INTRODUCTION OF 3rd TOPIC:

This time, our discussion covers the subject of art, which is as dynamic and forceful as man's way of life,
culture, and imagination. The subject and content of art never come to an end and are never completely
worn out and tired. Since the subject matter of the artwork serves as the heart and soul of any creative
production or masterpiece, its clarity and simplicity are crucial. Every artist's passion, sincerity, and
conviction are shown by the topic they are presenting, which also acts as an extension of their feelings,
thoughts, or beliefs.

The Subject of Art (2nd Slide)

• The subject of art is the matter to be described or to be portrayed by the artist.

• It is varied and may referred to any person, object, scene, or event.

• It could be make believe, imaginary, and invented.

• It can also be real events.

Explanation:

The subject of art is the matter to be described or to be portrayed by the artist. The subject of art is
varied. This may refer to any person, object, scene, or event. In general, the subject of artwork is
anything under the sun. The subject could be make believe imaginary, and invented, like Cerberus (a
three-headed dog) or Dyesebel (a popular mermaid character made for film and television). Subjects can
also be real events, like the devastations brought about by super typhoons entering the Philippines or
catastrophic tsunamis hitting many Asian countries.

Two Kinds of Arts as to Subject (3rd Slide)

1. Representational or Objective Art (4th slide)

-they are those that depict (represent) objects

-they attempt to copy, even if in a subjective manner, something that is real.

-they use “form” and are concerned with “what” is to be depicted in the artwork.

(Present an example each) if possible one slide lang ito (5 th slide)

• "Still life" is a work of art depicting mostly inanimate subject matter, typically common place object,
which may be either natural or man-made in an artificial setting.
• "Portrait" is a painting, photograph, figure, or any other art forms in which the face and its expression
is predominant.

• "Landscapes, Seascapes, Moonscapes, Cityscapes"

• "Mythology and Religion," Dreams and Fantasies.

2. Non-representational or Non-objective Art (6th slide)

-arts without any reference to anything outside itself (without representation)

-no recognizable objects

-an abstract

-it uses “content” and is concerned with “how” the artwork is depicted

-the artist attempts only to show his ideas and feelings not as objective as the realist or the
representational artist

Sources of the Subject of Art (7th slide) give 2 examples each

1. Nature - Next to animals and people and their activities, nature as landscapes has been the "common
subject of the arts". It has been the most "common inspiration and subject".

2. History - All art is conditioned by the historical period in which it is created. Rulers like to have
themselves and the great deeds of their time perpetuated, consequently, statues and paintings of the
great are found in each civilization.

3. Greek and Roman Mythology - This has been a very important source of subjects in the arts. These
arts are so famous that they count as a definite part of - our inheritance. During the Renaissance period,
poets, painters, and sculptors drew largely from Greek and Roman sources for subjects.

4. 'Religion - It has played an enormous role in inspiring works of visual arts, music, architecture, and
literature through the ages. It was during the Renaissance that the European artisans became "artists"
and conscious of their role in a way 'that had never been true before.

5. Sacred oriental texts - sacred texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism,
Jainism, and Islam.
THE CONTENT OF ART

The content of art is the meaning, message, and/or feeling imparted by a work of art. This is not the
same thing as the subject matter the work depicts. Content is inextricably linked with form, which refers
to the pictorial aspects of art. It is the mass of ideas associated with each artwork and communicated
through the following:

1. The Art's imagery

2. The symbolic meaning

3. Its surroundings where it is used or displayed

4. The customs, beliefs, and values of the culture that uses it

5. Writings that help explain the work

Difference between subject and content: (an explanation)

In an artwork, the subject matter of an artwork is what the image literally depicts. For example, the
subject matter of Magritte's painting is a pipe. The content of the work is what the image means. This
may be far more complicated than the subject matter. The content of Rene Magritte's painting invites us
to think critically about all the representations that we see all around us in daily life.

Kindly download the pic and insert it in this slide with its description below

Artist: Rene Magritte

Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Period: Surrealism

Created: 1928-1929

Medium: Oil paint

Support: Canvas

THREE LEVEL OF MEANING

1. Factual meaning

-literal statement or narrative content in the work

2. Conventional meaning

-the special meaning that the certain object or color has for a particular culture or group of people
3. Subjective meaning

-refers to the individual meaning deliberately and instinctively expressed by the artist using a personal
symbolism

Keeping Art

A country, society, and individual may hold on to an artwork often beyond its usefulness, which may
involve various considerations, including its meaning and •.its economic value. Public and private
institutions, like museums and galleries, are also designed for keeping art, and issues around preserving
or restoring it.

1.National Pride and Glory

-Nations keep art for several reasons. Consider the San Agustin Church built from 1586 - 1607, which was
declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, or the Spoliarium by Juan Luna. In addition, nations keep art
because it is good for the economy and for business. The presence of major archaeological, religious, or
architectural sites stimulates the entire economy, attracts tourists, and generates thousands of local jobs.

2.Museums and Private Collections

-Museums are the repositories of much of the art in most countries and make them available for public
viewing through either permanent or temporary exhibitions. A museum does not sell works of art, but it
essentially holds them in public trust, and engages in varying levels of education and conservation
practices. Private collections are older than museums. Since the earliest times, rulers, nobles, and priests
have collected art and kept it in palaces or temples for aesthetic pleasure, personal or ritual use, or
display of power. Museums often reflect the cultural milieu of their founding.

3.Preservation and Restoration

-Because art is valuable, enormous human effort and financial resources are devoted to preserving art
from the ravages of time, the environment, industrial-by-products, and even any other human being.