A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
in
GE 8

ART APPRECIATION

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND

MANAGEMENT
BSBA-FM1A,BSHM-1A, BPA-1.
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Module 1

“HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS”

_2nd_ Semester _2022_

JORDAN S. TABUCALDE
Instructor I

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Contents Page Number

Title Page ………………………….. 2
Table of Contents ………………………….. 3
Instruction to the User ………………………….. 5
Chapter 1
Humanities and the Arts ………………………….. 5
Overview ………………………….. 6
Mission, Vision ………………………….. 7
Course orientation ………………………….. 7
Grading system ………………………….. 7
Learning Outcomes ………………………….. 8
Pre-test ………………………….. 8
Lesson 1. Art History
A. Learning Outcomes ………………………….. 10
B. Time allotment ………………………….. 10
C. Discussion ………………………….. 10
D. Activities/ Exercises ………………………….. 11
Lesson 2. Introduction of the basic
concepts relevance to the course
E. Learning Outcomes ………………………….. 14
F. Time allotment ………………………….. 14
G. Discussion ………………………….. 14
H. Activities/ Exercises ………………………….. 15
Lesson 3. Assumptions of Art, Art
Appreciation: Creativity, Imagination,
And Expression
I. Learning Outcomes ………………………….. 18
J. Time allotment ………………………….. 18
K. Discussion ………………………….. 18
L. Activities/ Exercises ………………………….. 21
Lesson 4. Functions and Philosophical
Perspectives on Art

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M. Learning Outcomes ………………………….. 24

N. Time allotment ………………………….. 24
O. Discussion ………………………….. 24
P. Activities/ Exercises ………………………….. 27
Lesson 5. Subject and Content
Q. Learning Outcomes ………………………….. 30
R. Time allotment ………………………….. 30
S. Discussion ………………………….. 30
T. Activities/ Exercises ………………………….. 34
Evaluation/ Post-test ………………………….. 35

References ………………………….. 37
Students information ………………………….. 38
Mission, vision ………………………….. 39

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module will provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about. GE 8 art appreciation.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pre- test first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aid and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU

Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning
experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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OVERVIEW

This module for Humanities and Arts is a simplified

discussion of the nature of art, its beauty and functions
on the human world. It also deals with the creation,
history, theories and appreciations of beauty that can
be seen everywhere, anywhere and anytime. This
module will be a great help for the students to
understand the nature of arts and its function in one
society and to another. Understanding Arts is to
understanding Humanities which will be a great help in
bringing appreciation to mankind creation.
This module as well as elaborates on different theories
and concepts of art that will awaken students’ curiosity
about what arts really is. College students needs a good
avenue of information to express their artistic side and
experiences this module will be a great help for them to
find what is the truth behind arts cultivation and
experience some ideas that would bring them into a
realistic view on arts.
Furthermore, this module has different types of
activities that will assist a student’s knowledge and
experiences in appreciating arts elements and
principles.

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Vision

⬗ WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable development of West

Philippines and beyond.

Mission

⬗ WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green technologies for a
dynamic economy and sustainable development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Course orientation, relevance of the course and grading system

 Art Appreciation is a three-unit course that develops your ability to

appreciate, analyze, and critique works of art.

 This course will equip you a broad knowledge of the practical, historical,
philosophical and social relevance of the arts in order for you to understand
arts.

 This course aims to develop your genuine appreciation for Philippine arts by
providing you opportunities to explore the diversity and richness and your
rootedness in Filipino culture.

Grading System

LECTURE LABORATORY
Weight for Lecture Subject / Laboratory 75.00% 25.00%

Written Works 20.00% 40.00%

Performance Task 40.00% 40.00%
Major Examination 40.00% 20.00%
Total 100.00% 100.00%

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, students

will be able to:

Define Arts and Humanities

Appreciate various genres of
arts
Clip picture/illustrations that
depict every genre of arts.

PRE-TEST

IDENTIFICATION:
Directions: Identify the term as defined or describe.

_______________ It is human ingenuity in adapting natural

things to man’s use.

_______________ The function of art which extols the idea that an

artist has their personal reasons for indulging
in art.
_______________ The function of art which serves to beautify.

_______________ The kind of visual arts that have length and

width.

_______________ The art that is presented in the written mode.

_______________ It is also called applied arts.

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_______________ The kind of art that includes film, newspaper,

magazine, radio and television.

_______________ These include theatre, play, dance and music.

They involve movement, speaking and gestures.

_______________ It is presenting the real-life subject with the use

of bright colors.

_______________ 10. It is a method which draws away from

realism.

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LESSON 1: Art History

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define what is art
2. Discuss the importance of humanities and the art
3. Cite the history of arts.

TIME ALLOTMENT 3hrs.

DISCUSSION

What is ART?
• It is the by-product of Humanities that looking at things beyond matters.
• It comes from the Aryan root word, “AR” which means to join or to put together. The
Latin term “ARS” means everything that is artificially made or composed by man.
Ars which means a “craft or specialized form of skill, like carpentry or surgery”.
• Is used to describe almost any human activity which involved the achievement of a
predetermined result through the systematic application of skill or knowledge.

Importance of Arts
• Arts involved in most of the objects we see and use and the music we hear every day.
• The interest in beauty is the main concerns of arts.
• The ability to understand and appreciate those works of arts i.e., a painting, a
sculpture, a melody, a beautiful building, a dance or a literary piece truly become a
delightful experience.

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WHAT IS ART HISTORY?

• Human history has witnessed how man evolved not just physically but also culturally,
from cave painters to men of exquisite paintbrush users of the present.
• Even if one goes back to the time before written records of man’s civilization has
appeared, he can find cases of man’s attempts of not just crafting tools to live and
survive but also expressing his feelings and thoughts.
• Is the academic study of the history and development of painting, sculpture and other
visual arts?
• Historical study of the visual arts, being concerned with identifying, classifying,
describing, evaluating, interpreting and understanding the art products and historical
development in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative arts,
drawing, Photography, etc.

Fill Me.
Direction: Answer the following questions using the given table below. Strictly no
erasures. Five (5) points each.
1. Who is your known artist? Give at least three (3) and state his/her complete name.
2. What is/are the masterpiece of the artist?
3. How does his/her work affect life?

Name of artists Name of How does his/her

Masterpiece/artwork work affect life?

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Direction: Collect and paste the picture of an artist you listed above. Be sure that every
pictures have its own name. 15points

Let’s bring back the history of ART.

Direction: Research the history of art. Make sure that the reference must be pasted. Extra
sheets are needed in this activity. 50 pts

POST-TEST

ESSAY

Directions: Discuss the questions from the list provided with appropriate
content and analysis based on the questions given. Each essay should have
100 to 300 words, do not exceed to 300 words per essay. Exceeding to the
maximum words given will be deducted 10 points automatically in each essay.
Write your essay (answer) to the line given after each question. (20 points
each)
1. What is art? Why do we need to study art appreciation?
Ans.
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_______________________________________________________________
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2. Why do people create works of art?
Ans.
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LESSON 2: Introduction of the Basic Concepts Relevant

to the Course

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain the art appreciation
2. Discuss the importance of creativity, imagination, and expression in art; and
3. Create an art work by applying creativity, imagination and expression

TIME ALLOTMENT 3hrs.

DISCUSSION
What is art appreciation?
Art appreciation is a general introduction to the visual arts, media, techniques, and
history. The course is designed to create a deeper appreciation of the creative
processes involved in the visual arts.
Art gives us meaning and helps us understand our world. Scientific studies have
proven that art appreciation improves our quality of life and makes us feel good.
When we create art, we elevate our mood, we improve our ability to solve problem,
and open our minds to new ideas.
What are the importance’s of :
a. art appreciation
b. creativity
c. expression

Art appreciation allows us to develop an open mind and understand that there is
more than just one solution to a problem. Having an appreciation for art also helps
us to develop an appreciation for each other and how we are all unique in our own
way.
Creativity allows us to view and solve problems more openly and with innovation.
Creativity opens the mind. A society that has lost touch with its creative side is an

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imprisoned society, in that generations of people may be closed minded. It broadens

our perspectives and can help us overcome prejudices.

Ten reasons why creativity is important

1. Creativity helps you see the big picture
2. Creativity helps motivate you
3. Creativity helps with problem solving
4. Creativity can make you more production
5. Creativity boosts your confidence
6. Creativity helps clarify your thoughts and feelings
7. Creativity lets you express yourself
8. Creativity brings people together
9. Creativity relieves stress
10. Creativity can help you live longer

Art as expression “What an artist does to an emotion is not to induce it, but
express it. Through expression, he/ she is able to explore his own emotions and at
the same time, create something beautiful out of them.” – Robin George Collingwood

Expressing emotions is different from describing emotions.

This makes people’s art not a reflection of what is outside or external to them, but a
reflection of their inner selves.

Expressing emotions

Direction: Create your own artwork by applying creativity, imagination and

expression. You may use any mediums you want for your artwork.
Take documentation during artwork making

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Direction: Choose three (3) reasons why creativity is important and discuss it with your
own opinion. If your answer is base from the internet, make sure that references must be
sited. Put your answer inside the box. 10 points each.

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POST-TEST

Collage making

Directions: Collect 10 photos that show’s creativity, imagination and

expression. 30pts

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LESSON 3: Assumptions of art and Art Appreciation:

Creativity, Imagination, and Expression

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Characterized the assumption of arts
2. Appreciate the importance of the role creativity of in art making
3. Engage better with personal experiences of and in art
4. Answer the given activities and test in this lesson.

TIME ALLOTMENT 3hrs.

DISCUSSION

What are the assumptions and importance of art?

 Art is universal
 Art is cultural
 Art is not nature
 Art involves experience

1. Art is universal
- Timeless, spanning generations and continents through and through.
- Misconception: artistic made long time ago. Age is not a factor in
determining art.
- Works of Rizal and Francisco Balagtas
- Not read because they are old but they are beautifully written.
- Arts regardless of origin, time, and place are liked and enjoyed by people
continuously
- Greek epics (Illiad and the Odyssey)
- Mahabharata and Ramayana
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2. Art is cultural
- influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating
experiences across space and time.

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- allows people from different cultures and different times to communicate

with each other via images, sounds and stories.
- often vehicle for social change.

3. Art is not a nature

- Art is man’s expression of his reception of nature.
- It is man’s way of interpreting nature.
- Local movies remark that these movies produced locally are unrealistic.
These critical minds argue that good movie must reflect reality as closely as
possible.
- One important characteristics of art is that it is not nature. Arts is man’s
expression of his reception of nature.

4. Art involves experience

- Art is known by experiencing
- In order to know what an artwork is, we have to sense it, see or hear it.
- art is just experience.
- By experience, we meant the “actual doing of something” (Dudley et al.,
1960).
- When one says that he has an experience of something, he often means
that he knows what that something is about.
- At the end of the day, one fully gets acquainted with art if one immerses
himself into it.

The role of Creativity in art Making

- Requires hinking ouotside the box
- Cretive artist does not simply copy or imitate another artist’s work
- He/she embraces originality, put his own flavor into his work and calls it
his own creative peace.
Yet, being creative nowadays can be quite challenging. What you thought was
your own unique and creative idea may not what it seems to be after extensive
research and that someone else has coincidentally devised before the idea in another
part of the world.
For instance, the campaign ad “Its’ more fun in the Philippines” used by the
Department of Tourism or DOT boomed popularity in 2011, but later on it was found
out that it was allegedly plagiarized from Switzerland’s tourism slogan “ it’s more fun
in Switzerland,” back in 1951. In DOTs defense, former DOT secretary RAMON
JIMENEZ JR. claimed that it was “purely coincidental”. Thus, creativity should be
backed with careful research on related art to avoid such conflicts.

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“ART AS A PRODUCT OF IMAGINATION, IMAGINATION AS A

PRODUCT OF ART”
Where do you think famous writers, painters, and musicians get their ideas?
Where do ideas in making creative solutions begin? It all starts in the human mind.
It all begins with imagination.

ALBERT EINSTEIN
A German physicist who had made significant and major contributions in
science and humanity demonstrations in science and humanity demonstrated that
knowledge is actually derived from imagination. He emphasized this idea through his
words: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to
all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and
all there ever will be to know and understand.”
- Imagination is not constrained by the walls of the norm, but goes beyond
that.
- Through imagination, one is able to craft something bold, something new,
something better in the hopes of creating something that will stimulate
change. Imagination allows endless possibilities.
- An artwork does not need to be a real thing, but can be something that is
imaginary- COLLINGWOOD, 1938.
- In the same way that imagination produces art, art also inspires
imagination.
ART AS EXPRESSION
Robin George Collingwood, an English philosopher who is best known for his
work in aesthetics, explicated in his publication The Principles of Art 1938 that what
an artist does not to an emotion is not to induce it, but express it. Through
expression, he is able to explore his own emotions and at the same time, create
something beautiful out of them.
Collingwood further illustrated that expressing emotions is something
different from describing emotions. In his example, explicitly saying “I am angry” is
not an expression of an emotion, but a mere description.
There are countless ways of expressing oneself through art. The following list
includes, but is not limited to popular art expressions.
1. Popular art
- Includes any dance, literature, music, theatre, or other art form intended
to be received and appreciated by ordinary people in a literate,
technologically advanced society dominated by urban culture.
- Popular art in 20th century is usually dependent on such technologies of
production or distribution as television, printing, photography, digital
compact disc and tape recording, motion pictures, radio, and
videocassettes.

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2. Visual art
- Are the art forms that create woks that are primarily visual in nature, such
as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, craft,
photography, video, film making and architecture.
- Is a being the kind of art form that the population is most likely more
exposed to, but its variations are so diverse- they range from sculptures
that you see in art galleries to the last movie you saw.
- Also included within the visual arts are the applied arts such as industrial
design, graphic design, fashion design, interior design and decorative art.
- The current usage of the term “visual arts” includes fine arts as well as the
applied, decorative art and crafts, but this was not always the case.
3. Film
- Refers to the art of putting together successions of still images in order to
create an illusion of movement.
- Focuses on its aesthetic, cultural, and social value and is considered as
both an art and an industry
- It can be created by using one or a combination of some or all of these
techniques: motion-picture camera also known as movie camera,
animation techniques, computer-generated imagery CGI, and more.
- Film making is so complex it has to take into account many important
elements such as lighting, musical core, visual effect, direction, and more.

Direction: Answer the following questions as precisely yet as thoroughly

as possible. 5points each

1. If you were an artist, what kind of artist would you be? Why?
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2. Depend why is art not nature?

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3. Examine why is art ageless and timelessness?

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4. Argue why does art involve experience?

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Direction: Using the table below, write down the examples of the
different art forms studied in this lesson. Provide ways on how these art
forms express and unmask creativity from the artist. 25points

Type of art Example How does this How does this unmask
Expression Express the Artist’s creativity?

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POST-TEST
Direction: Read and understand the following questions. Choose your answer and
write it on the space provided.
_____1. Where do ideas in making creative solutions begin?
a. Human mind
b. Imagination
c. Idea
d. All of these
_____2. “Imagination is more important than knowledge” this idea was emphasized
of _____.
a. Einstien
b. Albert Einstien
c. Albert Einstein
d. Collingwood
_____3. who claimed that it was “purely coincidental” and not plagiarized from
Switzerland slogan?
a. Albert Einstein
b. Collingwood
c. Ramon Jimenez Jr.
d. Robin George
_____4. It is a kind of art form that the population is most likely more exposed to,
but its variation is so diverse.
a. Film
b. Theatre
c. Visual arts
d. Art as expression
_____5. Who was the philosopher known for his work in aesthetics, explicated in
his publication THE PRINCIPLES OF ART?
a. Albert Einstein
b. Robin George Collingwood
c. Collingwood
d. Ramon Jimenez Jr.
Direction: Enumerate what is being ask. Strictly no erasures and you may add extra
sheets if needed.
6.-10. Assumptions of art
11.-15. Type of art expression

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LESSON 4: Functions and Philosophical

Perspectives on Art
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Distinguish between directly functional and indirectly functional art,
2. Explain and discuss the basic philosophical perspectives on the art;
3. Realize the function of some art forms in daily life; and
4. Apply concepts and theories on beauty and aesthetics in real life scenarios.

TIME ALLOTMENT 3hrs.

DISCUSSION
A Greek philosopher Aristotle claimed that every particular substance in the
world has an end, or TELOS in Greek, which translates into “purpose”.
Every substance, defined as a formed matter, moves according to a fixed path
toward to flying its aim.
This telos, according to Aristotle, is intricately linked with function. For a thing to
reach its purpose, it also has to fulfil its function.
Man, in Aristotle’s view of reality, is bound to achieve a life of fulfilment and
happiness, or in Greek, eudaiminia. Telos and function of a thing are both related to the
things identity. What makes a table is the fact that it does perform its function and thereby
reaching its telos? The telos, the function and the “whatness” of a thing are all
interconnected.

FUNCTIONS OF ART
An inquiry on the function of art is an inquiry on what art is for. Alternatively, the
answer to the question “what is it for” is the function of whatever “it” in the question refers
to. Suppose one ask, what is the Rizal monument for? Why was it erected in Rizal Park?
When it comes to function, different art forms come with distinctive functions.
Function of art are classified into three: personal (public display or expression),
social (celebration or to affect collective behaviour) and physical(utilitarian)

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Personal Function of Art

The personal function of art is varied and highly subjective. This
means that its functions depends on the person- the artist who created
the art. An artist may create an art out of the need for self-expression.
This is the case for an artist who needs to communicate an idea to his
audience.

Social Function of Art

Art is considered to have a social function if and when it addresses a
particular collective interest as opposed to a personal interest. Political
art is a very common example of an art with a social function. Art may
convey message of protest, contestation, or whatever message the
artist intends his work to carry.
Physical Function of Art
The physical function of art the easiest to spot and understand. The
physical functions of art can be found in artwork that are created in
order to serve some physical purpose. Architecture, jewelry-making,
and even interior design are form of arts that have physical function.
Other Function of Art
Music as an art is also interesting to talk about in relation to function.
Music in its original form was principally functional. Music was used
for dance and religion. Music also was essential to dance because
music assures synchronicity among dancers. People compose hymns
of love to express feelings and emotion. Music is also used as a
wonderful accompaniment to stage plays and motion pictures.
Sculpture, is another functional art form that has long existed for
varies purposes. Just like music, from the early days of humanity,
sculpture have been by man most particularly for religion.
Architecture, buildings are huge, expensive and are not easily
constructed and replaced. Unlike other forms of art like pots,
furniture, poetry or even paintings, building take so much time to
erect and destroy.

PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ART

ART AS AN IMITATION
Plato (2000) in his masterpiece, The Republic, particularly
paints a picture of artist as imitators and art as mere imitation.
In his description of the ideal republic, Plato advices against the
inclusion of art as a subject in the curriculum and the banning of
artist in the Republic.

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In Plato’s metaphysics or view of reality, the things in this world are only
copies of the original, the eternal, and the true entities that can only be found in the
World of Forms.
ART AS A REPRESENTATION
 Aristotle, agreed with Plato that art is a form of imitation
 However, Aristotle considered art as an aid to philosophy in revealing the
truth.
 The kind of imitation that art does is not antithecal to the reaching of
fundamental truths in the world.
 Aristotle conceived of art as representing possible versions of reality.
 Aristotlelian worldview, art serves two particular purposes:

1. Art allows for the experience of pleasure. Experience that is otherwise

repugnant can become entertaining in art.
2. Art also has an ability to be instructive and teach its audience things about
life; thus, it is cognitive as well. Greek plays are usually of this nature.
Art as a Disinterested Judgment
In the third critique that Immanuel Kant wrote, the “Critique of
Judgement,” Kant considered the judgement of beauty, the
cornerstone of art, as something that can be universal despite its
subjectivity. Kant mentioned that judgement of beauty, and
therefore, art is innately autonomous from specific interests. It is
the form of art that is adjudge by one who perceives art or more
so, sublime. Therefore, even aesthetic judgment for Kant is a
cognitive
Art as a Communication of Emotion
The author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy, provided
another perspective on what art is. In his book, what is Art (2016), Tolstoy defended
the production of the sometimes truly extravagant art, like operas, despite extreme
poverty in the world. Art plays a huge role in communication to its audience emotion.
Art then serves as a language, a communication device that articulate feelings and
emotion that are otherwise unavailable to the audience.
As a purveyor of man’s innermost feelings and thoughts, art is given a unique
opportunity to serve as a mechanism for social unity.
Let’s wrap it up

Art has remained relevant in our daily lives because most of it has played
some form of function for man. Since the dawn of the civilization, art has been at the
forefront of giving color to man’s existence. The different functions of art may be
classified as personal, social, or physical. An artist herself or sometimes still, the
audience of the art. There is a social function in art if and when it has a particular
social function, when it addresses a collective need of a group of people. Physical

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function, finally, has something to do with direct, tangible uses of art. Not all
products at art have function. This should not qualify them as art through. As
mentioned and elucidated by some of the most important thinkers in history, art may
either as imitation, representation, disinterested judgement, or simply a
communication of emotion.

Direction: Answer the following questions as precisely yet as thoroughly as

possible. 5pts each
1. What art form/ artwork have changed something in your life? Why?
_____________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________.

2. Does art always have to be functional? Why? Support your response. Provide
your example.
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_____________________________________________________.

3. If an art work ceased to have a function, will it remain an art? Why?

_____________________________________________________
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Let’s make it happen

Direction: Look around your house and identify a product of art. In box below,
paste a picture of that product of art in your household. Trace the beginnings of this
item and identify what functions it has played in history e.g., a painting of the Last
Supper in your dining room or a spoon. 35pts

POST-TEST
Let’s find this
Direction: Research the different museums in Palawan. Using the table 0ne below,
list down at least 10 artworks that you have seen in those particular museums. On the
second column, identify what it is for. On the table two paste those photos you have
listed in table. 30pts
Table 1
Artwork What is it for?

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Table 2

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LESSON 5: Subject and Content

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. identify the subject matter and content of specific examples of art
2. differentiate representational art and non-representational art
3. enumerate the sources of the subjects of some of the most recognizable
works of art in Philippine art history; and
4. discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its content.

TIME ALLOTMENT 3hrs.

DISCUSSION
In this chapter, subject and content will be discussed. To differentiate them
briefly, subject refers to the visual focus or the image that may be extracted from
examining the artwork, while content is the meaning that is communicated by the
artist or the artwork. Finally, the development and configuration of the artwork- how
elements and the medium or material are put together- is the form. In simpler terms,
the subject is seen as the “what”; the content is the “why”; and the form is the “how”.

TYPES OF SUBJECTS

Representational art
These types of art have subjects that refer to objects or events
occurring in the real world. Often it is also termed figurative art,
because as the name suggest, the figures depicted are easy to
make out and decipher.
Despite not knowing who Mona Lisa is, it is clear that the
painting is of a woman that is smile is flashed; and that the
background is landscape-probably a view from a window

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Non-representational art
It does not make a reference to the real world whether it is person,
place, things or even particular events.
It is in this light that representational works are often favored because
they are easier to recognize. Viewers find a greater degree of comfort
when what they see register as something familiar.

Nonrepresentational Art and Abstract Art

One source of confusion is the notion that non-representational art is
the same as abstract art. This is essential to discuss because it
introduces the fact that representational art and non-representational
art is not a clear-cut divide; rather, they exist in a spectrum.
Abstract art is in itself a departure from reality, but the extent of that
departure determines whether it has reached the end of the spectrum,
which is non-representational- a complete severance from the world.
VASILY KANDINSKY
He is a Russian artist and proponent of non-representational art.

SOURCES AND KINDS OF SUBJECTS

When hit with a wall clock, the writer is often advised to look back and take from
what he knows. From there, a well a wealth of materials may be drawn. But for artist, where
they source the subject of their paintings? What do they paint?
For non-representational art, a higher level of perceptiveness and insights might be
required to fully grasp the feeling, emotion, or concept behind the work. It is perhaps easier
to infer where the subject matter come from if the artwork is an example of representational
art. From the figures depicted in the artwork, there is already suggestion as to its inspiration.
However, in discussing the sources and kinds of subject in artwork, it is important to
note that these two are often inextricably related. Often, even a singular source of inspiration
can yield multiple translations. A good starting point is nature.
Artist throughout history have explored diverse ways of representing nature: from
plants to animals; the qualities of bodies of water and the terrain of landmasses; and even
the perceivable cycles and changing of season. Often these depictions are seen as expressions
of sacred or the propane, sired by reality or supplemented by the artist’s imagination. One
artist who was attuned with nature was Vincent Van Gogh. He saw art and art and nature as
inseparable, often finding solace and happiness in painting in it. And painting from it. In a
letter to his brother Theo, he wrote “… if I felt no love for nature and my work, then I would
be unhappy.” Van Gogh Museum,1882.

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Other artist with a considerable number of landscapes and seascapes are Claude
Monet, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cezanne, and JMW Turner. In the Philippines, National Artist
for painting Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa gained prominence from their
painted rural scenes such as women in the fields gathering harvest.
Breaking nature into small part is Jan van Kessel the elder who
did numerous still lives and small-scale, highly detailed
studies, and scientific illustrations of flowers, insects, shell,
fruit, garlands, and bouquets.

Greek and Roman mythology were also ripe with references:

from episodes that transport the viewer to heroic encounters
of Achilles and Aeneas; warning about man’s folly like the
athleticism of Myron. From narrations in literature, artist, on
the other hand, gave faces to Greek and Roman deities or the
gods and goddesses whose fates are seemingly as tragic as
those of men. Some of the art forms they took on were wall
paintings or frescos and sculptural works such as busts,
statuaries, and ceramics and pottery among others.
Another integral aspect of human life is the distinct relationship with a higher
controlling power. If they belief system of Greeks and Romans was polytheism with a
multitude of gods and goddesses, the Judeo-Christian tradition stems from a belief in a lone
creator of the universe or what is called monotheism. This tradition had an immense
influence in Western civilization especially in art. Guided by the host of styles and
techniques, various media and art forms were also experimented with: paintings, frescos,
church architecture, sarcophagus, icons and other carvings, vestments, tapestry, illuminated
manuscripts, and other sacred scriptures, among others.

Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the intricate fresco that lines

the Sistine Chapel was created by Michelangelo. The immense
detail and vast surface he had to cover had him working on it
from 1508 to 1521.

The formative years of church architecture can be traced in the fourth and fifth
century but different styles and plans were developed since then. Prevailing ideas and
philosophies became resource that was used by architects to reimagine what the church
sense that should look like. For instance, gothic churches were characterized by three things:
soaring heights or ceiling, volume or flying buttresses and ribbed vaults, and light or bright
stained glass windows, airy and pleasant interiors. Gothic style architecture is often
attributed as the brainchild of Abbot Suger. There is a definitive sense that pointed to the
feeling of owe on the part of the believer and the perceived majesty and power of God-all of
which happened during the time when religion was at the heart of everyday life. This echoes
her belief that “art was central to religious experience.”

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Proceeding from a kind of a hybrid between literature and

sacred text is India’s miniature paintings. In central India, the
kind of art that was produced was deeply rooted in Vedic texts
such as Upanishads, Puranas, and other important text like
Sanskrit epic MAHABHARATA and RAMAYANA. Indian artist
had a wide array of materials to work with in showcasing not
just their artistry and skill. The significance of this paintings
rests on its ability to foster devotion and observance of a code
of ethics through the visualizations of heroic narratives. These
paintings were small but were highly pictorial, stylized, and
employed a good contrast of color.

Historically significant events particularly in the affairs of

humanity are abundant references for art production. From
early breakthroughs such as the discovery of fire and the
overthrow of geocentric theory in favor of a sun-centered
universe, succeeding advancements brought about by
discovery, innovation, and man’s incessant search for glory
plotted a dynamic course of history.

CONTENT IN ARTS
As outlined in the beginning, in discussing works of art, the subject may be simply be
referred to as the “what”- what is readily seen relates to the art work, its inspiration, and the
many kinds of translation.
One of the foremost scholars that expounded on content analysis or how meaning is
arrive at is art historian ERWIN PANOFSKY in his seminal work meaning in the visual art.
His methodology will be later identified as iconology through the interpretation of
iconography.

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To take on the challenge of understanding the content of art, it must be reiterated

that there is various level of meaning. Perhaps the most common that is what we call factual
meaning. This pertains to the most rudimentary level of meaning for it may be extracted
from the identifiable or recognizable forms in the artwork and understanding how these
elements relate to one another. Conventional meaning, on the other hand, pertain to the
acknowledge interpretation of the artwork using motifs, signs, symbols and other cyphers as
bases of its meaning.
This work is indeed iconic, and this is asserted by the
convention meanings attached to it. Here, the specific poses of
God of Adam convex and concave postures, respectively allude
to the correspondence of the body and the commonly held
belief that man was created in the image and likeness of God.

Let’s work on this

Direction: Answer the following questions. 10 point each
1. What are the hurdles of accessing art in terms of its subjects and content?
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________________________________________________________.

2. Where do artist source their subjects?

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________________________________________________________.

3. Name an example of an artwork and speculate on the content of the artwork based on
its factual and conventional.
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.

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Direction:
1. Look at the painting below by artist DAVID BAILLY entitled
“SELBSTBILDNISMIT VANITASSYMBOLEN”. List down everything that you
see within the four corners of the work. List as many items as you can in 3
minutes.

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_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________.

2. Based on your answers, write an assumption about what the painting means in
the space below.
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POST-TEST
Direction: Watch the BBC documentary about Botticelli’s Venus: The making of an
Icon http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b070sqb0. Write a reflection paper
regarding the said documentary.

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REFERENCES

Collingwood, R.G. (1938) The Principles of Art. Worcestershire: Read Books Ltd.

Dudley, L., Faricy, A., and McGraw-Hill Book Company. (1960). The Humanities.
New York: McGrow-Hill.

Mill, J.S (1879) utilitarianism. 7th Ed. London: Longmans,

Green, and Co. Scott, D. (2000). “Socrates and Alcibiades in the Symposium.”
Hermathena 16825-37

Greene, M. (1995). Art and Imagination: Reclaiming the sense of possibility, Indiana,
USA: Phi Delta Kappa International

Unbound Visual arts. (n.d). “What is Visual Art”?

Butcher, S.H.(Ed.) (1902). The Poetics of Aristotle. New York: The Macmillan
Company
Dudley, L., Faricy, A ., and Mcgraw- Hill Book company , (1960). The Humanities.
New York: McGraw – Hill.
Plato. (2000). The republic, accessed November 2, 2017. Retrieved from
http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/samples/cam031/00024471.pdf.
Tolstoy, Leo. (2016). What is art? Accessed November 2, 2017. Retrieved from
http://web mnstate.edu/gracyk/courses/phil%20art%/printer-
friendly/Tolstoy_on_TWO_COLUMNS pdf

B. Online References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthetics
http://ww.iep.utm.edu/aestheti/
http://www.oil-painting-techniques.com/art-easthetics.html
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com

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Disclaimer:

This module is prepared for instructional purposes only based in our course syllabus.
The teacher who prepared this does not claim ownership of this module but patterned
the ideas from different authors.

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For this module, we collect your names, year and section, contact number, Facebook
account and messenger account when you register for purpose of coordination. All
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Congratulations for completing this

module!

Student’s Information

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Contact No.:
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Messenger Account:

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Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission 2020
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and
green technologies for a dynamic economy and
sustainable development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)