MODULE 9

SOULMAKING, APPROPRIATION AND IMPROVISATION

Objectives:

1. Explain how meanings can be derived from art.

2. Discuss how improvisation can make an artwork distinctive.
3. Identify the issues and problems that can arise because of appropriation art.

Activity: Research on one appropriation artist and his / her artwork and answer to what extent
is art appropriation a form of forgery.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, art has played an integral role to capture, record, and communicate
events, activities, traditions, and even belief systems of various groups of people. Even Paleolithic
societies have found ways to record events despite the unavailability or limited access to various
tools. With the advent of technological advancements, societies have improved the ways and
means through which art can be a communicative tool. If an artwork is an avenue for an artist to
express narrative through symbols, then it follows that the artist is the author of the work. But
during the twentieth century, issues on ownership and authorship have emerged primarily
because of the value ascribed to the viewer of the work.

Soulmaking: Making and Deriving Meaning from Art

In order for humans to make sense of language and derived meanings from words,
semantics and grammatical rules are important elements to be considered. When it comes to art,
in order for people to make sense of the work, it would require understanding the visual elements
where art was grounded on, especially the principles of design. Without such understanding, it
would be difficult to appreciate the visual arts in its fullness and entirety.
Styles refer to the distinctive handling of elements and media associated with the work of
an individual artist, a school, a movement, or a specific culture or time period. Artworks also have
a certain form. This form is what the audience sees – a finished product put harmoniously (or
not) according to the different principles of design. In essence, form is the totality of the artwork,
which includes the textures, colors, and shapes utilized by the artist. The content of an artwork
includes not only its form but also its subject matter and underlying meanings or themes. The
perceiver of the artwork must take into consideration the totality of elements, underlying themes
and motifs, and composition.
Improvisation

Improvisation can be defined as doing something without prior preparation. There is a

decision to act upon something that may not necessarily be planned. At present , improvisation
has become an integral part of the arts. There is a call for liberation from monotony that aims to
rekindle the creative spirits of people in the arts.
For some artists, infusing spontaneity and improvisation adds up to the totality of the
work of art. The unexpectedness of the changes brought about by improvisation makes the
artwork to have a distinctive quality that creates its individuality and identity. Some artists
subscribe to the idea of allowing chances in the process of producing the work. For example,
artist would want to capture the gloom brought about by an approaching storm. Since they do
not necessarily have absolute control over natural phenomena, their reliance on chances may
not necessarily produce their expected outcome.
When an artist makes his work, he has already an idea of the elements that will be
included in his work. As he begins to craft his work, he may have deviated from his original plan.
So in essence, improvisation is evident in the process of making the painting. During the 1960s,
art improvisation has taken form in the galleries around New York City. One of the central figures
in the improvisation movement was Georges Mathieu. He started the “action painting” wherein
the process is seen real-time. In this scenario, the process is more important than the finished
product.

Appropriation

Appropriation of art has been a common practice throughout history. In the past, if an
apprentice painter needs to hone his skills in his craft, he would be allowed to use his master’s
work to copy. It is as if the apprentice is trying to explore his personal application of techniques
to something he is more familiar with. However, there are some people who go to the extreme
by believing that copying the exact artwork of n artist and attributing it to his own. This could
poise a problem especially with authorship. The problem arises when the appropriation artist
would get bits and pieces from other works and incorporate these elements into his own work.
There seems to be a very thin demarcation line between appropriation art and forgery.
Traditionally, forgery can be classified into two forms: outright copies of existing works and
pastiches, which are works that bring together elements from a work and infusing them to a new
work. But in contemporary times, forgery can be in the form of creating an approximate of what
an artist would do by prediction. This can be done by observing the techniques and style the artist
employ6ed and even the focal point highlighted in his previous and existing works.
The intentions of the appropriation artists are often questioned since issues of plagiarism
or forgery sometimes arise. Some would argue that the reason behind the appropriation is that
they want toi audience to recognize the images they copied. That appropriation would bring
about a new context to the original work. One of the most famous works of appropriation would
have to be Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” (1962).
When it comes to appropriation, there seems to be a debate whether or not something
is just an appropriation of an existing work or just plain forgery.

Note: Topics presented are excerpts from the book “Art Appreciation” by Bernardo Nicolas
Caslib, Jr., Dorothea C. Garing, Jezreel Anne R. Casaul
 WORKSHEET NO. 9

Answer the following questions:

1. How can improvisation contribute to the distinctive quality of the artwork?

2. What is the reason why artists appropriate art?

3.What are the forms of forgery and explain each.

 MODULE 10

ART IN ASIA

Objectives:

1. Identify key influences to Chinese Art.

2. Identify the key characteristics of Japanese Art.
3. Trace the development of Philippines Art.
4. Explain how art can be a key element in the formation of a society’s culture.

Activity:
Write an essay answering this question: To what extent can art help in the formation
of a society’s culture.

And belief systems.

INTRODUCTION

When ancient civilization in Asia flourished, trade became a very important activity. In the
process of establishing trading relationships among Asian countries, they started sharing their
cultures and beliefs systems. China, being one of the oldest civilizations in Asia, has a rich history
when it comes to culture and the arts. Most of their cultural and even religious beliefs and
practices are represent. Itsbooming economy has led its modernization. d through different
artworks. Japan was initially influenced by China in terms of the art. Both Chinese and Japanese
artworks are manifestations of their cultural identity as people. Philippine art was a product of
several periods in history spanning from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary times. Art
in the Philippines has served various uses from everyday living to expression of belief systems
and advocacies.

Chinese Art

In the present context, China is at the forefront of economic development. Its booming
economy has led to its modernization. In addition, history shows that China has been at the
leading edge of development especially in terms of cultural development. Inhabitants of China in
the past were able to produce primitive artisan works. The Chinese during the Zhou Dynasty was
under a feudal kind of social system. It was parallel period with that of Greece’s golden Age: a
period when culture, particularly art, has flourished tremendously. During this period, metal
works befitting the royal family were produced in abundance. Jade was also a popular choice of
material for artwork.
Confucianism was the dominant way of life subscribed by the general public. Those who
subscribed to principles espoused by Confucius believed that in order for society to work, one
must learn how to sympathize to others. These principles became evident in most artworks
depicting everyday life and how these social interactions come to play.
 The Chinese also had interactions with Western missionaries who came from India and
brought some of the Indian influences to china. By the start of the sixth century, Chinese artists
started making art that highlighted their very own culture. Paintings usually depicted magical
places and realms that were born out of sheer imagination while still infusing the Chinese
characters that define their culture. Most paintings were done in monumental styles wherein
rocks and mountains served as a barrier that made the viewer distracted initially from the main
subject of the work.
Porcelain is one of the commonly used items to make decorative ornaments, such as
vases and jars. Juist like most Chinese artworks, the focal point in these vases depicts a central
theme: nature. They believed that man is an integral part of nature ensuring that there is certain
balance in it. Chinese artworks include everyday activities, war and violence, death and nature.
It can also be noted that Chinese artworks are infused with a lot of symbolisms. Art becomes an
avenue for the artist to convey his reflection of the things he is aware of.
It is customary for the ancient Chinese people to show respect for their ancestors and
departed relatives. Most of the departed of the ancient Chinese were placed in either gold or
bronze vessels, depending on their social status.

Japanese Art

Art in Japan has undergone a series of transitions and periodization. From being an isolated
nation to that of embracing Western influences and modernization. Japan has transitioned into
a modern cultural mixing pot. It is evident how the Japanese were able to infuse local and
indigenous materials with modern Western subjects and focal points.
Based on artifacts and ceramic figures, there are Korean and Chinese influences evident in
Japanese artworks. One of the ceramic products created by the Japanese is called Haniwa. They
are placed beside burial spots for reasons that are unknown.
The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. Although, this religion subscribes to beliefs such
as being one with nature and embracing the notion of the existence of many gods. It did not use
art to communicate its beliefs. Buddhism became an integral part of Japanese culture. Artworks
such as images and sculptures of Buddha were produced. Buddhist temples also became staples
in key places. Art in essence became an expression of worship for the Japanese.
As mentioned earlier, Japan and China had a long-standing relationship. In addition to
Buddhism, china also influenced Japan in terms of paintings. The Japanese style of painting
leaned toward abstract and naturalistic handling. In essence, the artist is given the free reign for
his work, which had more room for spontaneity and individuality. Many artists focused on
individual portraits, elements of nature, and scenes from everyday life in creating their artwork.
This is a stark contrast with the extravagant and sometimes over-the-top designs of the Chinese.
The Japanese also developed a kind of painting called ukiyo-e, which was crafted through
woodcut prints. The artist developed a technique that used lines and colors in a very distinctive
manner.

Philippine Art

Throughout Philippine history, spanning from the precolonial period to the contemporary
periods, different art forms have emerged in the Philippine art scene. Before the colonizers came
to the Philippines, ethnic minorities have used art not only for daily activities but also for religious
rituals and practices. Most art forms used by ethnic communities include pottery, weaving,
carving, and the use of metalwork and jewelry.
Pottery is said to be one of the earliest forms used by the early Filipino people. One of the
most prominent artifacts related to pottery is the Manunggal Jar found in Palawan. The jar is a
representation of the early Filipinos’ religious beliefs and practices. It serves as a burial jar, which
depicts two men rowing boat. This reflects their belief in afterlife – the crossing of the body of
water is a transition from life here on earth to the next.
Weaving was also one of the earliest forms of art expressions in the Philippines. One of
the most popular artisans of weaving is the people from the Cordilleras. They are known for their
colorful woven cloth, which also have both religious and practical value. The T’boli people from
Mindanao are also known for their woven abaca cloth called T’nalak.
Woodcarving from Palawan also depicts animals like birds, which are representations of
their religious beliefs. According to local stories, the birds serve as the messengers of the people
to the heavens and vice versa. In Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao people are known for their
okir, which are designs applied to their woodcarvings. Their common subject includes the
sarimanok, naga, and the pako rabong. The sarimanok is a stylized design of a mythical bird
either standing on a fish or holding a piece of fish on its beak. The naga forms an S-shape,
depicting an elaborate figure of a mythical dragon or serpent. The pako rabong is like a growing
fern with a broad vase. The fern gracefully stems and tapers upward.
When the Spaniards discovered the Philippines during the sixteenth century, they
introduced their religion to the local people and to replace the existing indigenous cultural
practices and beliefs of early Filipinos. Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate their Christian
faith while at the same time, subtly establishing their foothold in the country. The Church, just
like in Western Europe at one point became the sole patron of the arts. These churches house
various relics and paintings.
Art became one of the avenues for Filipino patriots and nationalists. Probably one of
the most famous works that expressed Filipino nationalism and stood against the colonizers
would be Juan Luna’s “Spolarium.” This large- scale academic painting garnered a gold medal and
signified that the reformists could come at par with their European counterparts.
When the Philippines was liberated from the Spanish rule, the Americans took over to
establish a colonial government. Art had a new role in advertising American-controlled markets.
After World war II, the Philippines saw itself as an independent state transitioning into the
formation of its national identity. Artists focused on modern takes when it comes to content,
form, and subject matter.
The 1960s proved to be a period of modernism and dynamism with a lot of styles,
techniques, and methods emerging. Most artworks were reflections of the political, social, and
economic situation of the Philippines during the Marcos administration. It was a period wherein
people embodied and advocated for nationalist ideals. Most artworks were forms of protest
against the government’s suppression of freedom of speech and expression. Eventually,
photography has evolved into an art form, which highlights various artistic expressions evident
in a variety of events, scenes, and activities.

Note: Topics presented are excerpts from the book “Art Appreciation” by Bernardo Nicolas
Caslib, Jr., Dorothea C. Garing, Jezreel Anne R. Casaul.
 WORKSHEET NO. 10

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the central themes of Chinese artworks? Explain why the Chinese focused on these
themes.

2. What were some of the uses or roles of art during the precolonial period?

3. How did art become a reflection of Philippine society?