ART APP PRELIMINARY

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

Definition of Humanities:

  • Humanities come from the Latin word "humanus," meaning refined, cultured, and human.

  • It is the study of man's expression of feelings, thoughts, intuition, values, and ideas.

  • Concerned with human culture, including literature, history, art, music, and philosophy (Oxford English Dictionary).

Definition of Art:

  • Art comes from the Latin word "ars/artis," meaning "to do" or "man-made."

  • It is a medium of expression where ideas, emotions, and feelings are conveyed without words.

  • A creative activity requiring skill in handling materials and organizing them into something new.

Defining Humanities:

  • Intellectual activity focusing on the products of man (literature, art, music, language, religion, law, philosophy, and artifacts of past civilizations).

  • Distinguished from non-human activities such as jogging, cooking, banking, and loving.

  • Humanities are rational activities based on reason rather than faith or mystical experience.

Why Study Humanities?

  • Provides skills and values that help in understanding human life and culture.

  • Helps individuals reflect on fundamental questions about existence.

  • According to Einstein, humanities nurture a well-rounded personality beyond specialized knowledge.

About the Course:

  • Focuses on the specific area of humanities known as Art.

  • Art Appreciation is a three-unit course that teaches students to analyze, critique, and appreciate art.



LESSON 2: ART APPRECIATION: CREATIVITY, IMAGINATION, AND EXPRESSION

What is Art?

  • Art lacks a universal definition but is described as using skill and imagination to create aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences.

Art Appreciation as a Way of Life:

  • Jean-Paul Sartre (French philosopher): Art depicts the world in a new light, rooted in human freedom.

  • Developing art appreciation enhances one’s ability to recognize beauty and purpose in artworks.

The Role of Creativity in Art Making:

  • Creativity differentiates artworks; originality is key.

  • Artists must conduct research to avoid plagiarism.

Art as a Product of Imagination:

  • Imagination enables the creation of bold, innovative ideas that can stimulate change.

Art as Expression:

  • Robin George Collingwood (English philosopher of 1938): Art expresses rather than induces emotion.

  • Expression allows artists to explore emotions and create beauty.

Types of Visual Arts:

  • Creations appealing to sight, driven by the artist’s perception.

Forms of Art:

  1. Film - The art of assembling still images to create movement.

  2. Performance Art - Live art using the human body, props, and sound.

  3. Poetry Performance - Expressing emotions through words instead of visual media.

  4. Architecture - Combines function, design, and aesthetics in structures.

  5. Dance - Expressive movement synchronized to music.

  6. Literary Art - Writing with a unique style, including fiction and nonfiction.

  7. Theatre - Live performances of scripted or improvised events.



LESSON 3: ASSUMPTIONS OF ART

Art is Universal:

  • Exists across all cultures and generations.

  • Age does not determine artistic value; it remains relevant as long as it is appreciated.

Art is Not Nature:

  • Art is man’s interpretation and expression of nature, not nature itself.

Art Involves Experience:

  • Art is best understood through direct experience and perception.

  • Evaluations of art are subjective and based on individual encounters.



LESSON 4: VISUAL ARTS

Definition:

  • Unique expressions of ideas, beliefs, and emotions through visual forms.

Types of Visual Arts:

  1. Graphic Arts (2D) - Painting, drawing, photography.

  2. Plastic Arts (3D) - Sculpture, architecture, crafts, costume design.

Purpose of Visual Arts:

  1. Ceremonial - Used in rituals, celebrations, and worship.

  2. Artistic Expression - Communicates emotions and ideas.

  3. Narrative - Tells stories and documents events.

  4. Functional - Everyday artistic objects (pottery, quilts, baskets).

  5. Persuasive - Promotes ideas, philosophies, and products.

Forms of Visual Arts:

  1. Fine Arts - Painting, sculpture, architecture.

  2. Applied Arts - Design and decoration of functional objects.

Common Visual Art Forms:

  1. Painting - Applying color to a surface.

  2. Sculpture - Creating 3D forms using materials like stone, metal, wood.

  3. Photography - Capturing images through chemical or digital processes.

  4. Design - Planning functional and aesthetic objects or spaces.

  5. Craft - Skilled artistic creations, often functional.