Art Appreciation Notes

Artists and Artisans

Overview

This lesson explores the roles of artists and artisans, their production processes, the mediums and techniques they employ, and the various stakeholders in the art world.

Artists

  • Artists are individuals who create original works of art that express personal ideas and emotions.

  • Examples:

    • Vincent Van Gogh: Known for expressive paintings like "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers."

    • Frida Kahlo: Known for uncompromising and brilliantly colored self-portraits, such as "The Two Fridas" and "The Wounded Deer."

Artisans

  • Artisans are skilled craftspeople who create functional or decorative objects.

  • Examples:

    • Potters: Create pottery like bowls and vases using clay and various techniques.

    • Blacksmiths: Use metalworking skills to forge tools or decorative items.

Production Process

The creation of artwork typically involves three main stages:

  • Pre-Production: The ideation process where the artist develops the concept and plans for the artwork.

  • Production: The execution phase where the artist creates the artwork using chosen materials and techniques.

  • Post-Production: The final stage involving setting up, tweaking, preparing for transport, display, and promotion of the artwork.

Medium and Technique in Arts

The medium and technique vary depending on the type of art:

  • Visual Art:

    • Medium: The materials used to create the artwork (e.g., paint, clay, digital tools).

    • Technique: The methods an artist employs to manipulate the chosen medium.

  • Auditory Art:

    • Medium: The means through which sound is transmitted or produced (e.g., instruments, voices, digital audio).

    • Technique: The methods and skills used to compose, perform, or record music.

  • Combined Art:

    • Medium: The materials used to create interdisciplinary artworks.

    • Technique: The methods employed to integrate diverse artistic forms.

GAMABA National Artists

The GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) is an award given to traditional folk artists in the Philippines. Some notable GAMABA awardees include:

  • Lang Dulay: A T'boli dreamweaver renowned for intricate T'nalak designs from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Awarded GAMABA in 1998.

  • Estelita Bantilan: A master of Banig weaving art from Basey, Samar. Awarded GAMABA in 2016.

  • Alonzo Saclag: A master of dance and music from Lubuagan, Kalinga province. Awarded GAMABA in 2000.

  • Yabing Masalon Dulo: A master B’laan ikat weaver from Polomolok, South Cotabato. Awarded GAMABA in 2016.

Art Events

Art events provide opportunities for artists to showcase their work, connect with art enthusiasts, spark conversations, and enrich cultural experiences. These events include:

  • Art Exhibitions: Curated displays of artwork in galleries or museums to showcase an artist's work to the public.

  • Art Fairs: Commercial events where galleries and dealers gather to exhibit and sell artworks.

  • Open Studios: Events where artists open their workspaces to the public, allowing visitors to see the creative process and purchase artworks.

  • Art Auctions: Events where artworks are sold to the highest bidder through competitive bidding.

Stakeholders in the Art World

Various stakeholders play crucial roles in the art world ecosystem:

  • Art Managers: Handle the administrative and operational aspects of artistic organizations.

  • Art Curators: Select, present, and explain artworks in exhibitions or collections.

  • Art Collectors: Acquire extensive collections of art, often with a focus on particular artists, movements, or themes.

  • Art Dealers: Buy and sell artworks, facilitating transactions between artists, collectors, and institutions.