Module crafted by Arvin Narvaza and Dr.

Maria Angeles Hinosolango

ENG 102: Art Appreciation

Module 1: Defining Art: Assumptions, Scope, and Limitation of Arts

Week 1: Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2021 | 1st Semester, S.Y. 2021-2022

Book: An Eye for Art Appreciation: Perception and Expression

Page(s): 1-10
Introduction

Welcome to the first module of Art Appreciation. In this module, you will
learn the preliminaries of the course prior to the core contents. This module will
introduce you to the definitions, assumptions, scope, and limitations of art.
COURSE MODULE

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Define what art is in their own words; and

• Grasp the assumptions and beliefs on how one views art.

Art Defined

Art does not exist in a vacuum. All of us live with the existence of art, just
as we breathe for air and take some food for sustenance; art exists in delight
and serves its purpose of giving us the reason to sustain for living. To dig
deeper into the realm of art, there are six notions of art we can explore,
specifically:

A. Art is Everywhere
B. Art as Expression and Communication
C. Art as Creation
D. Art and Experience
E. Art and Nature
F. Art and Beauty

Before we get into the core of the discussion, here are video links you may
view to know more about how art is defined from various perspectives:

Video 1: What is art? Link: https://youtu.be/QZQyV9BB50E

Video 2: What is art? (2) Link: https://youtu.be/dwK4zv5rdbA
Video 3: What makes something Art? Link: https://youtu.be/vV2cc_fFgmA

Assumptions / Notions of Art

1. Art is Everywhere. Art can be found anywhere and everywhere logically
because we exist. It is in our nature as humans to express and to seek
beauty as diversions from the mundanity of living. The reality of life is
tough and art balances out that harshness, giving us a venue to breathe
and to break from monotony. We bring art to the world because we
continually seek balance. From the moment we wake up until we get
into bed, we encounter so many art forms without even noticing them.
Say, you are bored and you need music as diversion, or when you relax
at a coffee shop and stare at the colorful paintings on the café walls,
or when you go up to a spiral staircase embellished with intricate metal
works on the railings. Art co-exists with us simply because they also bring
with them functions apart from beauty.

2. Art as Expression and Communication. There are a lot of things that

visual art, auditory art and performing arts can say. Our individuality and
our emotions toward people can be portrayed in different manners,
 Module crafted by Arvin Narvaza and Dr. Maria Angeles Hinosolango

whether a song, a poem, a painting, or a sculpture. Moreover, because

art is an expression, it also has the capacity to establish an identity.
Artists become artists because they stand out from the crowd, this is
because they express and communicate differently among others
through their craft or art forms.

3. Art as Creation. Art, more than its outcome, is its process. Art is given
meaning because of how it is made. What makes an artist feel
accomplished is his/her exploration and experimentation. The process
consists of important steps and techniques that make up the totality of
the artwork. Creation entails originality which requires planning, proper
COURSE MODULE

execution and consciousness for a well-thought output. Art creation

can be systematic and it is a deliberative well-constructed act.

4. Art and Experience. The aphorism that says “experience is the best
teacher” holds true in the world of art. As one feels, sees, and
experiences, the artists’ experiences are part of his/her total being, and
once the artists express their thoughts, emotions and perspectives
through their craft, they manifest them in their art. Experience does not
only help you learn how to go about art, but it also contributes to how
you express art in the most organic and authentic way.

5. Art and Nature. Have you ever drawn a landscape, or a human body?
These images depict a common theme which is nature. We duplicate
nature using different media and techniques because we appreciate
their beauty by curating them in artworks. So, how do you draw the line
between art and nature? Going back to Art as creation, art is a
deliberative well-constructed act. Nature is not art because it is not
made by human beings, but nature can only be an inspiration for
making art which human beings can imitate.

6. Art as Beauty. Our perspective and taste for art are subjective because
of our culture and breadth of artistic knowledge. What we consider
beautiful may be a taboo for others, and what others consider beautiful
may be peculiar for our taste. The decision to on sider what is “beautiful”
is very hard when it comes to art. With this, beauty is not just in the eye
of the beholder, but in the culture of the beholder.
 Module crafted by Arvin Narvaza and Dr. Maria Angeles Hinosolango

ACTIVITY 1

Now you have a good grasp of what is art, I’d like to know what
your perspective is. What is ART for you? Create your own definition of
art and make sure that the definition is not derived from any of the
discussion on this module or from Google, or from any of the videos
you’ve seen.
Define art as how you see it before and after you’ve learned what
is Your definition must consist of only 2-3 lines. Comment your definition
on the prompt/post titled “What is Art for me?” in our Facebook Group.
This activity is worth 10 points. Post your responses on or before
September 5, 2021 (Sunday).

QUIZ 1

Please refer to your Art App instructor for the Quiz 1 Activity Sheet.

Reference

Sonsona, et al. (n.d.) Art Appreciation: Perception and Expression. PanAsia

Book Exchange Inc. Philippines.