The Assumptions

of Art
Starting Things Off

•“Assumption” is defined
as a thing that is
accepted as true or as
certain to happen,
without proof.
Starting Things Off
•Speaking of assumptions, art
also has its share of these.
We are now going to explore
the three (3) assumptions of
art so we can understand it in
a more meaningful way.
The Assumptions of Art

• Art is Universal
• Art is Not Nature
• Art Involves Experience
1 Assumption of Art:
st

Art is Universal
Art is Universal

1. Art is universal
because it knows no
limits.
Art is Universal

Please consider the

following images. How
are they alike? How are
they different?
Art is Universal
Inuit Painting Zimbabwe Painting
Art is Universal
Thai Indigenous Dance Spanish Indigenous Dance
Art is Universal
Filipino Tribal Tattoos Japanese Tribal Tattoos
Art is Universal

The universality of art

is made even much
more interesting
because of the
following aspects…
Art is Universal

• Art as Means of
Communication
• Art is Timeless
• Art Addresses Human
Needs
Art is Universal: Art
as Means of
Communication
Art as Means of Communication

• Art can be used to

communicate different
feelings and emotions.
Art as Means of Communication

• This aspect can be used

in two (2) ways…
Art as Means of Communication

•To promote unity and

reconciliation
•Example: singing of
the national anthem
Art as Means of Communication
Art as Means of Communication

•Or incite rebellion and

mutiny
•Example: propaganda
posters on walls in
the streets
Art as Means of Communication
Art is Universal: Art is
Timeless
Art is Timeless

• Because it goes beyond

the time of our own
existence.
Art is Timeless
Cave Painting Hand Stencils
Art is Timeless

• Because it continues to
evolve and will do so
way beyond our time.
Art is Timeless
Example of Classic Art Example of Modern Art
Art is Universal: Art
Addresses Human
Needs
Art Addresses Human Needs

• Art provides a variety of

offerings for the people.
Art Addresses Human Needs

• Art gives us something

that we can appreciate
when we are in a certain
mood, situation or event.
2nd Assumption of
Art:
Art is Not Nature
Art is Not Nature

2. Art is not nature

because it is man-made
and artificial.
Art is Not Nature

• Nature is constantly
changing yet art is
permanent.
Art is Not Nature

• Nature provides
medium, resources and
models for art.
3rd Assumption of
Art:
Art Involves
Experience
Art Involves Experience

3. You have to experience

art to appreciate it.
Art Involves Experience

Unless you experience

art for yourself, you
won’t have the
opportunity to enjoy it or
benefit from it.
 Activity/Assignment
•Choose a TV show or a movie
that you like.
•Explain briefly why you like it
and give at least three (3)
reasons why you watch it.
•Does it give you pleasure in any
way? Or do you engage with it
because of some other reason?
Walrus tusk