SAS 1 DEFINING ART AND ITS PURPOSES

Etymological Meaning

• Derived from the Latin word "ars", meaning skill or craft.

• Examples: Traditional craftsmanship, visual arts.

John Dewey

• "Art as Experience" (1934)

• Art is a culmination of human experiences, emotions, and interactions.

• Emphasizes art as a process rather than just a product.

Guillermo

• "Image to Meaning"

• Artworks analyzed for their capacity to convey complex social and historical narratives beyond visible subjects.

Religious and spiritual

Art serves worship, rituals, and spiritual expression across faiths, seen in religious

iconography, sacred architecture, and ceremonial objects.

Political

Art acts as propaganda, activism, and social commentary, advocating for causes and

challenging norms through political murals, protest art, etc.

Social and cultural

Art explores cultural identity, reflecting and celebrating cultural narratives, landscapes,

and contemporary diversity.

Self expression and identity

Art facilitates personal growth, self-reflection, and cultural pride, allowing individuals

and communities to express and communicate their identities.

Catalyst for change

Art inspires societal transformations by raising awareness and challenging norms,

sparking discussions and actions around social, political, or cultural issues.

Bridge between cultures

Art transcends cultural boundaries, fostering cross-cultural understanding

Cultural and historical views

Art serves as expression, communication, and reflection of societal values, conveying narratives, histories, and cultural traditions.

Aesthetical perspective

• art is defined by its capacity to evoke sensory, emotional and intellectual responses through its beauty and expressive qualities

• this perspective focuses on the visual, auditory, and overall experiential aspects of art, emphasizing the aesthetic experience as central to its value and significance

Key elements of the aesthetic perspective:

• beauty and form

• emotional impact

• sensory experience

• expressiveness