Lesson 3: Subject and Content Note: Abstract art can be a representational art since even with the

abstraction of an artwork, it can still form a real image through visual

elements.
Objective:
 Differentiate representational art and non-representational art;
 Discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its
content;
 And identify the main kinds of subject and the levels of meaning Subject of Art
of art. The visual focus or the image that may be extracted from examining
the artwork; the “what”
Two types of subject:
Six (6) main kinds of subject:
1. Representational Art
1. Still Life – a collection of inanimate objects arranged
 These types of art have subjects that refer to objects or
together in a specific way.
events occurring in the real world. It is also known as
“figurative art”.
 A painting or sculpture that is clearly recognizable for what it
claims to be.
Examples:
a . Mona Lisa (1503) by Leonardo da Vinci
b. Boy Leading a Horse (1905) by Pablo Picasso
c. Palay Maiden (1920) by Fernando Amorsolo

2. Landscape – natural scenery such as mountains, cliffs,

rivers, etc.

2. Non-representational Art
 Art forms that do not make reference to the real world,
whether it is a person, place, thing, or even a particular
event.
 It is stripped down only to visual elements to translate a
particular emotion and concept.
 Best example of a non-representational art is an abstract art.

St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc. 2nd Semester – A.Y. 2020-2021 – Art Appreciation: Lesson 3
3. Nature – a focused view or interpretation of specific natural Content of Art
elements. The meaning that is expressed and communicated by the artist or the
artwork; the “why”

Three (3) various levels of meaning:

1. Factual meaning – Is the most rudimentary level of
meaning. Extracted from the identifiable or recognizable
forms in the artwork.

2. Conventional meaning – Pertains to the acknowledged

interpretation of the artwork using motifs, signs, and symbols.
4. Portraiture – an image of a particular person or animal, or Established through time, strengthened by recurrent use and wide
group thereof. acceptance by its audience who study them.

3. Subjective meaning – A particular work of art that is

consulted and read. Meanings that came from the viewers or
audience’s circumstances and experiences. Meanings may not be
singular, rather, there are multiple and varied.

Summary

There is sense of panic when one is confounded with the question.

“What am I seeing?” or rather, “What am I supposed to see?” Perhaps,
5. Abstract – a non-representational work of art. addressing this stigma is the first step in inviting more Filipinos to
engage with art and have a more enduring appreciation for it.

In gaining the basics of deciphering the subject and content of art, it is

hoped that an individual’s sensitivity and perceptiveness to art will be
developed. Taking note of what is apparent will provide clues as to
what the intended meaning of the artist might be. Knowing more about
the context of its creation –from the artist’s inspiration, reference or
source, will prove useful in understanding the meaning of the artwork.
6. Day of the Dead – a Mexican holiday with a vibrant artistic However, one must forget that each viewer is armed with his or her
tradition. experience, background and education. These will assist in fleshing
out different levels of meaning that maybe derived from the artwork.
These might not be as evident as say, the figures depicted on the
surface; however these alternative readings contribute to the
significance of work.

St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc. 2nd Semester – A.Y. 2020-2021 – Art Appreciation: Lesson 3
Activities

Activity 4.1
Answer the following questions as precisely yet as thoroughly as
possible.

1. Where do artists source their subjects?

2. What subject of art do you usually source? State experiences about

it.

Activity 4.2
Watch a short video in YouTube posted by the University of
Birmingham about Botticelli’s “ Birth of Venus”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pzFEZwmDBc. Write a reflection
paper regarding the said video.

St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc. 2nd Semester – A.Y. 2020-2021 – Art Appreciation: Lesson 3