Art Appreciation and Criticism

Introduction

  • Edgar Degas states: "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
  • Art is a serious pursuit for many artists and cultures.
  • Importance of studying art questioned by common people.
  • Appreciation of art does not require mastery; basics can be learned.
  • Goals of the English Department:
    • Provide modules for art education during challenging times.
    • Encourage creativity as a trait of successful individuals.
  • Modules designed for:
    • Understanding the importance of art.
    • Exploring elements, subject, content, qualities, and values of artistic forms.
    • Learning about art criticism and heritage.
  • Art appreciation is participative and seeks beauty.
  • Art reflects the ideals and tangible expressions of artists and cultures.
  • Valuing art ensures it and its stories endure.

Module 1: Art Appreciation, Humanities, and Aesthetics

Definition of Art and Its Value

  • Art exists in various forms: music, painting, dance, etc.
  • Aim: Understand the significance of art and beauty in human life.

Art Appreciation

  • Everyone can appreciate art; it is subjective.
  • Art includes works ranging from paintings to digital media.
  • The National Commission for Culture and Arts supports development in:
    • Architecture
    • Cinema
    • Dance
    • Dramatic Arts
    • Literary Arts
    • Music
    • Visual Arts
  • Art appreciation involves exploration and analysis of exposed art forms.
  • Subjectivity in taste and preferences plays a significant role in appreciation.
  • New trends and styles in art emerge continuously.
  • The ultimate goal is personal connection with art.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define Art Appreciation, Aesthetics, and Humanities.
  2. Deepen understanding of art appreciation.
  3. Discuss the importance of humanities and aesthetics.
  4. Appreciate concepts of beauty and artistic expression.

Analysis Activity

  • Watch "What is Art?" by GCFLearnFree.org.
  • Questions for reflection:
    1. Why is studying art important?
    2. Why do humans love beauty?
    3. Who defines beauty in art?

Understanding Art

  • Study the historical context and narratives behind artworks.
  • Art is a collective human expression; it reflects civilization.
  • Arts are connected with personal and universal human expressions.

Humanities Overview

  • Focused on humanism emphasizing individual and collective value.

Functions of Humanities

  1. Make individuals better human beings.
  2. Value and appreciate beauty.
  3. Expand perspectives.
  4. Know the evolving image of mankind.

Aesthetics

  • Study of beauty derived from Greek "aesthesis" (sense of perception).
  • Subjectivity in praising or criticizing art; aesthetic standards exist.

Denis Dutton's Six Universal Signatures of Beauty

  1. Expertise
  2. Nonutilitarian pleasure
  3. Style
  4. Criticism
  5. Imitation
  6. Special focus

Assessments and Applications

  1. Define Art Appreciation, Humanities, Aesthetics.
  2. Among the functions of Humanities, identify the most significant.
  3. Discuss an art form of personal interest.
  4. Watch the game "Aesthe-TISTICS" on YouTube and provide selections from the game.

Module 2: Elements of Art

Importance of Art

  • Art enhances emotions, heals, and rejuvenates life.
  • Recognition of art’s impact on daily life and thoughts.

Learning Objectives

  • Familiarize with elements of art: visual, auditory, performing arts.
  • Understand what artworks consist of.
  • Identify and appreciate National Artists' contributions.

Elements of Visual Arts

  1. Line:

    • Represents ideas and figures; can be straight or curved.
    • Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and curved lines convey emotions.

  2. Color:

    • Property of light, with three dimensions: hue, value, and intensity.
    • Warm and cool colors affect perception and emotion.

Other Elements

  • Texture: Characteristics of surfaces (rough/smooth) felt through touch.
  • Form: Overall shape/structure of art referring to dimensions.
  • Space: Distances and areas around artworks.

National Artists in the Philippines

  • Notable artists like Napoleon Abueva, Fernando Amorsolo, and many others illustrate the richness of Philippine art.

Auditory Arts

Music

  • Fundamental elements include:
  1. Rhythm
  2. Melody
  3. Pitch
  4. Harmony
  5. Tempo
  6. Dynamics
  7. Timbre

Notable National Artists in Music

  • Contributions from artists like Antonio R. Buenaventura and Jovita Fuentes exemplify Philippine musical heritage.

Performance Art

  • Combination of arts including dance, music, drama, and visual arts.
  • Key elements: theme, design, movement, technique, music, and choreography.

Module 3: Values and Qualities of Art

Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Values

  • Identify and appreciate intrinsic benefits: joy, empathy, personal growth from art experiences.

Communicative Expression

  • Art as a means of connection and social reflection.

Module 4A: Seven Da Vincian Principles of Art

  1. Curiosita
  2. Dimostrazione
  3. Sensazione
  4. Sfumato
  5. Arte/Scienza
  6. Corporalita
  7. Connessione

Module 4B: Four Coordinates of Art Criticism

Four Coordinates

  1. Subject matter
  2. Artist
  3. Audience
  4. Form

Approaches to Art Criticism

  1. Mimetic
  2. Expressive
  3. Aesthetic/Formalist
  4. Pragmatic

Module 5: Art Criticism and Critical Theories

Critical Theories

  1. Frankfurt School
  2. Marxism
  3. Deconstruction
  4. Feminism
  5. Queer Theory
  6. Critical Race Theory
  7. Postcolonialism

Module 6: Heritage and T'boli Folk Literature

Importance of T'boli Literature

  • Folk literature as an expression of identity, values, and tradition.
  • Categories include myths, legends, and folktales.

Assessing T'boli Stories

  1. Identify values and truths from myth, legend, and folktale.
  2. Evaluate their significance to T'boli culture and identity.

Applications and Further Learning

  • Encourage students to create their own myths, legends, and folktales.
  • Understand how narratives reflect cultural values and identity.