HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

LEARNING MODULE 2 IN SPC- ARTS

(Teaching Arts in the Elementary Grades)

Mrs. Haidee S. Calumpang, M. Ed.

INSTRUCTOR
 DE LA SALLE JOHN BOSCO COLLEGE
Mangagoy, Bislig City

HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Module Code SPC-Art

Module Title Teaching Art in the Elementary Grades
Duration 2 hours per week
Week Number 2
Date August 30-Sept. 3, 2022

TOPIC: CONCEPT OF ART

OBJECTIVES:

In this unit, the students should be able to:

� define the meaning of Art and it’s importance.

� discuss the general objectives of Art as a part of the educational system;

� state the history of Art.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION

History of How Art Is Defined

According to H.W Janson, author of the classic art textbook, The History of Art, “...we cannot escape viewing
works of art in the context of time and circumstance, whether past or present. How indeed could it be
otherwise, so long as art is still being created all around us, opening our eyes almost daily to new experiences
and thus forcing us to adjust our sights?”

Throughout the centuries in Western culture from the 11th century on through the end of the 17th century, the
definition of art was anything done with skill as the result of knowledge and practice. This meant that artists
honed their craft, learning to replicate their subjects skillfully. The epitome of this occurred during the Dutch
Golden Age when artists were free to paint in all sorts of different genres and made a living off their art in the
robust economic and cultural climate of 17th century Netherlands.

During the Romantic period of the 18th century, as a reaction to the Enlightenment and its emphasis on
science, empirical evidence, and rational thought, art began to be described as not just being something
done with skill, but something that was also created in the pursuit of beauty and to express the artist’s emotions.
Nature was glorified, and spirituality and free expression were celebrated. Artists, themselves, achieved a level
of notoriety and were often guests of the aristocracy.

The Avant-garde art ( These characteristics are also all associated with a term that is often used but sometimes
misconceived—avant-garde. The French term, which translates to “advance guard” or “vanguard,” refers to something
visionary and ahead of its time. A group of people who develop new and often very surprising ideas in art, literature, etc.) )
movement began in the 1850s with the realism of Gustave Courbet. It was followed by other modern art
movements such as cubism, futurism, and surrealism, in which the artist pushed the boundaries of ideas and
creativity. These represented innovative approaches to art-making and the definition of what is art expanded
to include the idea of the originality of vision.

The idea of originality in art persists, leading to ever more genres and manifestations of art, such as digital art,
performance art, conceptual art, environmental art, electronic art, etc.
Etymology

The term “art” is related to the Latin word “ars” meaning, art, skill, or craft. The first known use of the word
comes from 13th-century manuscripts. However, the word art and its many variants (artem, eart, etc.) have
probably existed since the founding of Rome.

What is Art?

Art is a highly diverse range of human activities engaged in creating visual, auditory, or performed artifacts
— artworks—that express the author’s imaginative or technical skill, and are intended to be appreciated for
their beauty or emotional power.

The oldest documented forms of art are visual arts, which include images or objects in fields like painting,
sculpture, printmaking , photography, and other visual media . Architecture is often included as one of the
visual arts; however, like the decorative arts, it involves the creation of objects where the practical
considerations of use are essential, in a way that they usually are not in another visual art, like a painting.

Art may be characterized in terms of mimesis (its representation of reality), expression, communication of
emotion, or other qualities. Though the definition of what constitutes art is disputed and has changed over time,
general descriptions center on the idea of imaginative or technical skill stemming from human agency and
creation. When it comes to visually identifying a work of art, there is no single set of values or aesthetic traits. A
Baroque painting will not necessarily share much with a contemporary performance piece, but they are both
considered art.

Despite the seemingly indefinable nature of art, there have always existed certain formal guidelines for its
aesthetic judgment and analysis. Formalism is a concept in art theory in which an artwork’s artistic value is
determined solely by its form, or how it is made. Formalism evaluates works on a purely visual level, considering
medium and compositional elements as opposed to any reference to realism , context, or content.

Art is often examined through the interaction of the principles and elements of art. The principles of art
include movement, unity, harmony, variety, balance, contrast, proportion and pattern. The elements
include texture, form, space, shape, color, value and line. The various interactions between the elements and
principles of art help artists to organize sensorially pleasing works of art while also giving viewers a framework
within which to analyze and discuss aesthetic ideas.

Art is generally understood as any activity or product done by people with a communicative or aesthetic
purpose—something that expresses an idea, an emotion or, more generally, a world view.
It is a component of culture, reflecting economic and social substrates in its design. It transmits ideas and values
inherent in every culture across space and time. Its role changes through time, acquiring more of an aesthetic
component here and a socio-educational function there.

Everything we’ve said so far has elements of truth but is mainly opinion. According to Wikipedia, “Art historians
and philosophers of art have long had classificatory disputes about art regarding whether a particular cultural
form or piece of work should be classified as art.”
The definition of art is open, subjective, debatable. There is no agreement among historians and artists, which is
why we’re left with so many definitions of art. The concept itself has changed over centuries.
The very notion of art continues today to stir controversy, being so open to multiple interpretations. It can be
taken simply to mean any human activity, or any set of rules needed to develop an activity. This would
generalize the concept beyond what is normally understood as the fine arts, now broadened to encompass
academic areas. The word has many other colloquial uses, too.

The meaning of art is often culturally specific, shared among the members of a given society and dependent
upon cultural context. The purpose of works of art may be to communicate political, spiritual or philosophical
ideas, to create a sense of beauty (see aesthetics), to explore the nature of perception, for pleasure, or to
generate strong emotions. Its purpose may also be seemingly nonexistent.
The nature of art has been described by philosopher Richard Wollheim as “one of the most elusive of the
traditional problems of human culture.” It has been defined as a vehicle for the expression or communication
of emotions and ideas, a means for exploring and appreciating formal elements for their own sake, and as
mimesis or representation. More recently, thinkers influenced by Martin Heidegger have interpreted art as the
means by which a community develops for itself a medium for self-expression and interpretation.

Art, in its broadest sense, is a form of communication. It means whatever the artist intends it to mean, and this
meaning is shaped by the materials, techniques, and forms it makes use of, as well as the ideas and feelings it
creates in its viewers . Art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations

Philosophy of Art

The definition of art has been debated for centuries among philosophers.”What is art?” is the most basic
question in the philosophy of aesthetics, which really means, “How do we determine what is defined as art?”
This implies two subtexts: the essential nature of art, and its social importance (or lack of it). The definition of art
has generally fallen into three categories: representation, expression, and form.

● Art as Representation or Mimesis. Plato first developed the idea of art as “mimesis,”
which, in Greek, means copying or imitation. For this reason, the primary meaning of art was, for
centuries, defined as the representation or replication of something that is beautiful or meaningful. Until
roughly the end of the eighteenth century, a work of art was valued on the basis of how faithfully it
replicated its subject. This definition of "good art" has had a profound impact on modern and
contemporary artists; as Gordon Graham writes, “It leads people to place a high value on very lifelike
portraits such as those by the great masters—Michelangelo, Rubens, Velásquez, and so on—and to
raise questions about the value of ‘modern’ art—the cubist distortions of Picasso, the surrealist figures of
Jan Miro, the abstracts of Kandinsky or the ‘action’ paintings of Jackson Pollock.” While representational
art still exists today, it is no longer the only measure of value.

● Art as Expression of Emotional Content. Expression became important during the

Romantic movement with artwork expressing a definite feeling, as in the sublime or dramatic. Audience
response was important, for the artwork was intended to evoke an emotional response. This definition
holds true today, as artists look to connect with and evoke responses from their viewers.

● Art as Form. Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was one of the most influential of the early theorists
toward the end of the 18th century. He believed that art should not have a concept but should be
judged only on its formal qualities because the content of a work of art is not of aesthetic interest.
Formal qualities became particularly important when art became more abstract in the 20th century,
and the principles of art and design (balance, rhythm, harmony, unity) were used to define and assess
art.

Today, all three modes of definition come into play in determining what is art, and its value, depending on the
artwork being assessed.

7 Reasons Why Art is Important

People appreciate art in different ways, whether it’s music, fashion, poetry, or even paintings.
Humans have had a relationship with art, in one form or another, since time immemorial. From prehistoric cave
drawings to ancient instruments, it is obvious that art has always been and will continue to be an interwoven
part of our existence, regardless of race, political leanings, or cultural background.

People appreciate art in different ways, whether it’s music, dance, poetry, drawings, paintings, or even graffiti.
Some like to be directly involved in the creation of the art (artists) while others like to experience and
appreciate it. Whatever the case, the arts play a big role in how humans see and interact with others and the
world in general. Art helps us emotionally, financially, psychologically, and even helps to shape individual and
collective personality.

There are so many reasons why art is important in the world, today and always. But just in case there might be
any doubts as to whether it is, here are 7 reasons why, in our humble opinion, art is extremely important to the
world.

1. We are naturally artistic

The capacity for humans to naturally conceive up artistic creations, and how those artworks inspire and
motivate us, continues to be the basis of various studies and discussions about the origin of music and other arts
in general. It would seem our very DNA is coded to create and appreciate art. That can be the only logical
explanation as to why toddlers draw on walls, play in their food, and react to music, even without having been
taught those things. In addition, everyone has some artistic thread, even if it’s not with one of the recognized
arts (music, visual, fine arts, etc.). Artistry can be portrayed in so many ways, including how you pair your
clothes, how hair is styled, in pastry making and cooking, and even in how people organize their surroundings.

2. Art crosses all divides

Works of art, whether in physical or intangible form, can often easily be understood by people from different
social, cultural, and political backgrounds. It’s one of the reasons why music is referred to as a musical
language. Also, through observation of artifacts and artworks, as well as the messages encoded in literature,
music, and poetry, it is possible to gain insight and understanding of other people’s history and present-day
realities.

3. Art is good for you

From beautifying the surroundings to helping to alleviate stress and discomforts, art is essential for physical,
emotional, and mental wellbeing. Music, for example, is increasingly used by people to battle depression and
other mental illnesses. For art creators, including musicians, dancers, painters, and writers, creating or
performing a piece of art is a cathartic experience that also provides a sense of achievement. There are
numerous studies showing how people feel better whether by creating art or by consuming it or by simply being
in the presence of something art-related.

4. It allows self-expression and self-awareness

For art creators, sometimes the only way to express a feeling or thought is to immerse into the process of
bringing something into being. For others, mental clarity on a particular situation only comes about after
indulging in something artistic. Also, art can help you to discover and understand things about yourself that you
never recognized before. Finally, including art in your daily life can help you become better at something that
might not even be considered remotely artistic.

5. The possibility for personal benefits

The world of art has allowed for the creation of wealth for millions of people, and not just for those involved with
the creation process. From the people who own and operate art galleries and cinemas to people whose job it
is to critique and categorize artworks, there are many earning channels created by art. Just imagine if there
was no music, books, paintings, or sculptors; the world not only be drab but there would be a lot fewer people
with jobs.

6. Art allows for complex ideas to be broken down

A lot of complex issues such as race, religion, and politics have been simplified using artworks, including songs,
poetry, and drawings. Through the use of music, stories, artifacts, and the creative process itself, art also makes
it easier for students in schools to think critically and grasp a wide range of topics that help to shape what they
become later in life. For adults, art can be used in corporate settings to help people understand complex data,
as well as to create models that demonstrate a state of affairs or future path.

7. Assists with the recording of history

Without cave markings and ancient artifacts that have been dug up, a lot of what is now known about
prehistoric times would have remained a mystery. Likewise, the different types of art in play in today’s society
will help future generations understand what the world was like before they came along. In addition, through
the messages embedded in art, people can see and understand mistakes from the past, which will inform
decisions as to how to avoid them.

Whether you consider yourself an artist or just someone who loves art in one or all of its many forms, it’s easy to
see why art is important to the world and its people. Take some time to appreciate some art today.

What Does Art Do?

A fundamental purpose inherent to most artistic disciplines is the underlying intention to appeal to, and
connect with, human emotion.

A fundamental purpose common to most art forms is the underlying intention to appeal to, and connect with,
human emotion. However, the term is incredibly broad and is broken up into numerous sub-categories that
lead to utilitarian , decorative, therapeutic, communicative, and intellectual ends. In its broadest form, art may
be considered an exploration of the human condition, or a product of the human experience.

The decorative arts add aesthetic and design values to everyday objects, such as a glass or a chair,
transforming them from a mere utilitarian object to something aesthetically beautiful. Entire schools of thought
exist based on the concepts of design theory intended for the physical world.

Art can function therapeutically as well, an idea that is explored in art therapy. While definitions and practices
vary, art therapy is generally understood as a form of therapy that uses art media as its primary mode of
communication. It is a relatively young discipline, first introduced around the mid-20th century.

Historically, the fine arts were meant to appeal to the human intellect, though currently there are no true
boundaries. Typically, fine art movements have reacted to each other both intellectually and aesthetically
throughout the ages. With the introduction of conceptual art and postmodern theory, practically anything can
be termed art. In general terms, the fine arts represent an exploration of the human condition and the attempt
to experience a deeper understanding of life.

What Makes Art Beautiful?

Beauty in terms of art refers to an interaction between line, color, texture, sound, shape, motion, and
size that is pleasing to the senses.

● What makes art beautiful is a complicated concept, since beauty is subjective and can change based
on context. However, there is a basic human instinct, or internal appreciation, for harmony, balance,
and rhythm which can be defined as beauty. Beauty in terms of art usually refers to an interaction
between line, color, texture , sound, shape, motion, and size that is pleasing to the senses.
 Aesthetic Art

● Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty, and
taste. Aesthetics is central to any exploration of art. The word “aesthetic” is derived from the Greek
“aisthetikos,” meaning “esthetic, sensitive, or sentient. ” In practice, aesthetic judgment refers to the
sensory contemplation or appreciation of an object (not necessarily a work of art), while artistic
judgment refers to the recognition, appreciation, or criticism of a work of art.

● Numerous philosophers have attempted to tackle the concept of beauty and art. For Immanuel Kant,
the aesthetic experience of beauty is a judgment of a subjective, but common, human truth. He
argued that all people should agree that a rose is beautiful if it indeed is. There are many common
conceptions of beauty; for example, Michelangelo’s paintings in the Sistine Chapel are widely
recognized as beautiful works of art. However, Kant believes beauty cannot be reduced to any basic
set of characteristics or features.

● For Arthur Schopenhauer, aesthetic contemplation of beauty is the freest and most pure that intellect
can be. He believes that only in terms of aesthetics do we contemplate perfection of form without any
kind of worldly agenda.

● Beauty in art can be difficult to put into words due to a seeming lack of accurate language. An
aesthetic judgment cannot be an empirical judgment but must instead be processed on a more
intuitive level.

Art and Human Emotion

● Sometimes beauty is not the artist’s ultimate goal. Art is often intended to appeal to, and connect with,
human emotion. Artists may express something so that their audience is stimulated in some way—
creating feelings, religious faith, curiosity, interest, identification with a group, memories, thoughts, or
creativity. For example, performance art often does not aim to please the audience but instead evokes
feelings, reactions, conversations, or questions from the viewer . In these cases, aesthetics may be an
irrelevant measure of “beautiful” art.

Conclusion

Today we consider the earliest symbolic scribblings of mankind to be art. As Chip Walter, of National
Geographic, writes about these ancient paintings, “Their beauty whipsaws your sense of time. One moment
you are anchored in the present, observing coolly. The next you are seeing the paintings as if all other art—all
civilization—has yet to exist...creating a simple shape that stands for something else—a symbol, made by one
mind, that can be shared with others—is obvious only after the fact. Even more than the cave art, these first
concrete expressions of consciousness represent a leap from our animal past toward what we are today—a
species awash in symbols, from the signs that guide your progress down the highway to the wedding ring on
your finger and the icons on your iPhone.”

Archaeologist Nicholas Conard posited that the people who created these images “possessed minds as fully
modern as ours and, like us, sought in ritual and myth answers to life’s mysteries, especially in the face of an
uncertain world. Who governs the migration of the herds, grows the trees, shapes the moon, turns on the stars?
Why must we die, and where do we go afterward? They wanted answers but they didn’t have any science-
based explanations for the world around them.”

Art can be thought of as a symbol of what it means to be human, manifested in physical form for others to see
and interpret. It can serve as a symbol for something that is tangible, or for a thought, an emotion, a feeling, or
a concept. Through peaceful means, it can convey the full spectrum of the human experience. Perhaps that is
why it is so important.
Reference:

● Graham, Gordon, Philosophy of the Arts, An Introduction to Aesthetics, Third Edition, Routledge,
Taylor and Francis Group, New York.