Art Appr. Study Guide for Midterm

Craftspeople

Makers of Gudea Figures are regarded as craftspeople because they mass produced the figures instead of making one statue.

Scholar-painters

Qian Xuan was a member of a group of artists known as scholar-painters or literati, recognized for his understanding of poetry and Confucian ideals.

Gee’s Bend quilters

Folk artists who create utilitarian or decorative objects and learn through local traditions and cultural heritage.

Mimesis

A concept in ancient Greek art that sometimes prioritizes representation over originality, potentially leading to a lack of personal expression.

Tolstoy’s theory of communication of feeling

A theory that may overlook the complexities of emotion, as feelings can vary across different audiences and cultures.

Clive Bell's theory of Significant Form

A theory that can disregard the emotional responses of viewers beyond formal qualities, limiting appreciation of non-conforming artworks.

Institutional or Artworld theory

A theory by George Dickie and Arthur Danto that can narrow the definition of art, emphasizing institutional approval over intrinsic value.

Outsider artists

Artists operating outside the mainstream who often lack formal training but create significant and challenging work.

Twisted wire sculptures

Artworks created by an unknown individual that can evoke emotional or conceptual responses, demonstrating potential significant form.

Sympathetic magic

A belief that images and objects created before written language played a role in prehistoric rituals.

Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis

A graphic novel detailing Satrapi's childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, exploring themes of identity and resilience.

Auguste Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais

A sculpture that conveys emotional turmoil and moral complexity concerning heroism and despair.

Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A memorial designed to reflect on the sacrifices of veterans, utilizing minimalism to evoke remembrance and healing.

Art for Art's Sake

A philosophy adopted by James Abbott McNeil Whistler emphasizing art's intrinsic value independent from social obligations.

Aesthetics

Refers to feelings of pleasure and displeasure that influence judgments of value or merit in art.

Craftwork vs Fine Art

Craftwork may be considered fine art when it exhibits high skill and creativity, blurring the lines between utilitarian and expressive works.

James Abbott McNeil Whistler's 'claptrap' statement

Refers to art being independent of external narratives or moral implications, focusing solely on aesthetic qualities.

Cultural wilderness in art

The idea that art reflects the struggle between traditional values and modern challenges, as illustrated in Kootz's artwork.

Function of artwork

A distinguishing characteristic of artwork is to satisfy human needs and gratify desires, provoking thought and dialogue.

Diversity of art styles

Explained by individual artists who bring personal experiences, resulting in a wide array of artistic expressions.

Sciences in art

Scientific principles enhance understanding and appreciation of art, integrating disciplines to provide deeper insights.

Enhancing appearances

People enhance their appearances to express individuality and group membership, reflecting identity and connecting to communities.

IDEAL

Considered the most perfect example of a quality or concept, serving as a model to strive towards in art and life.

Louis Sullivan’s principle

'Form Follows Function' implies that ornamentation should enhance the functionality of a building, emphasizing practicality.

Propaganda posters

Examples of art used to persuade and influence public opinion, conveying political messages visually.

Art as human aspiration

Reflects societal values and emotions, serving as a communication tool to express complex ideas and inspire change.

Creativity

Defined as action taken to give visible form to thoughts, feelings, or ideas.