Lesson 2 : Framing the nature of art

Etymology (ARTS)

Ancient Latin -craft or specialized form of skill

Medieval -any special form of book-learning
Renaissance - reacquired a meaning that was inherent in its ancient form of
craft
17th Century - study of beauty unfolded distinctly from the notion of technical
workmanship,
which was the original conception of the word art
18th Century -distinguished between fine arts and the useful arts
*fine arts- not delicate or highly skilled arts but
beautiful arts

Assumptions on Art

● Art is UNIVERSAL.
● Art is NOT NATURE.
● Art involves experience.

Functions of Art

1. Personal Function -
varied and highly subjective
An artist may create an art out of the
need for
self-expression. It can also be mere
entertainment
for his intended audience. An art may also be
therapeutic.

2. Social Function -addresses a particular

collective interest
as opposed to a personal interest. Art may convey a message of protest,
contestation, or whatever message the artist intends
his work to carry. Art can also depict
social conditions. Art can also rouse emotions and
rally people toward a particular end.
3. Physical Function
The physical functions of art are the
easiest to spot and understand.
The physical functions of art can be found in artworks that are
crafted in order to serve some
physical purpose.