ARTA

WEEK 7: PRINCIPLES OF ART

Balance

• Weight of objects and their placement in relation to each other.

• Sense of stability:

  • Symmetrical: Exact mirroring of objects across an axis.

  • Asymmetrical: Objects do not mirror each other perfectly, creating a shift in visual weight.

  • Radial: Objects are distributed around a central point.

Proportion

• Size of objects in relation to each other or within a larger whole.

• Types of proportion:

  • Natural: Realistic sizes.

  • Exaggerated: Sizes altered for effect.

  • Idealized: Sizes represent a perfect form.

Emphasis

• Use of contrast, placement, size, color, or features to highlight one element.

• Creates a focal point that draws attention.

Variety

• Sense of difference between elements of an artwork.

• Opposite of unity and harmony; introduces chaos to convey powerful emotions.

• Example: Salvador Dali’s works showcasing chaos alongside perfection.

Harmony

• Use of related elements like colors, shapes, sizes.

• Creates a sense of connection and flow.

• Crucial aspect of art principles.

Movement

• Indicates the direction the viewer's eyes take while observing the work.

Rhythm

• Use of regularly distributed elements.

• Can convey feelings of varying speeds: slow, fast, smooth, or jerky.

Scale

• Size of an object in relation to expected reality.

• Diminutive: Smaller than expected.

• Monumental: Much larger than expected.

Unity

• Overall cohesion of the work through grouping of objects and similarity.

Repetition

• Patterns of shapes, colors, or elements recurring across a composition.

• Evokes feelings of security and calm.

WEEK 8: ART IN EARLY CIVILIZATION

STONE AGE (14,000 - 2,000 BCE)

• Defined by the use of stones for survival tools.

• There are three periods:

  • Paleolithic (Old Stone Age)

  • Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age)

  • Neolithic (New Stone Age)

• Art reflects early human beliefs and activities; themes include religion, nature, and everyday life.

PALEOLITHIC PERIOD

• Humans were hunter-gatherers, creating art in caves as a response to climate change.

• Example: Halls of Bulls in Lascaux, France.

MESOLITHIC PERIOD

• Transition from Paleolithic art; characterized by schematic forms and use of the color red.

• Example: Venus of Willendorf symbolizes fertility.

NEOLITHIC ART

• Transition to agriculture and permanent settlements; significant developments in pottery and monumental structures like Stonehenge.

EGYPTIAN ART (2,500 - 300 BCE)

• First civilization with significant advancements in literature, mathematics, and governance.

• Art was primarily religious; developed in three periods: Old, Middle, New Kingdom.

• Focus on the afterlife, where the preservation of the body was essential.

Sculpture and Architecture

• Law of Frontality in sculptures; pyramids served as burial monuments filled with art and possessions for the pharaoh’s afterlife.

Notable Works

• Narmer Palette: Symbol of the unification of Egypt.

• Great Pyramid of Giza: Architectural wonder serving as a pharaoh’s tomb.

WEEK 9: GREEK AND ROMAN ART

ANCIENT GREECE

• Valued poetry, drama, philosophy.

• Focused on human form and nature; art in painting, sculpture, architecture.

DEVELOPMENT OF GREEK ART

1. Geometric Period: Recovery from Dark Ages; focus on geometric shapes.

2. Archaic Period: Importance on the human figure; less stylized.

3. Classical Period: Peak of sculpture and architecture; perfection of human form.

4. Hellenistic Period: Emotional expression and realism in art.

ANCIENT ROME

• Cultural fusion with Greek influences; focus on realism and commemorative art.

• Major works include sculptures and architecture like the Colosseum and Pantheon.

WEEK 10: MIDDLE AGES TO REALISM

MIDDLE AGES

• Characterized by scripts copied from Christian scripture and centralized church authority.

• Great cathedrals were built during Romanesque and Gothic periods.

RENAISSANCE ART

• Originating in Florence, a revival of classical values.

• Focused on depth, naturalism, and humanism; significant works from artists like Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

LATER PERIODS

MANNERISM

• Characterized by distortion and exaggeration.

BAROQUE AND ROCOCO

• Used dramatic lighting and grandeur; Rococo emphasized aristocratic life.

NEOCLASSICISM

• Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman styles, reaction against Baroque.

ROMANTICISM

• Focused on emotion and heroic elements.

REALISM

• Accurate depictions reflecting everyday life.

WEEK 11: NATURALISM TO FUTURISM

NATURALISM

• Focus on realistic details in natural settings.

IMPRESSIONISM

• Emphasized brushstrokes, light, and color.

CUBISM

• Developed by Picasso; abandoned traditional perspective.

FUTURISM

• Focused on speed, energy, and modern life.