• Art viewers can appreciate artworks if they can

understand the and grasp the meaning of the

artwork

• Viewers bring with them their knowledge of art,

biases, and judgment of beauty.

• Educated or exposed to different arts they can

appreciate the physical qualities of the
Chapter 2 APPRECIATING CONTEMPORARY ARTS
artwork, interpret its content and meaning
Lesson 5 Description Applied to Contemporary Art and make a judgment whether it is beautiful
Lesson 6 Interpretation and Analysis in Contemporary Art
or not.

DESCRIPTION APPLIED TO CONTEMPORARY ART ART DESCRIPTION

Subject Matter What
the artwork is all about
Material What
materials/medium were
used in the process of art-
making
Art Elements and
Principles Physical
qualities of the image as
the artist uses color, lines
space etc arranged into
organized manner that
observes unity, harmony,
rhythm etc.
What is the main figure in the artwork?
The Subject How is the main figure placed within the artistic frame?
Matter
How do other figures in the artwork relate to the main figure?
What are the materials or objects used by the artist?
The Do these materials bring out the intended effect of the artist?
Materials If the artist chose other materials, do you think the same effect
will be achieved? Why and how?
What are the dominant elements of the artwork?
How are these used in the artwork?
The Art
How are line, shape, or volume used within the artistic frame?
Elements How are texture, movement, or space used within the artistic frame?
and What are the unifying features in the artistic composition?
Principles Are there any variations among the repeated elements?
How does the art form appeal to the visual sense?
Abueva, Christ Crucified and Christ Resurrected, 1955
 Ang Kiukok, Fisherman, 1981
BenCab, Sabel (2003)

Interpretation and
Analysis in
Contemporary Art
• Multiple views of life, ideas, and
reality that are expressed by the
artist

• Language, social relations, and the

unconscious
• Old system of artistic patronage -
Patrons

• Experimentation
Arturo Luz, Paperclip Harry Mark Gonzales, Reflection, 2010
 PHILOSOPHIES THAT GUIDE THE
AESTHETICS PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE OF ART
• Nature and appreciation of art, beauty and good taste.
• "Critical reflection on art, culture and nature”. 1. Aesthetic Analysis
• AISTHETIKOS - sense of perception a. Subjective
• Philosophy of Art b. Universal
c. Disinterested
d. Engages the Imagination and Intellect
IMMANUEL KANT
2. Formal Analysis
Laid the philosophical foundation for artistic 3. Abstract Expressionism
modernism that has influenced contemporary artists 4. Institutional Definition
Art as independent of any purpose or utility other than 5. Social History
aesthetic value. -Aesthetic Analysis

ART ANALYSIS ART INTERPRETATION

The various elements that constitute analysis are:
a. Determination of the subject matter through naming events or
issues associated with the artwork
b. Discussion of how the qualities of the artwork contribute to its
appearance, image or function
c. Effect of how the materials/medium used
d. Your reaction to the artwork
You can also answer the following questions:
1. How did the artist make the artwork?
2. Is it a good artwork?
3. Do you like/dislike the artwork?
4. How does it compare with other artworks in the same
contemporary style?
5. What is the value of the artwork to you, the youth or society?
The various elements that constitute interpretation are:
a. Main idea and the overall meaning of the artwork
b. Interpretative Statement: "Can I express what I think the
artwork is about in one sentence?”
c. The evidence inside or outside the artwork that supports your
interpretation
You can also answer the following questions:
1. What is the artwork about?
2. What is it intending to communicate?
3. What statement is the artist putting forward through the
artwork?
4. Are there objects within the artistic frame that symbolize
something? What are these?
5. What is the meaning of the artwork?