Defining Art and Its Purposes Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the definitions, nature, functions, philosophical perspectives, and subject/content of art based on lecture slides.

Ars

The Latin word from which 'art' is derived, meaning skill or craft.

Art (General Definition)

A form of human creativity used to communicate ideas, emotions, culture, and experiences.

John Dewey's Perspective

Defined as 'Art as Experience,' where art is the culmination of human experiences and interactions, focusing on the process rather than just the finished product.

Dr. Alice G. Guillermo's View

The perspective that art conveys complex social and historical narratives beyond what is visibly seen.

Marcel Duchamp's Fountain (1917)

A famous work that challenged traditional ideas about what can be considered art.

Mona Lisa

An example of art focusing on Beauty and Form.

Starry Night

An example of art focusing on Emotional Impact.

The Scream

An example of art focusing on Expressiveness.

Georgia O'Keeffe Quote

'I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way—things I had no words for.'

Creativity

The ability to create, reflecting instinctive and intuitive power to produce original ideas and meaningful works.

Imagination

The ability to form ideas and mental images beyond what is perceived through the five senses, allowing for the transformation of thoughts into artistic expression.

Universal Creativity

The concept that creativity is not limited to humans, exemplified by bees constructing beehives using wax.

Art Appreciation

The element in the relationship of art that helps people understand, value, and connect with final expressions of ideas.

George Bernard Shaw Quote

'Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.'

Art is Not Nature

The assumption that art is specifically created by humans rather than occurring naturally.

Art Perfects Nature

The assumption that art enhances beauty and meaning.

Personal Function of Art

A category of art's purpose involving self-expression, emotional release, and personal growth.

Social and Cultural Function of Art

Functions where art raises awareness, preserves traditions, builds identity, and promotes values.

Political Function of Art

Functions involving protest art, activism, and social commentary.

Spiritual Function of Art

Functions involving religious practices, ceremonies, and spiritual expression.

Art as Mimesis (Plato)

The philosophical perspective that art imitates reality and is a copy of the physical world.

Art as Representation (Aristotle)

The perspective that art represents reality accurately to help people understand life and emotions.

Purposive without Purpose (Immanuel Kant)

The idea that art is created intentionally but its greatest value lies in beauty and aesthetic appreciation rather than practical use.

Art as Dasein (Martin Heidegger)

The perspective that art reveals human existence and encourages reflection, meaning, and self-understanding.

Art as Supreme over Morality (Benedetto Croce)

The belief that artistic expression is independent and should not be judged only by moral standards.

Subject of Art

The element of an artwork answering 'What do you see?', including people, objects, animals, or landscapes.

Representational Art

A type of subject that shows realistic and recognizable people, places, objects, or events.

Abstract Art

A type of subject that does not clearly represent real objects, using shapes, colors, lines, and forms to express concepts.

Content of Art

The element of an artwork answering 'What does it mean?', including the message, emotion, idea, or purpose.

Symbolism

A source of meaning where symbols represent ideas, emotions, or values beyond their literal appearance (e.g., Dove = Peace).

Context

The time, place, culture, and historical background that help explain an artwork's meaning.

Artist's Intent

The personal message, emotions, beliefs, or purpose the artist specifically wants to communicate.