Chapter 1 & 2 Arts

What is a work of art?

The visual expression of an idea or experience, formed with skill through the use of a medium

What is a medium in art?

A particular material along with its accompanying technique

What is creativity?

The ability to bring forth something new that has value

What are the five traits that define creativity?

Associating, questioning, observing, networking, and experimenting

What is visual creativity?

The use of imagery to communicate beyond words

How does art act as a “two-way street”?

We form art, and then art forms us by enriching our lives, teaching us, commemorating the past, touching our spirits, and inspiring or persuading us

What is outsider art?

Art produced by people with no formal training outside established channels of art exhibition

Are formal art-school training and creativity always necessary together?

No. Everyone has the potential to be creative, and formal training is not always necessary

What is folk art?

Art created within established traditions of style, theme, and craftsmanship, usually by artists with little systematic art training

What is representational art?

Art containing recognizable imagery that depicts the appearance of things

What is figurative art?

Representational art in which the human form is the primary subject

What is abstract art?

Art that depicts natural objects in simplified, distorted, or exaggerated ways, or may have no obvious reference to natural objects

What is nonrepresentational art?

Art without reference to anything outside itself and without recognizable imagery; it is also called nonobjective art

What is the difference between abstract and nonrepresentational art?

Abstract art can simplify or distort recognizable natural objects, while nonrepresentational art has no specific reference to objects outside itself

What distinction does the chapter make between subject matter and content?

Subject matter is what is literally depicted; content is the message or meaning communicated by the artwork

What is iconography?

The subjects, symbols, and motifs used in an image to convey meaning

What are the six functions of art?

Art for daily use, visual delight, communicating information, public and personal expression, the spirit, and political purposes

What is art for daily use?

Art that transforms or designs everyday objects so they are useful as well as visually appealing

What is embellishment?

Adding artistic or decorative qualities to everyday objects and surroundings

What is art for visual delight?

Art whose primary purpose can be enjoyment or beauty, apart from practical, moral, or political considerations

What is idealism in art?

Finding beauty in something that is ideal or close to perfection

Why is art used to communicate information?

Art can convey information and ideas and has helped shape how people understand their world and other cultures

What is commemoration in art?

Using art or monuments to remember or honor people, events, or the past

What is art for the spirit?

Art used to meet religious or spiritual needs, including worship and ritual