Art Appreciation & Humanities - Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering definitions, classifications, assumptions, and functions of art and the humanities based on the provided lecture notes.

What is the basic definition of art according to the notes?

An intentional human act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations.

How do the Humanities help us analyze art?

By developing clarity of language, literary style, moral insight, and critical skills drawn from disciplines such as grammar, rhetoric, philosophy, etc.

Give one reason why the Humanities matter.

They teach us to think creatively and critically while exploring human culture.

Name two of the seven reasons listed for studying art.

Any two of: Cultural understanding; Critical thinking & analysis; Emotional expression & connection; Creativity & innovation; Historical perspective; Personal development; Aesthetic appreciation.

How does art foster cultural understanding?

It reflects the values, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures, revealing their histories.

Which benefit of studying art nurtures problem-solving across fields like science or business?

Creativity and innovation.

According to Walling (1997), why is art valuable for society?

It fosters creativity, reflection, and cultural expression, helping people connect and challenge ideas.

What is the primary focus of Art History as a discipline?

Studying the development and uses of art through human history and translating it into written critiques.

How does Art Appreciation differ from Art History?

Art Appreciation applies visual-literacy tools to understand and value individual artworks.

Define Major Arts according to Webster (1987).

Arts that use skill to produce aesthetically pleasing works—e.g., music, painting, architecture, sculpture.

What characterizes Minor Arts?

Styling and usefulness addressed mainly to the sense of sight; lower degree of aesthetic quality.

What are Fine (Independent) Arts?

Works created primarily for aesthetic enjoyment through the senses.

What are Practical (Utilitarian) Arts?

Works made for practical use or for developing raw materials into functional objects.

Differentiate Graphic Arts from Plastic Arts.

Graphic Arts are 2-D (e.g., painting); Plastic Arts are 3-D (e.g., sculpture, architecture).

What distinguishes Performing Arts?

Creative expression using body, voice, and props in live performances before an audience.

Provide an example of Popular Art mentioned in the notes.

Graffiti, magazines, or comics.

State the assumption: "Art is not _."

Nature.

Which art assumption claims that art transforms raw material into something more meaningful?

Art perfects nature.

Why is art considered timeless?

Its value and impact endure across generations regardless of creation date.

Name three functions of art listed under 'Art functions as…'.

Any three of: agent of magic, aid to meditation, agent to ritual, record of events, substitute/symbol, souvenir, propaganda, communication, social control, entertainment, moral improvement, education, self-expression, self-revelation, release of emotions.

What is the personal function of art for an artist driven by passion?

Self-expression and gratification through their chosen art form.

Give one reason art may have a social function according to Ortiz et al. (1976).

It influences collective behavior, is created for public situations, or expresses collective experiences.

How does satire serve a social function in art?

By ridiculing people or institutions to prompt change in society.

What is the purpose of editorial cartoons?

To convey social or political messages more directly than words, highlighting societal weaknesses.

Define Propaganda Literature.

Writing designed to influence opinions or behaviors in favor of a political or ideological cause.

How does religious art perform a social function?

It expresses beliefs, aids worship, and strengthens community faith.

What is the aim of advertising art?

To affect consumers' buying behavior.

Explain ‘display and celebration’ as a social function of art.

Art used in public rituals and festivals unites people through shared cultural experiences.

Why are artworks considered vital historical documents?

They reveal how people thought, felt, and lived in specific historical periods.

Give two examples of tools or containers as functional art objects.

Any two of: spoon (tool), car (tool), building (container), community (container), ceramic vase (container).

What is meant by the physical function of art?

The practical or utilitarian purpose a piece serves due to its form or materials.

Which branch of art encompasses novels, poems, and essays?

Literary Arts.

What differentiates Popular Arts from Fine Arts?

Popular Arts are widely enjoyed by the general public and influenced by current trends; Fine Arts prioritize aesthetic enjoyment.

State one way art can act as ‘an agent of social control.’

By reinforcing societal norms or discouraging undesirable behaviors through persuasive imagery or narratives.

What does ‘art is universal’ imply?

Art connects people across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

How can art function as ‘an aid to meditation’?

Through images or objects that help focus the mind and foster spiritual contemplation.

What personal benefit might an artist seek through ‘self-revelation’?

Revealing inner thoughts and emotions to better understand themselves.

Name one of the Renaissance disciplines classified under the Humanities.

Grammar, rhetoric, music, philosophy, or theology.

Why does studying art give historical perspective?

Because art records human history, showing how past civilizations shaped the present.

What is meant by ‘art imitates and creates’?

Art copies aspects of life or nature while transforming them into new, innovative forms.

Which assumption states that art exists in daily surroundings like fashion or product design?

Art is everywhere.

In what way can art serve as a substitute or symbol?

By representing real objects or ideas when the actual thing is absent.

Give one economic reason an artist might create art.

To earn income or sell works for financial gain.

What is meant by ‘release of emotions’ as a function of art?

Art allows both creator and viewer to express or experience feelings safely.