What is Art

‘The purpose of art is washing the dust

of daily life off our souls.’
Pablo Picasso

“ Art is the highest form of hope”. – Gerhard Richter, 1952

 What is Art
“ Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a
different order of reality from that which is given to
him”. Chinua Achebe, the truth of fiction 1990

“Art is the most effective mode of communication that

exist”. John Dwewy, art as experience, 1934
 What is Art

“Art is a way of recognizing oneself, which is

why it will always be modern”. – Loise Bourgeois, 1988
 What is Art
“Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes
visible”. –Paul Klee, creative credo, 1920
“The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have
been concealed by the answers” James Buldwin, the creative process 1982
“Art completes what nature cannot bring to a finish.
The artist gives us knowledge of nature’s unrealized
ends”. Aristotle 350
 What is Art
• The expression or application of human creative
skill imagination, typically in a visual form such as
painting or sculpture, producing works to be
appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional
power.

• Plato defines art as imitation or representation of

nature. (Art is realistic not abstract).
 When is something considered as art

• If it falls under an art genre(a style of painting

depicting scenes from ordinary life, typically
domestic situations) or art form established and
publicly recognized within an art tradition

• If it is intended by its maker/presenter to be art and

its maker/presenter does what is necessary and
appropriate to realizing that intention.
 Branches of art
Visual art
Visual art is a form of art that uses any medium to signify the artist's idea, sentiment and
imagination.
Examples
Paintings
Drawings
Sculptures
Photography.

Performing Arts
Performing art is that form of art which includes dance, music, opera, films, theater, drama,
magic shows and stand up comedies. It is the most celebrated and appreciated form of art.
 Branches of art
Performing Arts
Performing art is that form of art which includes dance, music, opera, films,
theater, drama, magic shows and stand up comedies. It is the most celebrated
and appreciated form of art.
Applied Art
Applied art is a portion of visual art and it can be defined as art that has real-
world application as well as functionality.
Examples
Architecture
Fashion Design
Wood Crafts
Interior Design.
 Visual Arts
Drawing:
Representing any form or object by hand
through the medium of pencils, charcoal,
graphite, pen and ink.
[Abstract and Naturalistic( emotions and imagination) ]

Different Techniques( sketching/drawing) and effects

 Painting:

Is the art of applying paint as a medium in creating and image,

scene or object.
Still life, landscapes, seascapes, abstract and pop art are
different types of painting genres
Medium: oil colours, pastels, water colours, charcoal etc

Surface/support: canvas, paper, metals, walls, etc.

Painting:
 Sculpture:

Three-dimensional art form that uses materials

like clay, stone or wood for execution.
Techniques: additive and subtractive

Additive: shape and structure formed

bit by bit, like clay sculpture
Subtractive: chiseled and carved from a block of wood or piece
of stone.
Sculpture:
 Photography

The art of producing an image of an object on a

photographic film.

Light changes it effect from photographer to photographer.

Types: fashion, wildlife, food to

wedding, etc.
Photography
 Calligraphy

The art of decorative writing.

Have great commercial value.

Calligraphy: a special pen with a flat nib or brushes dipped in

paint are often used and comes in different styles
Calligraphy
 Applied Art

Fashion design:
Fashion design is termed as the art of designing clothing
that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Different types of fabrics and patterns are then designed

into garments.
 Jewelry design

Designing intricate pieces of jewelry from

metal, precious stones, wood or plastic.

Examples of metal: gold, silver, platinum,

copper, etc.
 Wood craft

Objects made with wood that are aesthetically

pleasing to the eye as well as functional.

Examples: furniture and décor ( carved or joined)

 Interior Design

The art of planning the design, layout and style of an

architectural space, be it home or office.

Includes: furnishings, furniture

placement, layout of the interiors, etc.
Performing Arts
 Performing Arts

Dance
Moving the body in a particular sequence to music

Examples: Street, Ballroom, Ballet, Azonto etc.

 Performing Art

Singing
The act of producing sound with the voice in a
rhythmic, ear-pleasing manner, often accompanied by
musical instruments.
Styles: Pop, Classical, Hip pop, etc.
 Performing Art

Films and Theater

Stories that captures the imagination of people.

Theater captures: circus, magic, concert, opera, etc

 Performing Art

Music

Any harmonious sound, either vocal produced from a

musical instrument.
Types: blues, jazz, Classical, Religious, etc.