Theories of Art Notes

Theories of Art

Overview of Art Movements

  • Pre-modern Art (Pre History to 1850s)

    • Examples: Greek, Islamic, Gothic

  • Modern Art (1863 to 1950s)

    • Movements: Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Realism, Naturalism, Futurism, Constructivism, DeStijl

  • Post-modern Art (1960 to Present)

    • Includes: Conceptual Art, Neo-Dadaism, Neo-Surrealism, Process Art, Maximalism, Pop Art, Deconstruction, Dadaism, Surrealism, Bauhaus, Minimalism

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Main Sources of Knowledge About Art

  • Art Forms:

    • Drawing

    • Painting

    • Printmaking

    • Graphic Design

    • Illustration

    • Animation

    • Sculpture

    • Ceramics

    • Woodwork

    • Metalwork

    • Glasswork

    • Textiles

    • Fiber Work

    • Interior Architecture

    • Music (Piano, Guitar, Violin, Singing)

    • Theater (Performance Art)

    • Cinema (Filmmaking)

Art’s Production

  • Encompasses all technical information regarding:

    • Materials (old and new)

    • Techniques involved in the making process

Art History

  • Five Essential Questions:

    1. Who: Information about the artist

    2. What: Information about the work of art

    3. When: Date and context of creation (social, political, economic)

    4. Where: Location of the work's creation

    5. Why: Influences (psychological, social, political, economic, cultural)

Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art

  • Art Theories:

    1. Beauty Theory

    2. Psychological Theory

    3. Instrumentalism Theory

  • Art Definitions:

    1. Imitation

    2. Expressionism

    3. Emotionalism

    4. Formalism

    5. Institutionalism

    6. Open Concept

Key Theories of Art

  1. Imitation Theory

    • Art as a faithful representation of reality.

    • Key points:

      • Art resembles objects/events in reality.

      • Value based on resemblance to real-life models.

  2. Formalism Theory

    • Art is self-contained and not reliant on external reality.

    • Emphasizes intrinsic elements like line, shape, color.

    • Key concepts:

      • "Significant form" triggers aesthetic emotions.

  3. Expressionism (Emotionalism) Theory

    • Art expresses the artist's inner emotions and states.

    • Key points:

      • Art does not need to depict beauty; can address diverse subjects.

      • Aims to evoke shared emotions from the audience.

  4. Instrumentalism

    • Art's usefulness in enhancing life experiences.

    • Assesses art based on its purpose.

  5. Institutionalism

    • The status and meaning of art depend on the institutions of the art world rather than observable properties.

Traditional Aesthetic Theories

  • Define the essence of art with necessary and sufficient conditions.

Art Criticism Methodologies

  • Organized dialogue regarding art.

  • Approaches based on:

    • Inductive Logic

    • Deductive Logic

    • Extrapolative Logic

  • Involves information from:

    • Art Production

    • Aesthetics

    • Art History

Important Quotes

  • Eugen Brecht's Perspective:

    • “Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”

Notable Artists & Works

  • Willem de Kooning: Woman VI, 1953 - Emphasizes Emotionalism.

  • Donald Judd: Untitled, 1974 - Exemplifies Formalism.

  • Romare Bearden: Pittsburgh Memories, 1984 - Highlights Instrumentalism.

Conclusion

  • Understanding the theories of art provides insights into the diverse interpretations and purposes of artistic expression.