
features and characteristics of the history of medieval art.

• Medieval art is all about religion. Art in places of worship were used as a means of
instructing the people about God, Jesus, and the Bible.

• The colors are the tones of flesh and earth. The art works are described as flat with rigid
figures displaying no intensity and depth.

• The architecture was strongly influenced by the Greek and Roman constructions which
ultimately led to the Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine styles.

• Beautiful mosaics and huge domes were added which characterized religious structures
like the churches, cathedrals and basilicas. Stained glass also became common and it
was considered as one of the Middle Ages’ forms of visible art.

Renaissance (14th century – 16th century)

The word "Renaissance" means "re-birth”. Humanists sought fulfillment in everyday life and
thought people had dignity and value. The dependency in the person who is desirable and
involved in a multitude of activities, has been renewed. From this ideology comes the word
Renaissance Man. Humanists have opened to spread the humanities of philosophy, history, Latin
and Greek.

Humanist schools in many parts of Italy would substitute schools run by the clergy. Renaissance
art placed emphasis on paintings which depicted man and nature in fresco technique with
simplicity, gesture, and expression. Painting style consists of the deepening of pictorial space
like how Da Vinci introduces chiaroscuro; and how Michelangelo dramatized the position of
figures in his famous contrapuesto-twists. During this period, human figure is rendered through
the use of oil paints of sumptuous, warm, and sensual colors. Renaissance architecture on the
other hand is a return to the ideals of the Greeks and Romans, however it is not a slavish imitation,
but rather a free use of the material found in classic architecture as the artists freely used these
ideas according to their own tastes, in a way that was original.
 Fig. 5.8 Michelangelo, La Pieta, 1498-1500, marble
(from:https://pixabay.com/photos/la-pieta-rome-st-peter-s-vatican-2245826/)

Fig. 5.9 Leonardo Da Vinci, Mona Lisa, 1503

(from: https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mona-lisa-facts-2-687x1024.jpg)

Baroque (1600 - 1750)

Art in the baroque period are elaborately covered with decorations. These appeal to the emotion
of the viewers as they are ornate and sensual. Artists make use of different elements such as
light and shadow to produce dramatic effects. The paintings show figures in diagonal, twists, and
zigzags. In terms of architecture, it flourished in the seventeenth century and is characterized
primarily as a period to elaborate sculptural ornamentation. The architectural framework remained
close to that of Renaissance but had a profusion of carved decoration. Alcoves were built into the
wall to receive statues, thus making a pattern of light and dark. This architecture is an excellent
example of the love of ornament, the movement, restlessness, and the excitement of the style.
 Fig. 5.10 Gian Lorenzo Bernini, The Ecstasy of St. Therese 1598-1680)
(From: https://www.learner.org/courses/globalart/assets/non_flash_386/work_098.jpg)

Modern Art (1870- 1960)

Modern art is a period known for its the most influential movements, which are: Impressionism,
Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, Expressionism, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and
Pop Art. There are other art movements in this period like Post-Impressionism, Constructivism,
Vorticism, and De Stijl. The ways of presenting art subjects as discussed in the previous
chapters are actually art movements.

Fig. 5.11 Piet Mondrian, Composition with Gray and Light Brown 1918
http://www.artchive.com/artchive/M/mondrian/lt_brown.jpg.html

Post Modern Art (1950-mid 1980)

Postmodernism is a classical, literary, political or social philosophy that has transformed into the
concept of trying to define a situation, or a state of being, or something that is concerned about
changes in institutions and circumstances (as in Giddens, 1990).Early 20th century artwork and
literature play a common role in shaping the postmodern character of the way of life.

The various artists in the postmodern period were driven by a radical and forward-thinking
approach, ideas of technological positivity, and grand narratives of Western domination and
progress. Postmodernism overturned the idea that there was one inherent meaning to a work of
art or that this meaning was determined by the artist at the time of creation. Instead, the viewer
became an important determiner of meaning, even allowed by some artists to participate in the
work as in the case of some performance pieces. Other artists went further by creating works that
required viewer intervention to create or complete the work. Thus, it embraces many different
approaches to art making giving the artist freedom to express his ideas.

This art aimed to please the public as artists were able to achieve the simplicity, brilliance, perfect
balance and brightness of colors, and sense of depth in painting. The postmodern sculpture, on
the other hand, showed realistic figures which depicted perfect human anatomy with a calm and
reflective look.

This period is also recognized as a period of eclecticism. Eclecticism in architecture means the
architect’s liberty to choose from the styles of the past that he finds most suitable. Postmodern
architecture is not only purer in style but it also has the flavor of the past as well as its forms.
Postmodern art attempts to interpret one’s reason by constructing restore symmetries in impartial
manner. New substances came to be applied: metal, plastics, high glass block, concrete pressure,
wood metal, aluminum, chromium, copper, bronze, steel, synthetic lumber stone, all kinds of
synthetic and compressed materials, and flexible plywood, used for inner and external
applications.

Fig. 5.12Roy Lichtenstein, Whaam!, 1963

(from:https://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/T/T00/T00897_10.jpg)
Contemporary Art (20th century – present)

Contemporary artworks are characterized by its diversity and difficult nature with a vibrant mixture
of materials, techniques, ideas and topics that challenge the traditional and defy simple definition.
This art era aims to understand the present and look forward to the future with artists exploring
ideas problems and techniques. Because of the diversity of methods, Contemporary Art is often
seen as lacking standardized structured principle, ideology, or label and sometimes so
straightforward that the audience is left wondering if something is missing.

The audience becomes an integral piece in creating the meaning and reflections of the created
works with the development of Contemporary Art. It seems to lack that shared concept and
expression in comparison with one of Modern Art's dominant and influential movements: Abstract
Expressionism. The moment that contemporary art is produced is the moment of continual issues,
re-evaluations, and experimentation. These experiments leave nothing sacred. All is up for grabs,
and all can be art. Because of all this, the topics of the modern works, followed the trend of the
time, generate the pattern of the time themselves and always try to expand in the first location the
thoughts of what is regarded as art.

Operating in a huge variety of mediums, contemporary artists frequently mirror and touch upon
contemporary-day society. While attractive with present day art, visitors are challenged to set
aside questions like: "Is a piece of artwork precise?" or "Is the paintings aesthetically beautiful?"
Rather, viewers bear in mind whether an artwork is "difficult" or "interesting."

In the early part of the twentieth century, few painters turned away from realistic and human
representation, and shifted towards abstraction. Whether inspired by performance artwork, pop
artwork, minimalism, conceptual artwork, or video, contemporary artists attempt to produce
artworks from unlimited substances, resources, and patterns. Because of this, it is very difficult
for contemporary artists to summarize and adequately express the complexity of ideas and
substances used.

Elements of Contemporary Art

These shifting elements to engage the viewer show how contemporary art’s significance exists
beyond the object itself. Its meaning develops from cultural discourse, interpretation and a range
of individual understandings, in addition to the formal and conceptual problems that first motivated
the artist. In this way, the art of our times may serve as a catalyst for an on-going process of open
discussion and intellectual inquiry about the world today.

Although these ideas are not completely unique to contemporary art, many artists today often
use fresh ideas and methods as listed below to go beyond the traditional components and values
in their artwork.
 • Appropriation. This is when the artist creates a new work of art by taking pre-existing
images from different works and modifies and/or consolidates those snap shots with new
ones.

Fig. 5.
13 An
Appropriation of Pablo
Picasso’s Les
Demoiselles d’Avignon
(from

inquiriesjournal.com)

• Time. It is integrated into an artwork which means the work is dependent on the passing
of time. Artists, nowadays, manipulate how moments of time are experienced through the
viewing of their artwork.

Fig. 5.14 NéleAzevedo, Melting Men, 2005

(From: https://theartofeducation.edu/content/uploads/2014/04/icepeople.jpg)

• Performance. These refer to artworks created with the aid of or presented to an audience.
 Fig. 5.15 Maren Hassinger performing in SenfaNengudi’s RSVP (1975-2012)
(From: https://www.dailyserving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/PressReleaseImage_Nengudi_2012.jpg)

• Hybridity. Artists used in their work through the blending of conventional, on trend or
unusual substances with traditional mediums. The incorporation of these materials, such
as recycled or business materials, plays an important position within the meaning of the
paintings.

Fig. 5. 16 Shadow Art Installation: Hybridity

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/12384967695490088/

• Perspective. In contemporary art this refers to an artist works with the actual area
surrounding the artwork itself. It can play a function within the manner the viewer looks at
the art work or even the way the work is perceived.
Fig 5.17 Olafur Elliason, Waterfall, Versailles, France: Art Installation https://theplaidzebra.com/five-surreal-
art-installations-nature/

• Destruction. It refers to an artist who makes use of techniques to reveal harm to their
paintings and other visual art. Frequently, this destruction is documented as a method that
will become the artwork of an artist.

Fig 5.18 Valerie Hegarty, Decomposing Frames https://mymodernmet.com/beautifully-decomposing-

frames/

• Text. Present day artists utilize text in their artwork to push beyond the concept that text
is simplest. Textual content adds intensity to the work that cannot be created through form
and color alone.
 Fig, 5. 19 Melinda Rankin, Sacred Texts, 2007
(From: https://www.artlink.com.au/images/articles//27_1/27_1_p55.jpg)

Art in the Philippines

The first stone churches were built as early as 17 th century. Painting in churches started in the
Manila area with the priests as painter-decorators. The Augustinian fathers also offered drawing
lessons to the Filipinos and native Filipino painters had the freedom to choose the colors of
figures. Early religious painting had similarities with European works. However, during the
American period, painting suffered a standstill as commerce became generally restricted which
naturally made the artist financially disabled.

Even before the colonizers arrived in the Philippines, early Filipinos have already made some
forms of sculpture, mostly of idols. With the spread of Christianity during the Spanish period,
native sculptures are destroyed and Filipinos began to carve images of saints, crosses, crucifixes,
and other religious objects. After the revolution during the American period, Filipino sculptors
began to erect monuments. Artists like Guillermo Tolentino developed a mastery of the human
figure which is very essential in molding figures for monuments

Architecture in the Philippines have developed over the years. Before the Spanish arrived, native
Filipinos have made houses from light materials such as, bamboo palm, vine, grass, and wood.
Later, stronger materials like adobe stones were used. When you passed Roxas Boulevard,
Escolta, University of Santo Tomas, and some parts of Intramuros, they reflect not only the living
proofs of the antiquity of architecture in this country but also trace back the influence of Europe.
Philippines have impressive architectural technology. The use of concrete, wood and coconut
products, thin shells, a wide choice of marble, and other locally available products used as
materials for edifices are apparently of western architectural forms.

Philippine architecture responds to the climate. Although there are many variations, generally the
roof of the first Philippine houses, nipa huts, or bahay-kubo, were high pitched and usually open
gabled to allow for ventilation. The steeply sloping pitch also protected from the wind and rain in
the typhoon season. The roof also provided wide overhang eaves, to provide shade from the hot
sun. The structure was usually four-walled with tukod windows. These windows had swinging
shades, which could be propped open during the day. There was usually one simple multi-use
space on the interior. This open interior again provided ventilation, but also gave the simple
dwelling a spacious feel. This space could be used for cooking, eating, and sleeping. Sometimes
the cooking was done over an open fire built on the heap of earth in one corner or partitioned off
in a space in front of the ladder. Sometimes, there was an open front porch, pantaw or batalan,
where jars of water would be kept for washing dishes. This gallery also served as an anteroom or
lounging area. The structure could easily be added to, should the need arises. Now in the modern
age, the aftermath of the Second World War brought great destruction, especially in the capital
city of Manila, and a time of reconstruction followed. The modern era dawned on Philippine
architecture using the International Modern Style's easy straight lines as the main mode of
expression.

By the 1970s, the emergence of a fresh type of Philippine architecture emerged with the
filipinization of architecture. In the re emergence of traditional motifs, the Filipino style found its
way, the bahay-kubo and the bahay na bato became commonly copied and modernized such as
in the forms of Batasang Pambansa and the National Theatre. The architectural idiom of the
country was swept by the tide of Post Modernism in the 1980s, a listening back to classical
architecture of some sort. Today, architecture in the Philippines continues to be dynamic and
more first-rate architecture with the nation opening up to the international arena.

Summary:

• Art history is human history as it is the evolution of human expression from the earliest
times to the present. Knowledge of art history encourages creativity among artists but
particularly because it makes you realize the beauty and mystery of what it means to be
human.

• There are four period of history of art which are: The Ancient Art, Medieval Art,
Postmodern Art, and Contemporary Art. Each of these arts has different styles and focus.
Some periods of art focused on hunting and showed great variety of stylistic treatment,
and sophistication of form, color, and line while other art focused on spiritual expression;
and emphasized rediscovery of nature resulting in a calmer style. Thus, you can see the
differences of style and technique of artworks based on the time it was made.

• The elements of contemporary arts consist of appropriation, time, performance, hybridity,

perspective, destruction, text. These elements played a great role in influencing the artists
of present time as it allowed them to express themselves freely by using different mediums
and techniques.
Research Citation:

Read and access this article, https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/25885050.pdf about Art History

and Art Criticism. Answer the following question briefly and accurately:
1.How art history created the interpretation and comprehension of every human actions and
scholarly works?
References:
Giddens, A. (1990). The Consequences of Modernity, Cambridge: Polity Press. 186 + xii pages.

Art History (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=art history)". WordNet Search - 3.0,

princeton.edu

Ernst Gombrich (1996). The Essential Gombrich, p. 7. London: Phaidon Press

James ElCf (2006) Aesthetics', ed. James Elkins New York: Routledge.

Art of Ancient Egypt (http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/newegypt/htm/a_index.htm) Retrieved

January 25, 2010

\
 UNIT II
CHAPTER VI
LITERATURE
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter you should be able to:
• explain the meaning and nature of literature;
• familiarize with the classification and elements of literature; and
• appreciate the importance of literature in our lives.

Introduction
Today, many may believe that literature is not important. What most people do not
understand is that literature serves as a gateway to learn the past and expand your knowledge of
the present. All literary works, be it a poem, essay, novel, or short story, help you understand
human nature and the conditions which affect all people.

When you study literature, your horizons broaden for you can learn and understand people who
are different from you. In fact, you might even discover characters or poems that you can identify
with. It can be exciting and assuring to discover that your exact thoughts and feelings have also
been experienced by others. Because of this, literature encourages you to be sensitive to the
whole spectrum of human experience and allows you to experience other worlds. Furthermore,
you will gain insight into the mind of someone else. With this, you begin to ask questions, and
construct your own view of humanity.

In this chapter, you will know about the different genres and elements of literature as it is a
source of dynamism and creativity that will help you expand your skills in making connections,
finding themes, and realizing the importance of hidden meanings in literary works.

Activity

This chapter explains the basic concepts and elements of literature. To start the lesson, find
out how much you know about literature by answering the following questions:

1. What is literature?

2. What is the importance of literary standards in writing?

3. Can you name some of your favorite books, articles, poems, short stories, etc. and explain to
the class why you like these literary works? What are they about? Do they have emotional and
intellectual appeal or humanistic value that made them your favorite literary works?
Classification of Literature

Literature comes from the Latin word literature meaning writing; and literatus which means
learning. Literature refers to the written works that exhibit creative imagination and artistic skill.
It is both oral and written work characterized by expressive or imaginative writing, nobility of
thoughts, universality, and timeliness. The best way to fully understand human nature and to
completely know a nation is to study its literature. Literature appeals to man’s higher nature and
his or her needs–emotional, spiritual, and intellectual. Like all other forms of art, literature
entertains and gives you pleasure which fires the imagination and arouses noble emotions which
enriches you by reflecting on life and by filling new ideas.

Literature can be classified as escape literature and interpretative literature. Escape

literature is written to interpret human experience by presenting fictitious persons, incidents, or
situations which is not based on true events. It is written for pleasure and entertainment purposes
as it takes you to a different world and enables you to forget your troubles temporarily.
Interpretative literature, on the other hand, is written to broaden and sharpen your awareness
of life. It takes you through imagination, deeper into the real world and enables you to understand
your troubles.

Genres of Literature
When you open a book, when your eyes read the words and you take in its contents, do you
ask yourself: How did this person imagine and write this? Well, many of these authors use
literature to expand their writing. Literary works like poetry, short story, essay, novel, and drama
are worth reading not only because they gives you pleasure but you can also learn something
from them. Literature opens your eyes and makes you see more than just what the front door
shows but it helps you understand the world outside. The genres of literature are: poetry, fiction
and non-fiction (short story, essay, novel) and drama.

1. Poetry. It is as universal and ancient as language. Ancient people were already writing and
appreciating it and it is still here today. Modern man put different aspects to poem to make it
generally pleasing and to be appreciated by the reader. Poetry has four elements:

a. Rhyme. It is the repetition of identical or similar concluding syllables in different words

often at the ends of lines. Rhyme is predominantly a function of sound rather than spelling,
thus, words that end with the same vowel should sound the same. Example:

The road goes ever on and on,

Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road as gone
And I must follow if I can.

(from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)

b. Imagery. This may be defined as the representation of sense experience through

language. Images are formed as you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch; or you may say
that an “image” is the mental duplication of a sense impression. Example:
 The girl ran her hands on a soft satin fabric.

The idea of “soft” in this example appeals to our sense of touch, or tactile sense.

c. Figurative Language. It is a form of language use in which the writers and speakers
mean something other than the literal meaning of their words. The most commonly used
and the most important of the figurative language are the simile and the metaphor. A
simile involves a comparison between unlike things using like or as while metaphor is a
comparison between essentially unlike things without a word such as like or as. Example:

“I would have given anything for the power to soothe her frail soul, tormenting itself
in its invincible ignorance like a small bird beating about the cruel wires of a cage.”

(from Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad)

d. Rhythm. It is the term used to refer to the recurrence of stressed and unstressed
sounds in poetry. Poets rely heavily on rhythm to express meaning and convey feeling.
Example:

“Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life;”

(from Romeo Juliet by William Shakespeare)

2. Fiction and Non-fiction. The following types are written based solely on the writer’s
imagination (fiction) or based on true events which the writer have researched or experienced first
hand (non-fiction).

⚫ Short Story. A short story provides an understanding on the different aspects of human life.
It helps you comprehend other people and yourself as it teaches you values and morals on
how to be a good human being. The following are the elements of a short story:
 Fig 6.1 Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea
(Source:http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/oldmansea.pdf)

a. Theme. It is the central idea or belief in a short story. It may be the author's thoughts
on the topic or view of human nature.

b. Plot. It is the sequence series of events and character‘s actions that relate to the central
conflict. A plot should have a very clear beginning, middle, and end with all the necessary
descriptions and suspense.

c. Character. It is a person who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary
works. The author should introduce the characters in the story with enough information for
the reader to visualize each person.

d. Conflict. It is the primary problem that the characters in a story face. It is the driving
force in any story, as it influences the turn of events in the plot. Without conflict, there is
no story arc and no character development.

e. Resolution. The solution to the problem is the way the conflict is resolved. It is important
that the resolution fit the rest of the story in tone and creativity and solve all parts of the
conflict.

⚫ Essay. It is defined as a literary composition that shows the reflection of the writer in a field.
Writing an essay makes you express your personal thoughts, ideas, and feelings based on
the phase of life that you are interested in. The following are the elements of essay:

a. Idea. It is the general proposition that your essay argues about in the topic. It should
be true and limited enough in scope to be argued in a short composition.

b. Motive. It is the reason why you are writing something. It should be established so it
may show that the topic is worth reading.

c. Structure. It is the shape where your idea takes place and where the sequence and
section unfold and develop.
 d. Explanation. It is the background information, summary, (and) context to orient the
reader who is not familiar with the text you are discussing.

e. Coherence. It is the smooth flow of argument where transition sentences show how the
next paragraph or section follows from the preceding one.

f. Implication. It is where you place the general significance of your analysis on a topic.

⚫ Novel. It is an invented prose narrative of considerable length and certain complexity that
deals imaginatively with human experience, usually through a connected sequence of events
involving a group of persons in a specific setting. Like any form of art, novel has five important
elements such as:

Figure 6.2 F.Scott-Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

(Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Gatsby#/media/File:TheGreatGatsby_1925jacket.jpeg )

a. Plot. It is the skeleton of framework which gives shape and proportion to the novel. It
also describes the story itself: the actual events, the substance which concerns human
activity, and the changes which occur from the beginning to the end of the story.

b. Theme. It is the central idea in the story or novel which can be expressed in a short
statement. It is the main idea and the universal truth found in the novel.
c. Setting. It covers the time, place, and background of the story. It also includes the entire
climate of beliefs, habits, and values of a region in the story.

d. Moral lesson. It is the message that is conveyed or the lesson to be learned from the
story. It teaches the reader a life lesson, such as what is right or wrong, how to make
decisions, or how to treat other people.

e. Characters. It is the moving spirit of the novel. Characters should stay true to the
author’s descriptions throughout the story so that the reader can understand and follow
the action that is taking place.
3. Drama. It is defined as a dramatic work that actors present on stage. A story is dramatized
which means the characters and events in the story are brought to life through a stage
performance by actors who play roles of the characters in the story and act through its events,
taking the story forward. Drama have eight elements:

Figure 6.3 William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

(Source: https://www.amazon.ca/Romeo-Juliet-original-Shakespeare-Biography-ebook/dp/B072LCP39S)

a. Theme. The theme of a play refers to its central idea. It can either be clearly stated
through dialog or action or can be inferred after watching the entire performance. The
theme is the philosophy that forms the base of the story or a moral lesson that the
characters learn.

B. Plot. The order of events occurring in a play make its plot. Essentially, the plot is the
story that the play narrates. The connection between the events and the characters in
them form an integral part of the plot.

c. Characters. The characters that form a part of the story are interwoven with the plot of
the drama. Each character in a play has a personality of its own and a set of principles
and beliefs.

d. Dialogue. The story of a play is taken forward by means of dialogues. The story is
narrated to the audiences through the interaction between the play's characters, which is
in the form of dialogues.

e. Setting. The time and place where the story take place is one of its important parts.
The era or time in which the incidents in the play take place, influence the characters’
appearances and personalities.
 Figure 6.4 Stage Setting
(https://www.providenceplayers.org/news/2012/03/side-man-a-critical-and-audience-success/)

f. Performance. The impact that a story has on the audiences is largely affected by the
performances of the actors. When a written play is transformed into a stage performance,
the actors cast for different roles, the way they portray the characters assigned to them,
and the way their performances are directed are some important factors that determine
the play's impact.

g.Music. This element includes the use of sounds and rhythm in dialogues as well as
music compositions that are used in the plays. The background score, the songs, and the
sound effects used should complement the situation and the characters in it. The right
kind of sound effects or music, if placed at the right points in the story, act as a great
supplement to the high and low points in the play.

h. Costumes and Make-up. Every costume should be comfortably and securely put -
together so the performer do not have to worry about it once it is on. Before the dress
rehearsal, all parts of each costume should be hanged together and tagged. Make-up on
the other hand, are materials used by actors for cosmetic purposes and as an aid in
making the appearance appropriate to the characters they play .

i. Scenery and Lighting. Scenery and lighting, furniture painted backdrops, or large
props, should be realistic. The scenery can be simple, for it is supposed only to suggest
the scene. Proper lighting can add a great deal to the realism of the play.

Figure 6.5 Scenery and Lighting

(Source: http://plsn.com/articles/focus-on-theatre-current-issue/illusion-to-reality/)
Summary

• Literature of all forms play an important role in your life for it does not only serve to
entertain but it also broadens your perspective which enable you to connect with your own
humanity.
• The genre of literature together with its elements is written in different style and form;
hence, it does not only give you pleasure and entertainment, but it also enables you to
reflect on life which makes you an improved person with a clearer understanding of the
world around you.

References:

Boyd, C.B. (1997). Spotlight on Literature. New York:Mcmillan/McGraw Hill.

ELLSA: American Literary Classics. Five important Elements of a Short Story. (n.d.) Retrieved
July 3, 2019, from http://users.aber.ac.uk/jpm/ellsa/ellsa_elements.html

Encyclopedia Americana (International Edition. (2002). Connecticut. Grolier

Hemingway, E. The Old Man and the Sea. (n.d.) Retrieved July 3, 2019, from
http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/oldmansea.pdf
Literary Devices: Definition and Examples of Literary Terms. (n.d.) Retrieved July 3, 2019, from
https://literarydevices.net/imagery/
Literary Terms. (n.d.) Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://literaryterms.net/rhyme/.
Magher, M. What is conflict in a short story?. (n.d.). Retrieved July 3, 2019, from
https://penandthepad.com/what-conflict-story-5005510.html
Minetor, R. (September 14, 2018). Illusion to Reality. Retrieved July 6, 2019, from
http://plsn.com/articles/focus-on-theatre-current-issue/illusion-to-reality/
Poe, E.D. (1846). The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe. Retrieved July 3, 2019, from
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/poe/cask.html
Scott-Fitzgerald, F. (n.d) The Great Gatsby. Retrieved July 4, 2019, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Gatsby#/media/File:TheGreatGatsby_1925jacket.jpeg
Shakespeare, W. (n.d.) Romeo and Juliet. Retrieved July 6, 2019, from
https://www.amazon.ca/Romeo-Juliet-original-Shakespeare-Biography-ebook/dp/B072LCP39S
Providence Players of Fairfax. Retrieved July 6, 2019, from
https://www.providenceplayers.org/news/2012/03/side-man-a-critical-and-audience-success/
 CHAPTER VII
THE MEDIUMS OF MUSIC

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter you should be able to:
• determine the elements of music as performance art;
• compare the different genre of music; and
• employ basic skills in the areas of musical performance.

Introduction

Music has always been a large part of your daily activities. For instance, when you jog in the
morning, you would like to listen to a pumped up kind of song; when you go out in the street, most
of people you see have their headsets on; when employees and students have their free time you
can see them listening to some kind of music. Each person has a different taste in music; you
may like to listen to pop songs whereas others listen to classical music. You may be different in
your taste for your kind of music, but one thing is sure – music has the capability to change your
mood for it has a soothing therapeutic effect.

Before, music was only vocal which means it was only the sound of a human voice with no
accompaniment of any musical instrument. Over the years, social progress led to the invention of
different musical instruments. Hence, to appreciate music, it is helpful for you to understand the
elements of music and the various musical instruments. These are important components in
producing music which is considered as art based on the organization of sounds in time.

Activity
Find out what you already know about the art of music by answering the following questions:

1. There are only two mediums of music. Can you name one of them?
2. What genre of music do you often listen to? What can you say about the arrangements of the
musical sound?
3. Do you play any musical instrument? If so, what instrument? Can you identify what kind of
musical instrument it is?

Properties of Musical sound

Music is an art and it deals with sound. Sound is the basic medium of music. When you hear
sounds, you might ask yourself, what are these? What cause it? How do we hear it?
Sound begins with the vibration of an object, such as a table that is pounded or a string that is
plucked. The vibrations are transmitted to your ears by a medium, which is usually air. As a result
of the vibrations, your eardrums start vibrating too, and these impulse or signals are transmitted
to your brain. Musical sound has four properties namely: pitch, duration, volume, and timbre.

1. Pitch. All musical sounds have pitch. This refers to the place of tone in the musical scale. It is
the relative highness or lowness of a sound.

2. Duration. Sound is the result of vibrations. It is a property of sound which depends on the
length of time over which vibration is maintained.

3. Volume. The term refers to softness or loudness of sound. Forte means loud; piano means
soft.

4. Timbre/ tone color. This has something to do with the quality of the sound. The quality of tone
or color quality of the sounds depends on the size, shape, and proportion of the instrument, and
the manner in which the vibration is set up. For example, the quality of sound made from
strumming a guitar is different from playing the piano keys.

Elements of Music
Music can be analyzed by considering its elements for they have important part to play in any
musical style. When you listen to different genres of music, be it rock, jazz, classical, country, etc.,
you may notice that the style in which the sound is produced is different even though they use the
same elements of music. It is just that the artist differently use these elements to create different
sounds. The following are the elements of music:
1. Rhythm. It is the overall movement or swing and is considered the most essential element in
music. It includes:

a. Meter – measure of rhythmic unit

b. Tempo – beat of the music, whether fast or slow

2. Melody. It is the orderly succession of musical sound. Melody is a series of single tones which
add up to a recognizable whole. It has direction, shape, and continuity.

3. Dynamics. It relates to the force or percussive effects measured by the degree of loudness
and softness.

4. Harmony. It is achieved by the simultaneous sounding of two or more tones.

5. Texture. It may be “thick” or “thin” depending on the type of the instrument, loudness, and
composition, among other factors. Example:

A singer accompanied by a guitar picking or strumming chords may produce a soft type of sound
compared to a single bagpipes or accordion player playing a melody with drones or chords .
6. Color. It is the result of the difference in timbre or quality of the tone in a variety of voices and
instruments.Example:

When you hear a clarinet and a guitar play the exact same pitch, the tone color of each instrument
allows you to tell the difference between the sounds of the instruments that you hear.
7. Style. It refers to the composer’s or singer’s personal rendition, depending largely on
temperament, training, and outlook in life.

The Two Mediums of Music

Man, and art cannot function without one another. Man, always has the burning desire to
create, whatever it may be. The interaction with sound is unavoidable either to make it or take
pleasure in it. You have always found music significant in your life; for enjoyment in listening,
performing, or creating it. Music have immense worth in the society as it can stimulate your mind.
To better understand what makes music beautiful, let us identify the two mediums of music: the
vocal medium and the instrumental medium.

1. The vocal medium is the human voice which is considered as the oldest of all
instruments. It is the most natural form of music as it is the most personal and direct of all
the instruments because it comes from within the person.

There are six classes of vocal register: soprano (high-register female voice), mezzo-
soprano (medium-register female voice), alto or contrato (low-register female voice),
tenor (high-register male voice), baritone (medium-register male voice), and bass (low-
register male voice).

Vocal Qualities. In addition to the six vocal registers, voices are also classified according
to their timbre or quality of sound.

a.Coloratura soprano is the highest and the lightest of all voices.

b. Lyric soprano is a voice that is less high and usually sings less ornamental music.
The voice is especially suited to sweet song-like melodies in which beauty of tone is the
predominant quality.

c. Dramatic soprano voice is heavier and can convey intense emotions in dramatic
situations.

d.Mezzo-soprano voice is between the soprano and contralto in quality and range.

e. Contralto voice is low and rich in quality.

f. Tenor is the highest type in male’s voice.

g. Lyric tenor has the voice especially suited to sweet song-like melodies.

h. Dramatic tenor has a heavier voice and is capable of conveying intense emotions in
dramatic situations.

i. Baritone voice is a male voice with a range between tenor and bass.
 j. Bass voice has the deepest and lowest sound.

2. The instrumental medium has three main types of musical instruments namely:
bowed, blown, and struck. The instruments that are considered bowed are the strings.
Those that are blown are brasses because they are made of brass. The woodwinds are
named such because it is made of wood. The last classification is struck which is also
called as percussion instruments.

a. String Instruments. They provide the basic orchestral sounds. They produce tones by
means of the vibration of a stretched string. The following are the different kinds of string
instruments:

• Guitar. It is a six-stringed plucked wooden instrument, and is the most popular

musical instrument. It has graduated from the ethnic ukulele to the sophisticated
electric guitar used in big concerts.

Figure 7.1 Guitar

(Source: https://www.rimmersmusic.co.uk/falcon-fl34-fl34-3-4-size-classic-guitar-natural-
p16063)

• Violin. It is the smallest member of the string family found in an orchestra. The
earliest violins were made in Italy around 1550 and developed from the medieval
fiddle and rebec.

Figure 7.2 Violin

(Source: https://www.flipkart.com/oriental-harmonium-1-64-5-stringed-acoustic-
violin/p/itmehg4ynz3evhqk)

• Viola. The size of the viola can vary although it is always larger than the violin.
Because of its extra size the viola has a mellower sound than the violin and its
pitch is lower.
 Figure 7.3 Viola
(Source: https://www.amazon.in/Musical-Violin-Battery-Operated-Hey-
Play/dp/B06XKR21QJ)

• Cello. It was first developed in the sixteenth century. However, by the eighteenth
century the cello has rapidly increased in popularity both as a solo instrument and
as part of the orchestra.

Figure 7.4 Cello

(Source: http://www.wright-music.com/rentals/school-year-rental-cello)

b. Brass Instruments. This family of instruments have essentially very long pipes that
widen at their ends into a bell-like shape. The pipes have been curved and twisted into
different shapes to make them easier to hold and play. These instruments are known to
have been made of wood, tusks, animal horns or shells. Today’s modern instruments are
made entirely of brass. The following are the different kinds of brass instruments:

• Trumpet. It has the highest register in the brass family. It has a brass tubing bent
twice into an oblong shape. This instrument is played by blowing air through closed
lips, producing a “buzzing” sound which sends wave vibrations in the air column
inside the trumpet.
 Figure 7.5 Trumpet
(Source: https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/musical-trumpet-13920196148.html)

• Trombone. It produces sound when the player’s vibrating the lips (embouchure)
which cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate. Characterized by a
telescopic slide with which the player varies the length of the tube to change
pitches.

Figure 7.6 Trombone

(Source: https://www.thomann.de/gb/bach_42bof_bb_f_tenor_trombone.htm)

• Horn. It consists of about 12-13 feet of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell
and often curved in various ways, with one narrow end into which the musician
blows, and a wide end from which sound emerges.

Figure 7.7 Horn

(Source: https://gebr-alexander.de/en/portfolio-item/fbb-double-horn-%C2%B7-model-1103/)

• Tuba. It is the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument. Sound is produced by

vibrating or “buzzing” the lips into a large cupped mouthpiece.
 Figure 7.8 Tuba
(Source: http://encoreyouthmusic.com/tuba/)

c. Woodwind Instruments. These instruments are made of wood, metal, plastic or some
combination. They are all basically narrow cylinders or pipes, with holes, an opening at
the bottom end and a mouthpiece at the top. You play them by blowing air through the
mouthpiece and opening or closing the holes with your fingers to change the pitch. The
following are the different kinds of woodwind instruments:

• Flute. It is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from
the flow of air across an opening.

Figure 7.9 Flute

(Source: https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Student-Flute-with-Case-
by-Gear4music/2R6)

• Piccolo. It is a half-sized flute. It has the same fingerings as its larger sibling, the
standard transverse flute, but its sound is an octave higher than what is written.
 Figure 7.10 Piccolo
(Source: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Exquisite-musical-instruments-silver-plated-
piccolo-musical-instrument-flute-abs-pipe/32271175081.html)

• Oboe. It is a treble woodwind instrument with a conical bore and a double reed.

Figure 7.11 Oboe

(Source: https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Odyssey-OBE1200-
Premiere-Junior-Oboe/W18)

• Clarinet. It has a single-reed mouthpiece, a straight, cylindrical tube with an almost

cylindrical bore, and a flared bell. The first clarinet invented has a strident tone
similar to that of a trumpet.

Figure 7.12 Clarinet

(Source: https://www.long-
mcquade.com/61768/Band/Clarinets/Jupiter/Student_Bb_Clarinet_ABS_Matte_w_Adjust
able_Thumb_Rest.htm)

• Saxophone. It is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument. It is usually made

of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet.
 Figure 7.13 Saxophone
(Source: https://www.sax.co.uk/yanagisawa-awo1-alto-saxophone-gold-lacquer.ir)

d. Percussion Instruments. These are instruments that make a sound when they are hit with
special sticks, or by striking or shaking their parts together. It is commonly referred as the
backbone or heartbeat of a musical ensemble as they keep the rhythm and make special sounds,
which add excitement and color. The most common percussion instruments are as follows:

• Snare Drum. It is a small drum made of wood or brass with drum heads made of
calfskin or plastic stretched over both ends of a hollow cylinder. It has a set of wire-
wrapped strings stretched across the bottom head which gives a unique rattling
sound when the drum is hit. Snare drums are used to keep the rhythm and make
special sound. You play the snare drum by hitting the top with drumsticks, mallets
or brushes.

Figure 7.14 Snare Drum

(Source: https://www.amazon.in/Aileen-Lexington-Student-Steel-
Drumsticks/dp/B06XW722TW)

• Xylophone. It is derived from the Greek name which means “wood sound”
because it is made of wooden bars. Each bar is tuned to a particular note and has
a corresponding resonator below it. These resonators make the sound louder and
longer which gives the xylophone its bright bell-like sound.
 Figure 7.15 Xylophone
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Gearlux-37-Key-Wooden-Xylophone-
Mallets/dp/B018EYOPGS

• Cymbals. These are two large metal discs are usually made of bronze. It can be
used for drama and excitement to accent the rhythm or create delicate sound
effects. You can play the cymbals either by hitting one cymbal against the other or
you can use sticks, mallets, or brushes to hit one or both cymbals.

Figure 7.15 Cymbals

(Source: https://www.thomann.de/gb/sonor_v3902_becken.htm)

• Triangle. It is a small metal bar that is bent into the shape of a triangle and makes
a ringing sound when you hit it. There are many sizes of triangles and each one
sounds a different pitch. You play the triangle by holding it on a string and striking
it with a metal beater. The size and thickness of the beater can change the sound
the triangle makes.
 Figure 7.16 Triangle
(Source: https://www.earlyyearsresources.co.uk/music-c193/instruments-c402/triangle-
musical-instrument-p31271)

• Chimes. These are made of metal tubes of different lengths that are hung from a
metal frame. When you strike the tubes with a mallet, they sound like the ringing
bells of a church. Each chime sounds a different pitch.

Figure 7.17 Chimes

(Source: https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/adams-16-octave-symphonic-
chimes-gen2/symphonic-chimes)

• Tambourine. This is a small drum with metal jingles set into the edges. Both the
drum head and the jingles are untuned. To play it, you hold it in one hand and tap,
shake or hit it, usually against your other hand.

Figure 7.17 Tambourine

(Source: https://www.thomann.de/ie/millenium_tambourin_8_mit_12_schellen.htm)
Genres of Music
 The genres of music will help you understand creations in greater context, making it easier
to identify patterns and find creations that are the most satisfying to your individual tastes. It will
greatly enhance your personal listening enjoyment and allow you to recognize artists who make
the music, especially those who experiment with new musical styles. The following are the genres
of music:

1. Acoustic. This music is created without the use of electricity.

2. Alternative. This music is described as music that did not fit into mainstream genres of the
time. Alternative styles include indie, post-punk, hardcore punk, Gothic rock, college rock and
new wave bands.

3. Blues. This music includes vocal and instrumental form based on a pentatonic scale and a
characteristic twelve-bar chord progression. Blues has been a major influence Western popular
music, finding expression in ragtime, jazz, big band, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, country music,
conventional pop songs and even modern classical music.

4. Celtic. This music is a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical
traditions of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe.

5. Classical music. It is generally a classification covering music as composed and performed

by professionally trained artists. It is composed and written using music notation, and as a rule is
performed faithfully to the score.

6. Club/Dance. This music is composed, played, or both, specifically to accompany social

dancing. This music specifically refers to electronic music such as disco, house, techno and
trance.

7. Country. This music form has its roots in traditional folk music, spirituals and blues.

8. Hip Hop. This music is composed of four main elements: rapping, disk jockeying, break dancing
and graffiti drawings. Most typically, hip hop music consists of one or more rappers who chant
semi-autobiographic tales, often relating to a fictionalized counterpart, in an intensely rhythmic
lyrical form, making abundant use of techniques like assonance, alliteration, and rhyme.

9. Indie. This music is a genre of alternative rock that primarily exists in the indie underground
music scene.

10. Jazz. This music has been called the first original art form to develop within the US. Jazz also
tends to utilize complex chord structures and an advanced sense of harmony, and requires a high
degree of technical skill and musical knowledge from the performers.

11. Metal. It is a form of music which is characterized by aggressive, driving rhythms and highly
amplified distorted guitars.

12. Pop music. It is a subgenre of popular music. Pop music may be distinguished from classical
or art music and from folk music as it is a loosely defined category.
13. Rhythm and Blues is a music genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues, pop, soul,
funk, hip hop and electronic music.

14. Rock. It is also called rock 'n' roll. It is a form of popular music, usually featuring vocals, a
strong back beat, electric guitars, and a catchy melody backed by three or four chords.

15.Reggae. This music founded upon a rhythm style, which is characterized by regular chops on
the backbeat, played by a rhythm guitarist.

Summary
• Music has provided people a vehicle for artistic, emotional, and intellectual expression. Like
all kinds of art, music has the ability to deliver message as it can manipulate the mood of
the listener and can provide necessary information in the crucial issues that society face.

• Vocal medium and Instrumental medium are the two mediums of music. The former is
composed of human voice which is considered as the most natural form of music because
it comes from within the person. It consists of six classes of vocal register and ten
classification of vocal qualities. The latter, on the other hand, is composed of three main
types of musical instruments namely: bowed instrument, blown instrument, and struck
instrument. When these mediums are combined, it can create beautiful music which
makes you appreciate and realize its importance in your life. The absence of such makes
the aesthetic side of music dead.

• The elements of music is of great importance in any musical style as it enables you to
create your music artistically by experimenting and creating different sounds by using these
elements. As a result, different genre of music was made with different musical styles which

References:
Elements of Music. (nd.) Retrieved July 6, 2019, from
http://accounts.smccd.edu/mecklerd/mus250/elements.htm
Genre and Definition. Retrieved June 24, 2019 from https://www.koop.org/library/genres-
definitions

Drum, J. (n.d.). Percussion Ensemble: Classroom Concert Study Guide. Retrieved July 11, 2019
from https://www.phoenixsymphony.org/uploads/SFTS/Percussion_Study_Guide.pdf
Neumayer, R. (n.d.). Musical Genre Classification. Retrieved June 25, 2019 from
http://www.ifs.tuwien.ac.at/~neumayer/pubs/NEU04_wda.pdf
The Elements of Music. Retrieved June 25, 2019 from https://wmich.edu/mus-
gened/mus170/RockElements.pdf

The Percussion Family. Retrieved July 11, 2019 from https://www.orsymphony.org/learning-

community/instruments/percussion/
Thomson, W. E. (n.d.) Musical Sound. Retrieved June 26, 2019 from
https://www.britannica.com/science/musical-sound

CHAPTER VIII
DANCE
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter you should be able to:
⚫ learn elements and genres of dance;
⚫ create and perform dance works showing thematic material and universal themes; and
⚫ utilize choreographic principles and processes to express feelings through dance.

Introduction
Dance is an art form that is a source of entertainment and a means of expression. Dance
involves a successive group of bodily motions and steps rhythmically performed and timed to
music. Dance is more than exploring the different ways to make a step or learning a series of
steps to music. It is in its way of moving that uses the body as an instrument of expression and
communication.

Dance is said to be the oldest form of art. Throughout history, dance has been used by
ancient people for worship, gratitude, and courtship. Dance is both an art and a form of recreation.
As an art, it may tell a story and express an emotion. As a form of recreation, dancing has long
provided fun, relaxation, and companionship. Dance serves many other purposes as it provides
effective means of communication. It has its own story to tell and a dancer can express his or her
feelings through the rhythmic motions of the body without saying a word.

This lesson discusses the genres of dance: ethnological, social or ballroom, and theatrical
or spectacular dance. Also, to be discussed are the elements of dance: theme, design, movement,
technique, music, costume and properties, choreography, scenery.

Genres of Dance
Throughout history, several types of dance have evolved while still maintaining some of the
traditional elements specific to certain genres. The following are the important genres of dance:

1. Ethnological Dance. It is the dance which is native to a specific race or ethnic group. It includes
folk dancing because folk dances are often derived from ethnic dances. This dance is associated
with national and cultural groups. Examples below are ethnological dances of the Philippines.

a. Maglalatik. This dance is originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance

that demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or
coconut meat during the Spanish rule.This dance is also used to pay tribute to the town’s
patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the palipasan
and the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the
reconciliation.

Figure 8.1 Maglalatik

(Source: https://filipinoartistsnewzealand.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/klickety-klick-maglalatik/)

b. Tinikling. This dance is considered as the national folkdance with a pair of dancers
hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in
time to music. Originated from Leyte province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of
“tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems, or over bamboo traps set by farmers.
 Figure 8.2 Tinikling

c. Pandanggo Sa Ilaw. This popular dance of grace and balance comes from Lubang
Island, Mindoro in the Visayas region. After a good catch, fishermen would celebrate by
drinking wine, dancing, swinging and circling around lighted lamp. It comes from the
Spanish dance “fandango” and is characterized by lively steps and clapping.

Figure 8.3 PandanggosaIlaw

(Source: https://philippinestravelsite.com/ten-interesting-philippines-folk-dances/)

d. Itik-itik. According to history of this dance, a young woman named Kanang happened
to be the best performer in the province of Surigao del Norte. At one baptismal reception,
she was asked to dance the Sibay, and began improvising her steps in the middle of her
performance imitating the movements of an "itik", a duck, as it walks with choppy steps
and splashes water on its back while attracting its mate. Because of its unusual steps and
fascinating interpretation, the audience began imitating her.

Figure 8.4 Itik-itik

 (Source: http://www.danceanddance.com/242/Dance_styles_review.php)

e. La Jota Manileña. It is a dance named after the capital city of the Philippines, Manila.
It is an adaptation of Castilian Jota with the clacking of bamboo castanets played by the
dancers themselves. The costume and the graceful movements of the performers are
noticeably inspired by Spanish culture.

Figure 8.5 La Jota Manileña

(Source: https://jpbmanzano.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/philippine-folk-dance/)

f. Idudu. This is a tribal dance from Abra, Cordillera. This dance illustrates the family as
the main foundation of the tribe's community. Several traits of an ordinary family are
shown. It depicts a father plowing the field while the mother cares for the children. Idudu,
a dance taken from Idudu lullaby, portrays the different roles of family members in the
region.

Figure 8.6 Idudu

(Source: http://www.ecddancecompany.com/portfolio-view/idudu/)

2. Social or Ballroom Dance is a formal social dance for couples, where one person leads and
the others follow the steps. It is popular both as a recreational and a comparative activity. There
are two main types of social or ballroom dances: Standard dance and Latin dance.

• Standard dance. This dance is flowing and smooth and moves around the entire dance
floor in a counter clockwise movement. There are four types of ballroom dances: foxtrot,
tango, waltz, and quick step.
a. Foxtrot. It is an elegant dance whose objective is to travel smoothly around the dance
floor.

Figure 8.7 Foxtrot

(Source:https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/504825439451246301/?lp=true)

b. Tango. It is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America during the early
20th century.

Figure 8.8 Tango

(Source: http://sinerjiorg.com/en/professional-shows/3-argentina-tango-flemenco)

c. Waltz. It is a smooth progressive dance which is characterized by its “rise and fall”
moves with a weighted step on every beat.
 Figure 8.9 Waltz
(Source: https://kristingaspar.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/the-different-styles-of-waltz/)

d. Quick Step. It is an up-and-down, rise-and-fall swinging motion performed at a fast

pace. Music used for quick step is usually jazz or swing with a brisk tempo.

Figure 8.10 Quick Step

(Source: http://www.wikidancesport.com/wiki/1062/quickstep)

• Latin dance. This dance stays in one place on the dance floor. It is an energetic dance
and reflect the shift in rhythm of the music being danced to. There are five types of Latin
dances: cha-cha, samba, jive, rumba, pasodoble.

a. Cha-cha. It is a derivative of the mambo and a step child of the swing.

 Figure 8.11 Cha-cha
(Source: https://dancingfeeling.com/rhode-island-dance-studio/american-cha-cha-in-rhode-
island/)

b. Samba. It began in Brazil and is considered as the dance of celebration and joy.

Figure 8.12 Samba

(Source: http://lakesidedance.ca/how-to-dance/dances-we-teach/samba-dance-classes-barrie/)

c. Jive. It is an energetic and happy dance with plenty of knee lifting, bending, rocking,

and rocking of hips.

 Figure 8.13 Jive

(Source: http://danceninspire.com/tags/jive)

d. Rumba. It is considered as the sexiest of the ballroom dances as the rumba tells the
story of love and passion between a strong man and a teasing woman.

Figure 8.14 Rumba

(Source: http://lakesidedance.ca/how-to-dance/dances-we-teach/rumba-dance-lessons-barrie/)

e. Paso doble. It is a lively and dramatic dance with long full steps and forceful
movements. It is like a preparation for battle and success in combat, just like the bull fights
that inspired it.
 Figure 8.15 Paso doble
(Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/567946202983793648/?lp=true)

3. Theatrical or Spectacular Dance. This type of dance is performed for the entertainment of
spectators. It may take personal satisfaction in creating something beautiful. There are three types
of theatrical dances: ballet dance, interpretative dance, and modern dance.

a. Ballet. Ballet has always been viewed as an elegant dance. One primary element of
ballet is the position of the feet. Through the years, ballet has been performed in a variety
of shows like intense dramas and fairy-tale romances. The scenery, costumes and make-
up have become as much a part of the performance as the dance itself.

Figure 8.16 Ballet

(Source: https://eugeneballet.org/programs/eugene-youth-ballet/)

b. Interpretative dance. This dance is meant to express a variety of emotions through

movement. It can also be used as way to showcase a story through the expressions and
choreography of the dance. Often an interpretative dance may be making a comment on
the human condition, experiences or perceptions. Since interpretive dance is about self-
expression, performers are usually adept at improvising movements.
 Figure 8.17 Interpretative Dance
(Source: https://arthurmurraystudios.com/what-is-interpretive-dance/)

c. Modern dance. This dance makes the people feel free and empowered with how they
express themselves in movement. Modern dance is seen as a mix of various genres,
different styles of dancing like tap, ballet and folk mesh together for a unique style. It shows
experimentation with different elements, combining unlikely types of dance together, and
may even incorporate source materials into the performance.

Figure 8.18 Modern Dance

(Source: https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-modern-dance-1007279)

Elements of the Dance

The elements of dance are the fundamental concepts and vocabulary that will help you develop
movement skills and understand dance as an artistic practice. The following are the important
elements of dance: theme, design, movement, technique, music, costume, choreography,
and scenery.

1. Theme. It is one of the most important elements of dance. It is the message that dance is trying
to tell or convey.

2. Design. It shows the planned organization or pattern of movement in time and space.
3. Movement. It is the action of the dancers’ bodies which enable them to create different
movements.

4. Technique. This is the skill in executing movements. Good technique will ensure a dancer’s
longevity, prevent injuries, build strength and flexibility, and refine movement quality.

5. Music. It is an influential element in a successful dance work. Dance creators puts importance
in the creation or selection of dance music so that dancers can transmit the most profound
connotation of dance works to the audience.

6. Costume. It is an important part of every dance team for their performances. Costumes help
bring to life the dancer’s performance and help accentuate the dancer’s movements by making
them look more flowing and elaborate.

choreographer must include variety in the development of a dance to maintain the audience's
interest.

8. Scenery. The setting or background establishing the place of action of any dance is important
to make the dance more realistic and beautiful.

Summary
• Dance is an art form that expresses ideas, emotions, spirituality and stories through
movement of graceful, rhythmic, and coordinated body of steps and movements. It
provides the most personal and effective means of communication as it is an instrument
of self-expression. Dance has its own story to tell as the dancer can express his feelings
through the rhythmic motions of the body without saying a word.

• The genre of dance is divided into three parts; Ethnological Dance, Social or Ballroom
Dance, and Theatrical or Spectacular Dance. Each part has different types of dances. It
may have different style of movement, structure, and performance but it has all the
elements of dance so, they can successfully tell a story and set the mood of the audience.
Hence, dance is not only seen as a source of entertainment but also a means of
expression.
 CHAPTER IX
FILM
Learning Objectives
At the end of the chapter you should be able to:
• understand the history of cinema and how it changed overtime;
• recognized the different elements of film; and
• familiarize yourself with the stages of film production.

Introduction
Film involves the distribution of elements in an aesthetic way and has always been
considered a form of human expression. Studies have shown that film is the most advanced form
of art created by man as it can deliver and express any concept that can be imagined by the
human mind. It is also a tool that connects you to others because it allows you to educate yourself
about issues you are unaware of or which you thought is unimportant.

Once you begin to study the history, stages, and elements of film you will start to make
connections. You will begin asking yourself, how does the history of the world impact this story?
How are these characters affected by these events? You can begin to understand the importance
of certain cultural and historical events, and how they changed your world. It will open your eyes
to how events have changed people, changed your perspectives, and how life is shaped by such
occurrences. Furthermore, you will begin to see the ways in which your life is influenced by
movies/ films.

Activity
Before this book, you might have already watch different films. Some of the movies you like
are romantic, comedy, or action movies. Oftentimes, you wonder why people like a certain movie
while finding yourself disliking it. This may happen because you sometimes fail to grasp what the
movie is trying to tell you or the movie itself falls short of satisfying your taste. Hence, it is your
task to try and understand the idea that is being presented in the film.

Movies, like all other forms of art also have basic elements for it to satisfy and deliver what
the audience are looking for. To do this, you should review the short history, elements, and other
features of film. To start the lesson, see first what you already know about films/movies.

Say something about the following:

1. In your opinion, what is cinematography?

2. Have you watched any Korean movies? Based on your observation, can you tell the difference
between a Korean movie and a Filipino movie?
Cinema: A Short History

In 1891, the successful demonstration of a prototype kinetoscope enabled one person at a

time to view moving pictures. This led to the invention of the first projected moving pictures for a
paying audience made by the Lumière brothers in 1895. When cinema was first opened, films
were very short, it only last for a few minutes. The audience, however, were contented to see
single short scenes of real life in motion.

After years of research and experimentation, inventors and artists were able to put special
effects in which stories were told in continuous action. New film techniques were introduced
including the use of artificial lighting to enhance the atmosphere of scenes. Color was first added
to black-and-white movies through tinting, toning, and stenciling. By 1906, the principles of color
separation were used to produce so-called ‘natural color’ and moving images first presented to
the public in 1909. In addition, the first attempt to add synchronized sound to projected pictures
used phonographic cylinders or discs. This system proved unreliable and was soon replaced by
an optical, variable density soundtrack recorded photographically along the edge of the film.

Nearly all feature-length movies were presented with synchronized sound and, by the mid-
1930s, some were in full color. As films grew longer, special writers were employed to simplify
more complex stories derived from novels or plays into a form that could be contained in one reel
and easier understood by the audience. Films became longer, and storytelling or narrative
became the dominant form.

As more people pay to see movies, the industry which grew around them was prepared to
invest more money in production, distribution and exhibition. As a result, large studios and special
cinemas were built.

Today, film continuous to not just be a source of entertainment and information but also as
connection to the world.

Stages of Film Production

There are four stages of film production: preparation, shooting, post-production, and
distribution.

1. Preparation. In this stage one should work out on the filmmaking idea and how the story should
be played; once the idea is made, the script is written right away. The producer will arrange the
budget for the film; the director, the production team, and the artist/cast are selected; sets are
designed and constructed in a studio.
 Figure 9.1 Preparation in Film Production
(Source: https://metro.co.uk/2014/02/16/first-look-at-star-wars-episode-7-concept-art-4306291/)

2. Shooting. Shooting begins when funding is released. The camera department is responsible
for getting all the footage that the director and editor need to tell the story. Once the lighting and
sound is set up and hair and make-up have been checked, the shoot can begin. Every special
effect is carefully constructed and must be filmed with minimum risk of injury to cast and crew.
Film productions are managed with strict precision. If they fall behind schedule the financiers and
insurers may step in.

Figure 9.2 Shooting in a Film Production

(Source:
https://circlesgroup.com/News/Market?tag=California%20Film%20%26%20Television%20Tax%20Credit
%20Program)

3. Post-production. This stage begins when principal photography ends. The bulk of post-
production consists of reviewing the footage and assembling the movie. The editor will assemble
the scenes into a narrative sequence for the film. Once the picture is locked the sound department
work on the audio track laying, creating and editing every sound. Digital effects are added by
special effects professionals and titles and credits are added. The final stage of the picture edit is
to adjust the color and establish the fine aesthetics of the film. After picture lock, the rough sound
mix goes to a dubbing theatre where the sound mixer sets the final levels.
 Figure 9.3 Post-production in a Film Production
(Source: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/dragon-create-13-jobs-new-9542188)

4. Distribution. Once the film is completed, then it will be distributed. This is how producers get
their money back. A considerable amount of time and energy will be invested to secure the right
distribution deals for the film projects. The film will be distributed to cinemas and/or to different
platforms.

Figure 9.4 Distribution of Film

(Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-15806545-smiling-people-watching-movie-cinema)

Elements of Film
To analyze movies, you need to start with a clear understanding of the important
components of film that are used to tell a story. A film has five basic elements: literary design,
visual design, cinematography, editing, and sound design.

1. Literary design. It tells what the film is all about. It consists of the script, theme, and structure
of the story.

2. Visual design. It is what we see on screen. It has different components which are:

a. Costume. What the actors wear to portray their character.

b. Set design. It is how the room or space is set up.

c. Blocking. It is the arrangement of actors and props before the camera.

 d. Performance. It is the actor's character, expression, mannerism, and movements.

e. Lighting. The amount of light needed to contribute to the meaning and look of the film.

f. Hair and Make-up. This entails putting special effects on the appearance of the
character. It includes what the actor is wearing and how it is arranged to enable the actor
to portray his character in the film.

3. Cinematography. This is a general term for all the manipulations of the film strip by the camera
in the shooting phase. Each of these choices affect the recorded image and how the viewers
perceive it.

4. Editing. This is the sequencing of the shots of the film. It is also known as "the key to cinema"
as it is the formal element that is unique to the medium.

5. Sound Design. This deals with the sound components which contribute to the mood and
setting of the film.

Reflective Question
How can a film affect the norms, beliefs, and behavior of society? How can society affect what is
portrayed in films?

Summary
• Film is the most complex and powerful art form in the present world. Art is the distribution
of elements in an esthetic way and has always maintained the form of human expression.
It encourages ideas and social commentaries within communities which greatly affect the
insights of people as they have the power to express a culture's ideals and shape them.
• There are four stages of film production namely: preparation, shooting, post-production,
and distribution. Preparation is where the filmmaking idea and the story is crafted as well
as choosing the production team, artist, and budget of the movie. Once the budget is
released, the shooting may begin. This is where the director and editor tell the footage
and how the story should be portrayed. The third stage is post-production which consists
of reviewing the footage and assembling the movie. After putting all the digital effects
needed in the movie, it can now be distributed to the mass via different platforms.
• Film has five basic elements : literary design, visual design, cinematography, editing, and
sound design. These elements are of great importance to analyze movies and to have a
clear understanding of what the film is trying to tell.

Research Citation
Read the article “Effect of Using Movies to Enhance Personal Responsibility of University
Students”. Make a thought paper as to whether you agree or disagree with the article. Write your
essay in a one whole sheet of paper.

You may download it using this link:

(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276371653_Effect_of_Using_Movies_to_Enhance_P
ersonal_Responsibility_of_University_Students)
References:
Formal Elements of Film: The Big Four. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2019 from
https://analepsis.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/bigfourfilmanalysis.pdf

Learn About Film. The Filmmaking Process Step by Step. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2019 form
https://learnaboutfilm.com/making-a-film/organising-filmmaking-process/

National Science and Media Museum. A very short history of Cinema. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26,
2019 from https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/very-short-history-of-cinema/

The elements of Film. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2019 from

http://smad.jmu.edu/mchardy/smad460/The%20Elements%20of%20Film%20Form.pdf