MODULE 1

What is Art: Nature and Assumptions of Art

Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. determine the role of humanities and arts in man’s attempt at fully realizing his end;
2. clarify misconceptions of art;
3. characterize the assumptions of art;
4. engage better with personal experiences of and in art.

Introduction
Art is something that is perennially around us. Some people may deny having to do with the arts
but it is indisputable that life presents us with many forms of and opportunities for communion
with arts. A college student choosing what shirt to wear together with his checkered pair of pants,
a teacher marveling at the intricate design of a medieval cathedral during his fieldtrip, and a
market vendor cheering for her bet in a singing competition on a noontime TV program all
manifest concerns for values that are undeniably, despite tangentially, artistic. In this lesson, you
will learn the different meanings of art, its nature and assumptions.
 Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church, Miag-ao, Iloilo
(http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/baroquechurches.htm)

(Your Initial Task)

In the first column of the table below, list down your most striking encounters with art.
On the second column, explain why you think each encounter is an experience with art.
My Encounters with Arts Why
• I was five years old when my mom • Because of those things she bought, I
started to buy me pens and coloring learned how to draw circles, lines and
materials appreciate colors.

• My grandfather was a great painter and

• Through him, I started to value the arts.
artist. I saw how passionate he was on
I was inspired to improve my skills on arts,
what he is doing.
to be creative and artistic like him.
Task 2. Image in my Mind: Assess your creativity
This activity is adapted and modified from Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. You may choose
only one of the following patterns below, to complete or elaborate. You can use a pen or any
coloring materials to create an image of anything or something in your mind. However, profanity
or any message of hate is discouraged. Complete or elaborate the following patterns:

Your work will be graded according to the following criteria:

1. Fluency - the ability to produce a large number of figural images - 30 %

2. Originality - ability to produce uncommon or unique responses - 30%
3. Elaboration - ability to develop, embroider, embellish, carry out ideas - 30% 4. Abstractness of
Title - sense the essence of a problem, know what is
truly essential - 10%

Total Score -100%

Self-Check No. 1
1. Answer the following questions:
a. Based on your artwork, what inspired you to create the said image?
 - A silent, peaceful, and limpid masterpiece of the Supreme Being, had been destroyed
by those individual whom He trusted. Eaten by wickedness, we forgot to be moralistic.
These artwork was inspired in the life-threatening condition we are facing right now.

b. How will you describe this creative experience?

- In order to have a good piece of artwork, we must put our feelings through it, so that
it will affect the outcome. I think of an object of an object that mostly dominant in curve
shapes, at the same time adding my main plan on it. This task practiced us to elaborate
our mind, to think deeper beyond our capacity, and on how we transform a single
pattern into something bizarre that shows our creativity as a student.

b. Explain the meaning of your work.

- Whether you are rich or poor, everyone are affected by this pandemic. Frontliners are
still in the study and research for an effective vaccine and yet everyone must take their
part to be responsible on fighting this virus. This is a man made and we should take
responsibility on it. My artwork highlights the woman with face mask hugging herself.
This represent self-discipline, there are no better solution than to be more responsible
in ourselves. Philippines became the corona virus hotspot here in SouthEast Asia, why?
Because people are being irresponsible to follow health protocols or even community
guidelines. These actions will make our problem severe, if we want change, let’s change
ourselves. Hug yourself, embrace yourself, take action for this. SELF -DISCIPLINE is the
solution.

YOUR TEXT: Let’s Get Down to Business! Read the

following text carefully.

What is Art?

The word “Art” comes from the Latin word, Ars, which means a “craft or
specialized form of skill, like carpentry or smithying or surgery.” In the past, we did not have any
conceived notion of art in the same way that we do now. Art, in the modern times, serves as a
form of expression and communication that is essential to share thoughts, ideas, emotions,
opinions, and beliefs that would help awaken consciousness and awareness of audiences toward
situations and issues.
 Art is the ability to create things that evoke a response from people. The ability to create,
also known as creativity, “is the process of having original ideas which have value. Creative work or
activity obviously implies making or producing something.” (Robinson, 2009)

A Wheatfield, with
Cypresses

From 1888 until his

death in 1890, Dutch
artist Vincent van
Gogh painted his most
important works. In
these paintings, mostly
landscapes such as A
Wheatfield, with
Cypresses (1889).

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

To count as creative, however, something more than merely making or producing must be
involved. The work must be the personal achievement of the person we are calling creative. We do
not normally consider forgers, plagiarists or copiers of other people’s work to be creative. Creative
work must be, in some way, novel, original, different or distinctive from anything previously
created in that field. This can be true of thing appearing in the world for the first time as of new
combinations of existing elements. It can also be an extension or elaboration of what exist or is
known already.

For example, the actor creates, using works and structures of playwright; a performing musician
creates, using the work of a composer and so on. The term ‘creative work’ is only applied to the
products of conscious and deliberate activity rather than those of chance, luck or serendipity.
(Brinson, 1982)

Art encompasses materials, methods and processes such as performing, writing,

composing, drawing, painting, sculpting, and the use of other media. Art also refers to completed
works such as a painting, a piece of music, a statue, a print, a novel, and
 others.

Venus of Willendorf

This so-called Venus figurine from the area of

Willendorf, Austria, is one of the earliest known
examples of sculpture, dating from about 23,000 bc. It is
believed the Venus may be a fertility symbol, which
would explain the exaggerated female anatomy.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

Kabuki Theater
Kabuki theater is noted for its brightly colored sets, stylized gestures, and lively music and dance.
Kabuki is the most popular form of traditional Japanese theater. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

Villegas (2008) therefore encapsulates the definitions of Art that refers to ability, process,
product.
 The scope of Art expression is so immense that we could never tell how it would influence
and touch individual lives. Maybe, for one person, Art is just a hobby and leisure, but for other, it is
already their way of life – they feel the drive to burn candles, exhaust time, and shell out money or
energy in producing their masterpieces. In whatever way, Art pats our existence, it is an honest
outlet of our creativity, sensitivity and sensibility. These outlets lead to appreciating ones work of
art.

Further, Ariola (2008) said that “Art appreciation is the ability to interpret or understand
man-made arts and enjoy them either through actual and work experience with art tools and
materials or possession of these works for one’s admiration and satisfaction. Art appreciation
therefore deals with learning or understanding and creating arts and enjoying them”.

Assumptions of Art

“Art is universal, art is not nature and art involves experience” (Dudley and Faricy, 1969).
Perez (2013) stated the following Art Assumptions:

1. Art is Universal

Art knows no limit. It transcends cultures, races, and civilizations. It reaches the farthest
and the most isolated spots in the universe. As long as human beings exist, art is feasible, alive
and dynamic.

1.1 Art as means of Communication

Regardless of where people live,

they share common means
of expressing their thoughts and
feelings, i.e., through Arts, like music,
dances, literary pieces, decorative
arts, paintings and drawings,
sculptures, etc. these forms of art are
utilized to establish and
strengthen

communication. Hence, Arts in any Liberty Leading the People

French romantic painter Eugène Delacroix

form communicates different feelings was inspired to paint Liberty Leading the People after the
Revolution of 1830. and emotions – happiness, loneliness,
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. pride, rage,

revolt, etc.

1.2 Art is Timeless Mona Lisa

Art is timeless because it goes
 Mona Lisa
beyond the time of our own existence. It (1503-

is present in every corner of the world to 1506)painted by , serve basic needs of mankind, from the

Italian artist

ancient times to modern world. Art Leonardo da

Vinci.

started since the birth of man’s life; thus, Microsoft ® Encarta it would continue to live in accord with .®
2009.

man’s existence. It continually evolves in our society.

1.3 Art addresses Human Needs
Art is universal because it addresses needs of people from all over the world.
“Art is there to serve our human fundamental needs” (Ortiz, et.al., 1976,6.) through directly
functional and indirectly functional arts, we are provided with a variety of offerings – comfort,
entertainment and education, which would somehow lead us to self-fulfillment and satisfaction.

Monet’s Water
Lilies

From about 1895

on, French
painter Claude
Monet frequently
painted the lily
pond in his
garden at
Giverny, a village
near Paris.

Microsoft ® Encarta ®
2009.

2. Art is not Nature

Art is not nature because art is man-made. It is a creation of man that may reflect a
profound skillfulness and craftmanship. It undergoes process and planning: a result of study
and research.
 Art is artificial because it is just an imitation or even an appropriation of reality or
nature. It is a representation of ideas, thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are communicated
in creative ways. It undergoes a transformation from its basic raw form into a masterpiece.
Further, arts are made by artists to adore and acknowledge the wonders of life, the awe of
God’s creation and the commemoration of our experiences.

There’s always something in nature that we cannot get and transform into art.
when an artist attempts to paint a mountain, still, he/she cannot make real one. We can paint a
real-like flower but we cannot produce a real flower. Art can never be natural because nature is
evanescent in constant transformation of change, and yet art is permanent: it does not change
by itself, unless manipulated by its creator, man.

The Persistence
of Memory

Salvador Dalí’s painting The Persistence of Memory (1931) ranks as one of the most famous
paintings of the 20th century.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

3. Art involves Experience

Art is a representation of our experiences. It demands involvement. The only way to find
conviction and affirmation in Art is through immersion to the Arts. We can only appreciate if we
spend time to look at it, listen to it, touch it, and feel its presence.

The meaning of Art waits to be unfolded; its rawness triggers perception, wit, and
spirituality of the audiences. Making art is not a contest or a competition; it may utilize to
 strengthen one’s identity, not just to showcase talents, to share stories and unfurl anonymities.
Further, Art is utilized either to influence and convince, or to destroy and unshape one’s belief.

Picasso's Guernica
Spanish artist Pablo Picasso painted Guernica in 1937 in reaction to the German bombing of the Spanish town of the same
name. Picasso took only two months to complete his huge oil painting, which depicted the anguish and suffering caused by the
bombing.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

Task 3. Let’s Work on This

Instructions: Answer the following questions as precisely yet as thoroughly as possible. Discuss
your answer in 5 to 8 sentences. See Rubric 1 in the appendices for scoring. (5 points each)

1. Why is nature not art?

Some people misunderstands the concept of an art as a nature, they argue that nature is
consider as an art because it also exposed aesthetics and creativity like how the art expressed. If
we will use our sense better to define art and nature separately, we can answer that nature is
not an art. Nature can be produce and exist without the help of humans but the art cannot be.
Art is dependent in human wills, art is only a product of our creativity.
2. In what particular aspect nature and art related?
There are relationship between nature and art itself. Nature can only be applied in arts likewise
arts can be applied in nature. Some artists was inspired to produce an artwork because of
nature, others was influenced because of its originality and beauty. These two are also related
with each other for both of them comprises by aesthetic figures and patterns. There will be no
 arts without the nature, we humans considered also as nature amd arts cannot exist without us.
Therefore there will be no arts without the nature.

Task 4. Let it Go!

As explained, assumptions of arts are the principles and bases in appreciating art because, in art,
human beings can communicate one’s individuality and existence. Having this in mind, briefly
examine the artwork below. What ideas, thoughts and feelings do you think the artist would want
to convey to the audience? What part of the artwork made you say so?

The Scream

By a Norwegian
artist, Edvard
Munch.

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2009.

Art can be an artist way on expressing his/her thoughts or feelings. In my own generalization,
the message of this artwork is all about how we acquire and welcome a shocking revelation. In
the portrait, there are not just only one person who exist but rather there are three. It depicts
that the one who are looking frontward was in alarmed and frightened on what he saw. This
represent an agony and pain, from the dominant colors which is red and orange expressed the
suffering.
Your Final Task. Draw Me Close to You!
Art Activity No. 1
Title: “Self-Portrait”

Aim: To create an artwork that is universal, artificial, and experiential Materials: 1. Paper

2. Pen / Coloring Pen

3. Coloring Materials (Crayons or Pastels)
Teaching Strategies: (For teachers only)

The output of this activity was influenced by Pablo Picasso’s Cubism and
Contour Drawing. The teacher will let the students prepare their art tools and materials.
The teacher will prepare a music to be played during the contour drawing activity, “Reflections” by
Lea Salonga is recommended. The teacher will make sure that student will not lift their pen from
their paper once the contour drawing had started. The following are sample outputs:

You will be graded according to the following criteria:

a) Content (substance and expressiveness of the work) - 30 %

b) Composition (arrangement art elements and principles) - 30%
c) Originality (uniqueness of idea or thought) - 30%
d) Speed (able to submit the output on time) - 10%
Total Score -100%
Procedure:

1. Prepare your art tools and materials. (Use Art Portfolio Template in the Appendices)
2. Hold your pen or coloring pen or marker.
3. Choose any “start point” in your paper then start to draw your “self-portrait” as soon as the
music play, without lifting your pen from the paper.
4. When the music stops, lift your pen and start applying color.
5. After coloring, answer Self-Check No. 2.

Self-Check No. 2
1. Answer the following questions:
a) Based on your artwork, what is the meaning of your composition?
My artwork represents the freedom to express who really we are, it shows the flaws of
our faces that makes us to stand out from everybody, we are beautifully created as
unique individuals.

b) Is your artwork universal? How?

It is universal because everyone of us can feel a certain insecurities between
ourselves. This is to promote and to give confidence to those who were been a victim
of bully, insults and mistreatment because of their skin colors and facial structure.

c) How can you explain the creative experience in doing the artwork?

We applied much of creativity in this artwork because of the unusual procedure we are
following. Listening to a limited time of music while drawing without lifting the pen is
one of the enjoyable things I did. Through this, we can assured that we applied creativity
by thinking and imagining what would be the outcome of our artworks.

2. Rate your own work according to the following criteria:

a) Content (substance and expressiveness of the work) - 30% : 30________

 b) Composition (arrangement art elements and principles) - 30% : 30__________
c) Originality (uniqueness of idea or thought) - 30% : 30__________
d) Speed (able to submit the output on time) - 10% : 9 __________

Total Score -100% : 99__________

Functions and Philosophical Perspectives on Art

Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. distinguish between directly functional and indirectly functional art;
2. explain and discuss the basic philosophical perspectives in art;
3. realize the function of some art forms in daily life; and
4. apply concepts and theories on beauty and aesthetics in real life scenarios;
Introduction
Greek philosopher Aristotle claimed that every particular substance in the world has an end, or
telos in Greek, which translates inti “purpose.” Every substance, defined as a formed matter,
moves according to a fixed path towards its aim. A seed is bound to become a full-grown plant. A
cocoon can look forward to flying high when it morphs into a butterfly. A baby will eventually turn
into grown man or woman.

This telos, according to Aristotle, is intricately linked with functions. For a thing to reach its
purpose, it also has to fulfill its function. Man, in Aristotle’s view of reality, is bound to achieve a
life of fulfillment and happiness, or in Greek, eudaimonia. All men move toward this final end.
However, happiness, the supposed end of man, is linked with his function, which is being rational.
Moreover, the telos and function of a thing are both related to a thing’s identity. What makes a
table a table is the fact that it does perform its function and thereby, reaching its telos. If a table
does not have a surface on which we can put on our books or our plates and glasses, then it ceases
to be a table. The same goes for the human being.

Does art necessarily have an end? When an artist creates a work of art, does he have an end in
mind? What function does an artwork perform? Does it have many purposes? Do all artworks have
function? Does the function make an object a work of art? this lesson is an attempt to clarify these
questions.

Your Initial Task. What Do You Perceive?

Observe the picture below, and answer the following questions:
 photo source: wikepedia.org

1. What do you see in the picture? The Rizal Monument

2. What is it for? It is built to commemorate the executed nationalist Dr. Jose Rizal
3. Why was it erected in that place? It became the greatest history significance in the
Philippines because our Philippine national hero was executed in that place
4. Is it for pure sentimental value? Or does it send a message to those who witness it? It has a
pure sentimental value both for those who witness and not. It depicts how our
Katutubong Pilipino sacrifice their lives for our beloved country.

Task 2. Let’s Get Started

Visit your school or city/town museum. Using the table below, list down as many different artworks that
you have witnessed. On the second column, identify what it is for. You can either research or surmise
intelligently. Write them down on the corresponding column.

Artwork What is it for?

 Army’s Statue (public plaza Cauayan) To give honor to Cauayan armies and also
the fallen warriors.

Bamboo fountain This represents the town well known for.

Rich in nature specially in bamboo trees.

YOUR TEXT: Let’s Get Down to Business!

Read the following text carefully.

Functions of Art
Art can be generally classified into two; the directly functional and indirectly functional art.

Functional art refers to art that we use in our daily lives such as tools, architectural structures,
roads, bridges, buildings, furniture, kitchen utensils, coins, bills, dress, weapons, etc.

On the other hand, indirectly functional art refers to the arts that are “perceived through the
senses” such as fine arts, painting, music, sculpture, dance, literary piece, theatrical performances,
music and the like. We do not use these arts literally to live and survive, but they accompany us in
expressing ourselves. We have utilized indirectly functional art not just to communicate but to
advance our society, to preserve and document relevant events and details of our culture. This art
is basically used to inform, educate and entertain people. It is there to transform us into better
human beings.

Both directly functional art and indirectly functional art cross each path and tend to change roles
or fuse purposes. There are also functional artworks that the sole purpose is for function, either
decorative or for a specific purpose, but the designs incorporated made the decorative art
transcends from its basic form to a highly artistic form of art.
The example on the right illustrates how the directly functional and indirectly functional arts cross
boundaries. In figure 3.1, a chair was used by the artist as a canvass. The artist transforms the
function of a chair into a symbolic object, a representation of something which eventually
becomes a medium to symbolize seat of power, knowledge, education, statuses, etc.

photo source:
wikepedia.org

A collection of different kinds of chair can be utilized as a representation of a concept. A

chair can be an artifact or a historical documentation and a societal presentation of people in a
particular time or era. It can even be evaluated to comment for political issues aside from its basic
form which is to seat upon, a place where one can rest, reflect and re-collect. A comfortable and
durable chair could be a witness of our dreams and history.

Shown is an example of glasswares that are transformed from their basic function to a significant
one. A bottle is one of the important inventions of man to store food or any stuff to preserve and
sustain its freshness for better use. However, the bottles here are used as alternatives for creating
musical sound-designed to be used as wind instrument or percussion.
Roman Glassware
These examples of early Roman glassware date from the 1st and 2nd centuries, when colorless glass had become more
popular than opaque and colored styles. The four pieces on the left are burial pieces; the piece on the right was probably
used as a jug for water or wine. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

What made Art relevant is its grasp towards the needs of the humankind. Art

“serves basic human needs”. To fully understand this, we will look in the purpose of Art. according
to Ariola artistic functions can be classified into four: aesthetic, utilitarian, social and cultural.

3.1 Aesthetic function

An artwork functions aesthetically when it becomes instrumental for man to be cognizant of the
beauty of nature and where the real feelings of joy and appreciation to nature’s beauty are
manifested through appreciation and enjoyment when in contact with the artwork.
Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party
The painting Luncheon of the Boating Party (1881), by French artist Pierre Auguste Renoir, depicts a group of friends enjoying a
meal at a cafe along the River Seine, outside Paris
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3.2 Utilitarian function

Art is serving this function when it is utilized to give comfort, convenience, and happiness to
human beings. It is used to serve basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medicine,
comfortable environment, transportation, entertainment, communication, and expression, and
other important things that make man live with happiness and ease.
 photo source: sothebys.com

3.3 Social Function

When the art bridges connection among people, it serves a social function. Art here encourages
good relationship-unity and cooperation are being facilitated and established. With this, people
become more understanding and sympathetic that would somehow create a better society.

photo source: flickr.com

3.3 Cultural Function
Art serves as an aperture towards skills, knowledge, attitudes, customs, and traditions of different
groups of people. The art helps, preserves, share, and transmits culture of people from one
generation to another.

Conclusion
Art is both directly an indirectly functional. Functional arts provide us with ease and comfort in
living with our everyday lives. This form of arts directly serves human basic needs such as tools,
architectural structures, furniture, kitchen utensils, clothes, weapons, etc. While, non-functional
arts are basically used to inform, educate, and entertain people. These are perceived through the
senses such as painting, sculpture, music, literary pieces, dance, theatrical performance, etc.

Art serves several functions. In terms of functions it is differentiated by the degree of our
exposure towards these arts. We utilize Art for personal purposes. We utilize Art to go beyond
from the comfort space, and to affect and persuade other individuals. We utilize Art for physical
purposes such us tools – these tools define man.

Thus, Art is utilized to improve our way of life.

Task 3. Complete Me!

Activity:

1. Check the appropriate column/s to identify the function or purpose of each Art expression. Give
a statement to explain your answer/s on the last column.

Table 1

Artforms Personal Functions Physical Explanation

Social
Architecture ✔ In architecture,
it is priority to
use our physical
aspects to
create an
artwork
Film ✔ It is for social
function, it can
inspire us and
 change our
perspectives in
the real world.
Dance ✔ It is a priority
to use our
physical in
dancing.
Prose ✔ It is for
personal
because we
want to
express our
own self
through writing
Poetry ✔ Poetry uses
point of view to
express
thoughts.
Theater Arts ✔ It shows the
present
happenings in
society
Painting ✔ The artwork is
to deliver a
certain
messages
mostly in our
society
Sculpture ✔ We use
imagination
and creativity,
especially our
physical to
form an object
Animation ✔ It is another
way of using
digital art to
spread
information
Photography ✔ To represent
historical
happenings
Other Forms ✔ Physical is
 needed to
create and
form

Art has remained relevant in our daily lives because most of it has played some form of
function for man. Since the dawn of the civilization, art has been at the forefront of giving color to
man’s existence.

Task 4. Let’s Work on This!

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

The famous artwork “Mona Lisa” of Leonardo Da

Vinci. This painting help me to change my
perspective in the field of arts and also in my life. I
1 . What art had learned that the artwork everything is possible
form/artwork has to create with the help of brushes and colors, it
changed something may encompass different stories and expressions
in your life? Why? about the artist. The art was not just simple as
what you see it was but rather it composed of
hidden messages and mysteries about the artist.

Everything has a purpose. Even it means nothing for

you, the artist had their purpose on the arts they 2. Does art always
made. For example an abstract painting, the have a function?
function of it is to represent what the artist feels Why? Support
and what he/she wants to express us. your response.
Provide your own
example.
 1. If an artwork
ceased to have a
function, will it
remain an art? Why?

Your Final Task. It’s Coffee Time!

Art Activity No. 2

Title: “Coffee Painting”

Aim: To create an artwork that is universal, artificial, and experiential Materials: 1.

Coffee powder (black coffee/coffee stick)

2. Paint brush
3. Oslo paper/ short bond paper Instructions:

1. Using coffee or soil, draw the subject that you like most. Focus on variety of shades that you
can create from different mixtures of coffee and water. You may use your hand or paintbrush for
this activity. (Use Art Portfolio Template in the Appendices)

2. Write your realization/reflection/analysis of your journey while doing this activity on a short
bond paper attached to this artwork template. See Rubric for the coffee art in the appendices.
 Subject and Content

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. differentiate representational art and non-representational art;
2. discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its content;
3. identify the subject matter and content of specific examples of art; and
4. enumerate the sources of the subjects of some of the most recognizable works of art in
Philippine art history.

Introduction
The primary source stage of engaging with art is its perception. Looking at art is much like any
instance of taking in information or stimulus that originates from the world around us. For most
art forms, the beginning of engagement is through looking at the artwork. The eyes play a big role
in mechanically making a vision possible. However, like any tool, it is but one component. What
makes the difference is the awareness in the process of looking where subjectivity is essential in
navigating through the artwork.

In this lesson, subject and content will be discussed.

Your Initial Task. Take a Glance of It!

 Look at the painting below by Steenweck, “The Vanities of Human Life” 1645. List down
everything that you see within the four corners of the work. List as many as you can in three
minutes. Use the space below for your answer.

•table
•shell
•flute
•skull
•cloth
•tea pot
•samurai sword

Task 2. Get to Know Me Better!

Based on your answers in Task 1, write an assumption about what the painting means in
the space below. In my own understanding this tells about death and wealth, everyone of us was
been blinded by reality because of material things. Others commit sins, became greed and
braggart for the reason of too much ambition and desires in life. Wealth can't bring us to a fully
happiest person, we cannot bring material possession when we are dead. Maybe they'll say,
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” True happiness is not all about what you
have, it's about what you love and cherished the most and material possessions is not allowed to
be there in the first place.

YOUR TEXT: Let’s Get Down to Business!

Read the following text carefully.
 Subject and Content

Subject in art generally refers to the thing, object, person, landscape, event, etc. depicted by the
artist in his/her artwork. It serves as the window of the artwork. Through the subject, the audience
will be informed of what the artwork is all about.

Impression: Sunrise
This painting by Claude Monet inspired the name of the late-19th-century French art movement, impressionism.
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Anything under the heat of the sun-from the largest mountain to the smallest details of anything
on earth, and even the things that the human eyes could not see can be magnified and used as a
subject in art.

Not only concrete objects in the real world but also anything in the realms of imagination can be
used as a subject in art. The river or stream of consciousness will never run dry. The light may be
too fast, the moment may be so brief but still artists are able to capture them in their very own
ways and
styles.

Black and
White
Black and
White (1948) by American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock is painted in the
style,
sometimes
called action painting, for
which he became famous.

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There may be times that an artist is shut, exhausted and tired; yet, this experience could
possibly become the subject itself – depicting exhaustion and fatigue in the artwork. Hence,
experiencing is a strong drive for artist in choosing a subject.

An artwork that has a subject is classified as a representational art. It is also known us objective
art because you can easily objectify the subject. On the other hand, it is also known as non-
objective art because it doesn’t represent anything.

Paintings, sculptures, photography, graphic arts, dance, theater, literature are generally classified
as representational arts. Though, sometimes paintings and sculptures do not have subjects, more
so with dance, theater and literature, which do not depict clear subjects/representations but have
themes, would help the audience clarify their meanings and intentions.

On the other hand, artworks have content which refers to the meaning of the artwork. The other
term for content is the theme which bears the essence or substance of a thing or an object.

1. Kinds and Sources of Subject

The kinds of subject enumerated below are explored and prevalent in any form of art expression,
either in visual, auditory, or combined arts. Nature (landscapes, seascapes, and other parts of
nature), still life, animals, portraits/human figures, history and legends, religion and mythology,
and dreams and fantasies.

1.1 Nature
This subject deals with the physical environment-the natural world. Landscapes are parts of
nature. They include mountains, hills, plateaus, valleys, islands, etc. It can be natural or artificial. A
natural landscape is a land formation that is never modified and distorted, while it becomes artificial
when there is human intervention-when man tends to alter the natural land formation (with rocks and
plants) through “landscaping” such as that of the hotel entrance, inland resorts, parks, and even in
backyards.

The Bridge at
Moret-sur-Loing

French landscapist Alfred Sisley painted in an impressionist style, applying clear, bright colors in short, visible
brushstrokes. Sisley's paintings are distinguished by their serenity and their focus on the effects of light and
atmosphere.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009

1.2 Animals
This is another kind of subject that is commonly used in any Art forms, not only it is prevalent
today but also during the Medieval period when early Christians used animal symbols such as
peacock and fish to identify themselves as Christian believers.
 photo source: wikepedia.org

1.3 Portrait or Human Figures

A whole human figure or just a part of it can represent the self. In using this kind of subject, the
angle, the distance, and the subject or model’s composure are considered. Portraits and human
figures have the same intentions – to capture human expression. The human body is known as
“the measure of all things”. It reflects proportion, balance coordination, order, and unity. In
addition, studying human anatomy is
considered though it is tedious and
challenging.

Self-Portrait by Rembrandt

This self-portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn was painted in

1669, the last year of his life.Rembrandt painted a large
number of self-portraits throughout his life; the later ones in
particular are noted for their
psychological depth and the artist’s technical skill in
the use of chiaroscuro (contrasts of light and
shadow).

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009.

1.4 History and Legends
This is a kind of subject that is inspired by history or legends. Historical events are real stories
while legends are just imaginary accounts. Whether history or legends, these stories are used in
any art form to share and transmit the values that are attached with them.

photo source: wikepedia.org

1.5 Still Life

Still life refers to in-animating objects either in a form of a
drawing, painting or photograph. It allows us to look into
the beauty of a certain object and be able to play in its
presentation. Still life painting or drawing is one way for
studying color, compositions, tones and shadows. The
three-dimensional approach adheres order and
balance. It is done usually in-doors so light source is
controlled. In still life, it features the ability of the
artist to play with the characteristics such as
highlights, middle tones, dark tones, shadow and
reflection.
Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh painted a series of vibrant still lifes of

sunflowers in vases when he lived in the south of
France toward the end of his life.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. ©
 1.6 Religion and Mythology
Religious and mythological themes are
subject that are practiced by religious and
tribal groups. Religious or mythological art as a
kind of subject is usually done by an insider
artist or a devoted member of a religious
group. If not, they are artisans who followed a
traditional practice, belief and customs which are
learned from their forefathers and handed
down from generation to generation.
Religious and tribal symbols can be utilized but
neither should be exaggerated nor distorted for
aesthetic purposes.

photo source: wikepedia.org

1.7 Dreams and Fantasies

To dream and to imagine are for free.
Dreams and Fantasies refer to subjects that
are inspired by the
subconscious mind as discovered by Sigmund
Freud. Artworks that are inspired by dreams and
fantasies are called surrealism. Dreams and
Fantasies can be presented in any style or form.
Some subjects are presented in realistic manner;
however, the imagery is distorted, and the
setting becomes a dream world. Art had been an
effective tool to assist the human being to
explore imagination. It even assists us to escape
from reality.

photo source: wikepedia.org

Task 3. Guess what Am I!

Identify the subject of each artwork.

1. Subject

Still life

2. Subject
 Nature

1.
Subject
Animals

Task 4. Check This Out!

Examine carefully the artwork below. Write down five ideas or interpretations you can make. Use
these ideas or interpretation in writing a poem or story.
 photo source: wikepedia.org

• The brutality and unequal treatment

• The bloodshed of the martyrs
• Slavery’s cruelty experiences
• The outcry and pain of our ancestors

Your Final Task. Let's Have a Twist Art Activity No. 3

Title: “Black Poetry”
Aim: To create an artwork that allows you to visually connect written words
and artistic imagery.

Materials: 1. Printed materials (an old book/magazine/newspaper)

2. sharpie markers/black pens
3. oslo paper/short bondpaper (use the template provided for art
activities) Instructions:

1. Skim your page of words. Don’t read carefully, as the point is just to grab an idea from the
words, not take them in. Find a word, phrase, or general theme that you like.
2. Go through and lightly circle the words or phrases you might want to use. Grab a blank piece
of paper and write them down in order.

3. Go back through your poem and boldly box the words you are keeping with pen, sharpie, dark
pencil, etc. Erase any circles around words you don’t want.

4. Read through your final poem. Sketch in a few images or symbols on your page that relate to
the theme of your poem. Now, it’s time to start blackening. Using sharpie, pen or pencil, black out
everything that is NOT a word in your poem or one of your own sketches.

Note: This is a
nice time to play
some music, so
you can relax
and enjoy this
part of the
process.

Sample artwork of BS Psych 1-A student, 2019