GE 6: ART APPRECIATION

Submitted by John Carlo Logronio

BSED-FIL 1A

What is Art?
Art has always been a significant part of human life, serving as one of the oldest and most
essential forms of expression. Its presence can be traced back to the earliest human societies. The
term “art” is derived from various languages, such as Italian, Aryan, and Greek, all highlighting
the craftsmanship, inventiveness, and connection between form, ideas, material, and techniques
within art (Anonymous, 2021). Art is a wide array of activities that humans engage in to create
visual, auditory, or performance pieces, reflecting the creator’s imagination, ideas, or skill, meant
to be valued for their aesthetic appeal or emotional impact. In addition to creation, art also
encompasses critique and the study of its history. It can take many forms such as painting,
sculpture, music, dance, theater, film, literature, and more.

What are the different assumptions of Art?

According to De (2019) the different assumptions of art are:

1. Art is universal. Art has consistently transcended time and geographical boundaries,
connecting people across different eras and places.

2. Art is not nature. Art is how people convey their understanding and interpretation of
nature. Nature is the term used to describe the surrounding environment and all living things, while
art is a form of human expression that takes inspiration from or portrays elements of nature.

3. Art involves experience. In contrast to subjects that rely on data, art is best understood
through direct experience. To truly comprehend a piece of art, one must engage with it physically
by seeing, hearing, and experiencing it firsthand.

If you were an artist, what kind of artist you want to be?

 If I were an artist, the kind of artist I want to be is painter. The field of painting is very
significant as it involves conveying ideas and emotions through the creation of specific aesthetic
qualities using a visual language that is two-dimensional (Owen, 2024). Painting allows for the
portrayal of life in a way that is distinct from reality, offering a unique sensation that enriches the
observer’s perception of the world (Lemay, 2019). Through painting, a painter can express his
feelings creatively without any fear of being judged. It creates a room full of imagination that can
be place in a real-world visual medium. Thus, I want to be a painter although I have no talent in
arts.

Why is art not nature?

Art is distinct from nature as it is a product of human creation, not something that occurs
naturally. While art may resemble nature or surpass it at times, it ultimately originates from the
thoughts, emotions, and skills of humans (Esbin, 2019). Art is distinctly different from nature,
being an artificial creation by humans to depict their perceptions of natural elements. It is a product
of human ingenuity, not a natural phenomenon. Art takes various forms like wall paintings, body
piercings, tattoos, sculptures, and paintings, all stemming from the artist’s imagination and skill.
Despite this, artists often draw inspiration from nature (Anonymous, 2023). One primary
distinction between art and nature is that art originates from the creative mind of the artist and only
takes form once it is brought into existence, contrary to nature which exists independently
(Hughes, 2022).

Art is ageless, Explain this statement.

The saying “Art is ageless” highlights the idea that art is timeless and can be appreciated
regardless of when it was created. People of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and find value in
a piece of art, even long after its creation. Additionally, the age of an artist does not limit their
ability to create. Artists can produce work at any point in their lives, whether they are young or
old. The diverse experiences and perspectives gained at various life stages can add distinctive
layers of complexity and value to their art. Art knows no age limitations as even a child can create
a masterpiece. It transcends time, as each generation brings forth its own unique forms of art.

Why does art involve experience?

Art originates from individuals, including both artists and non-artists, wanting to express
and convey their experiences using various forms of communication beyond traditional language.
Even poetry and song lyrics use language uniquely to stimulate mental imagery and emotions
inspired by the creators. Thus, art is closely intertwined with the personal experiences of the artist
(Burger, 2022). Art is intimately connected to the artist’s personal journey and inner world, as it
serves as a mirror of their thoughts, feelings, and views of the world. Artists often incorporate their
own life experiences, such as cultural heritage, relationships, and important moments, into their
creations, whether they realize it or not. Furthermore, the viewer plays a significant role in art
appreciation. Each individual brings their unique background and outlook to the interpretation of
a piece of art, which contributes to its subjective and impactful nature. Art is closely linked to our
experiences and serves as a wonderful way to share and connect with the experiences of others,
bridging our differences.

Cite other misconceptions about art.

According to Wan (2016), the top 4 common misconceptions about art are:

1. Art is expensive! Artwork is commonly viewed as a costly investment due to the focus
on renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Yayoi Kusama. However, buying art
doesn’t have to be a budget-breaking endeavor. The cost of a piece can differ depending on the
material and the artist’s standing.

2. If its cheap, its low quality art. Buying art at a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s
of lower quality. The artist may be using less expensive materials or could be at the beginning
stages of their career. Investing in works from emerging artists could potentially lead to increased
value as they gain more recognition in the art world.
 3. It’s only for the highly educated/rich/’atas’ people to appreciate. Many people
traditionally think of art as being exclusive to the wealthy or elite, but over time, the concept of art
has expanded to include community and public expressions as well.

4. This artwork is so simple, I can also do it! Art isn’t only about the technical skills
involved. If its all skills-based, then it would be a craft, not art. Personally, an artwork involves
thought, a message as well as an audience.

For the Attachment: Choose one artwork under each category that you are familiar with.
Cite a Filipino artwork related to the category you chose and answer the question provided

ISANG PUNUNGKAHOY

Sa panulat ni Jose Corazon De Jesus

Kung tatanawin mo sa malayong pook,

Ako’y tila isang nakadipang kurus;

Sa napakatagal na pagkakaluhod,

Parang ang paa ng Diyos.

Organo sa loob ng isang simbahan

Ay nananalangin sa kapighatian,

Habang ang kandila ng sariling buhay

Magdamag na tanod sa aking libingan.

Sa aking paanan ay may isang batis,

Maghapo’t magdamag na nagtutumangis;

Sa mga sanga ko ay nangakasabit
 Ang pugad ng mga ibon ng pag-ibig.

Sa kinislap-kislap ng batis na iyan,

Asa mo ri’y agos ng luhang nunukal;

At saka ang buwang tila nagdarasal,

Ako’y binabati ng ngiting malamlam.

Ang mga kampana sa tuwing orasyon,

Nagpapahiwatig sa akin ng taghoy,

Ibon sa sanga ko’y may tabing nang dahon,

Batis sa paa ko’y may luha nang daloy.

Ngunit tingnan ninyo ang aking narating,

Natuyo, namatay sa sariling aliw.

Naging kurus ako ng pagsuyong laing

At bantay sa hukay sa gitna ng dilim.

Wala na, ang gabi ay lambong na luksa,

Panakip sa aking namumutlang mukha!

Kahoy na nabuwal sa pagkakahiga
Ni ibon, ni tao’y hindi na matuwa.

At iyong isiping nang nagdaang araw,

Isang kahoy akong malago’t malabay.

Ngayon, ang sanga ko’y kurus sa libingan,

Dahon ko’y ginawang korona sa hukay!

Why do you choose that artwork? Relate it to your life.

I chose that artwork under the poem category because I idolized how the great writer Jose
Corazon De Jesus uses his plume to show how powerful the words are. The poem Isang
Punungkahoy touches my soul. This poem is a classic example of emotional description, sad
appeal, passionate self-talk, transformation resulting from the awakening of the eyes to the truth
of life. Based on my understanding, Jose Corazon de Jesus wants to convey in our poems that life
is like a tree, it has a beginning and an end. It begins in childhood and it continues to become
elevated until adulthood. But everything has an end. We come to a point in our lives when we have
to say goodbye to our loved ones. So while living, let’s learn to appreciate the life that God has
given us. It is better if we look at the days we live than the days we die. We are not made alone.
We have companions who will sympathize with the problems we face in life such as our families,
friends, and loved ones. I love how deep the poem was written, it touches the heart of the reader.
Although the poem depicts the sad reality of life, it also makes us realize that life is the most
precious gift that God has given us and must be cherished.

The poem conveys important lessons about one’s life and reminds us that life is short. The
poem revolves around situations, events, or experiences of the author about his life, which is like
a tree, there will come a time when our bright and lush leaves will gradually fall and lose life.
Because of this, as the poem teaches, while we live, we should appreciate every second, minute,
and hour we have. Let’s always do good things and make the times we are alive meaningful so that
in the end we have no regrets. Through this, we will also see the result of the helpful and good
things that we have shown and done to other people. Because of these lessons, I appreciate the
beauty of life, the meaning of kindness, and the true definition of love. The poem also signifies
that time is very important, we cannot bring back the past, so we should cherish every moment.
Yes, my life is like a tree, it has a beginning and an end. Because of this, I will let myself feel
genuine happiness in this world.
 REFERENCES

Anonymous (2023). Art is not nature. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/our-lady-

of-fatima-university/international-hospitality-management/art-is-not-nature/37994605
Anonymous (2021). Art Appreciation. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-
of-mindanao/art-appreciation/art-appreciation-module-1/22896440
Aronales, Casey (2021). Art Appreciation. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/our-
lady-of-fatima-university/medical-technology/art-appreciation/12756028
Burger, Nicoline (2022). Why Does Art Involve Experience? A Look into the World of Art.
Art Industry. https://artincontext.org/why-does-art-involve-
experience/#:~:text=Art%20catalyzes%20emotions%20and%2C%20therefore,or%20experience
%20of%20the%20viewer.
De, Cem J. (2019). What is art appreciation?: Introduction and Assumptions.
https://www.slideshare.net/jinedeth/lesson-1-what-is-art-appreciation-introduction-and-
assumptions

Esbin, Michael (2019). Why is art not nature? https://www.quora.com/profile/Michael-

Esbin
Hughes, Emily (2022). Why is art not nature? MusicalMum.
https://www.musicalmum.com/why-is-art-not-nature/
Lemay, Robert (2019). The Beauty of Painting. Art Live.
https://www.robertlemay.com/news/thebeautyofpainting
Owen, Peter D. (2024). Painting. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/art/painting/Elements-of-design
Wan, Phyllis Jeannemarie (2016). Top 5 Common Misconceptions About Art #IMO.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-5-common-misconceptions-art-imo-phyllis-
jeannemarie-wan