GROUP - 4

Topic 4. a) Introduction (state here the significance of the following concepts below)
b) Soulmaking, Appropriation, and Improvisation (discuss here the following
concepts according to its definition and relevance in relation to arts)
• Soulmaking
• Framework for Genius
• Appropriation
• Issues on Copyright, Appropriation, and Ownership

Member:
ARVIE M. LUCIS
JONAS B. COQUILLA
VINCE B. BOROC
ROGELIO AQUINO III
I. INTRODUCTION

→For some artists, infusing spontaneity and improvisation adds up to the totality of the work of
art. The unexpectedness of the changes brought about by improvisation makes the artwork
to have a distinctive quality that creates its individuality and identity. Some artists subscribe to
the idea of allowing chances in the process of producing the work. For example, artists would
want to capture the gloom brought about by an approaching storm or the beauty of a meteor
shower at night. Since they do not necessarily have absolute control over natural phenomena,
their reliance on chances may not necessarily produce their expected outcome. Artists
allowing their subjects do improvisation may have totally different results as well. When an
artist makes his work, he has already an idea of the elements that will be included in his work.
As he begins to craft his work, he may have deviated from his original plan. So, in
essence, improvisation is evident in the process of making the painting. During the 1960s, art
improvisation has taken form in the galleries around New York City. Performance arts, dance, and
visual arts were combined to create new forms of artworks using a new medium.
II. DISCUSSION OF TOPIC

Soulmaking →”Soulmaking” is a concept that has been explored by various philosophers,

theologians, and poets throughout history. It encompasses a wide range of perspectives and
interpretations. One common theme in discussions of soulmaking is the idea that the soul is not
something static or pre-existing but is instead formed and developed through life experiences.

One prominent figure in the exploration of soulmaking is John Keats, a Romantic poet. In his
letters and poetry, Keats often discussed the idea that suffering and adversity are essential for
the growth and development of the soul. He believed that through challenges and hardships,
individuals could deepen their understanding of themselves and the world, ultimately leading to
a richer and more profound inner life.

Existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard also delved into the
concept of soulmaking in their own ways. They grappled with questions of individuality, choice,
and authenticity, suggesting that the process of defining one’s identity and values is a crucial
aspect of soul formation.
→ In a religious context, soulmaking can be associated with the idea of spiritual growth and
transformation. Various religious traditions emphasize practices such as meditation, prayer, and
self-reflection as means to nurture and cultivate the soul. The goal is often to achieve a deeper
connection with the divine or a higher state of consciousness.

Psychological perspectives on soulmaking focus on personal development and self-discovery.

Psychologists like Carl Jung explored the concept of the “self” and the journey of individuation,
which involves integrating various aspects of one’s personality into a unified and authentic self.

In contemporary discussions, soulmaking continues to be a topic of interest in the fields of

psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. It can be seen as a lifelong journey of self-discovery,
growth, and transformation, where individuals actively engage with their experiences and
choices to shape the essence of their being.
Framework for Genius → The concept of a “Framework for Genius” is intriguing, but it’s
important to clarify what you mean by “genius” and how you envision this framework
functioning. Genius is often associated with exceptional intellectual or creative abilities, but it
can manifest in various forms and fields. Here, I’ll outline a broad framework that might help
nurture and support genius across different domains:

1.) Identification and nurturing;

• Early Identification: Identify potential areas of genius in individuals from a young age,
focusing on their natural talents and interests.
• Mentorship: Connect young talents with experienced mentors who can guide and inspire
them.
Encouragement: Create an environment that fosters curiosity, risk-taking, and exploration.

2.) Educational and skill development

• Personalized Learning: Tailor education to each individual’s needs and interests rather than a
one-size-fits-all approach.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Promote cross-disciplinary studies to encourage creative thinking
and problem-solving.
3.) Resources and access:
• Access to Information: Ensure access to a wide range of resources, including books,
technology, and learning materials.
• Financial Support: Provide scholarships and grants to remove financial barriers.
• Infrastructure: Develop spaces for collaboration, experimentation, and research.

4.) Creativity and innovation:

• Encourage Divergent Thinking: Teach creative problem-solving and divergent thinking
techniques.
• Collaborative Projects: Promote collaboration among geniuses from different fields to spark
innovation.
• Failure Acceptance: Encourage the acceptance of failure as a learning opportunity.

5.) Ethical and social responsibility:

• Encourage Divergent Thinking: Teach creative problem-solving and divergent thinking
techniques.
• Collaborative Projects: Promote collaboration among geniuses from different fields to spark
innovation.
Appropriation
→Appropriation of art has been a common practice throughout history. In the past, if an
apprentice painter needs to hone his skills in his craft, he would be allowed to use his master’s
work to copy. It is as if the apprentice is trying to explore his personal application of techniques
to something, he is more familiar with. However, there are some people who go to the extreme
by believing that copying the exact artwork of an artist and attributing it to his own.

→for example, an artist created a painting and displayed it in a museum, who do you think owns
the artwork: the artist or his intended audience? During the twentieth century, people started
raising the question whether or not the act of deriving meaning gives the ownership of the
artwork to the viewer rather than the artist himself. This notion paved the way for the
emergence of appropriation artists who seem to promote the idea that the authorship relies on
the viewer. If this is the case, then appropriation artists can take as much as he wants from an
existing artwork. Appropriation of art has been a common practice
Critiques of Appropriation:
• Cultural Appropriation: When artists from one culture borrow elements from another, it can
lead to charges of cultural insensitivity or exploitation.
• Economic Concerns: Some argue that appropriation can devalue original artworks or
commercialize cultural heritage.
• Ethical Considerations: Critics argue that it can perpetuate power imbalances by taking from
marginalized cultures or groups.

Contemporary Examples:
• Artists like Sherrie Levine have gained recognition for rephotographing iconic works to
challenge ideas of authorship.
Street art often involves appropriation of public spaces and existing urban structures.

In essence, appropriation in art appreciation challenges conventional notions of originality and

raises important questions about cultural sensitivity, ethics, and artistic freedom. It’s a topic
that continues to be central to contemporary art discourse.
Issues on Copyright, Appropriation, and Ownership

Copyright → Copyright is a legal framework that grants exclusive rights to creators of original
works, such as literature, music, art, and software, to control how their creations are used and
distributed. This protection typically lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years.

Fair Use → is a doctrine in copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without
permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, and research.
Determining what qualifies as fair use can be subjective and has led to legal disputes.

Transformative Works → Courts often consider whether an appropriated work is transformative,

meaning it adds significant new creative elements or commentary. Transformative works are
more likely to be protected under fair use.

Creative commons → Some creators choose to license their works under Creative Commons
licenses, which allow others to use, share, and build upon their works with certain conditions.
This approach can promote collaboration and innovation.
Digital age challenge → The digital age has introduced new challenges with easy reproduction
and distribution of content. Issues like online piracy and the sharing of copyrighted material
without authorization are prevalent concern.

Cultural Appropriation → Beyond copyright, cultural appropriation is a related but distinct issue.
It involves borrowing elements of one culture by members of another, often without proper
understanding or respect, which can lead to cultural insensitivity or harm.

Balancing interest → Copyright law aims to strike a balance between protecting the rights of
creators and fostering innovation and creativity. This balance is not always easy to achieve,
leading to ongoing debates and potential reforms.

International Variation → Copyright laws vary by country, leading to discrepancies in how works
are protected and used globally. International agreements like the Berne Convention seek to
harmonize copyright standards to some extent.
Improvisation → is a fascinating and versatile creative process that can be found in various
aspects of life, from music and theater to everyday problem-solving. It involves the spontaneous
creation of something, whether it’s music, dialogue, or a solution to a problem, without prior
planning or scripting. Here, we’ll delve into the world of improvisation in different contexts.

Music improvisation → In the realm of music, improvisation is a key element in jazz, blues, and
some forms of rock. Musicians rely on their knowledge of scales, chords, and musical theory to
create melodies and solos on the spot. This skill requires both technical proficiency and
creativity, as musicians need to react to the changing musical landscape around.

Theatrical improvisation →Improve theater, often associated with games and exercises,
emphasizes quick thinking and spontaneity. Actors develop characters and scenes on the fly,
often based on audience suggestions. Improv can lead to humorous and unexpected outcomes,
making it a popular form of entertainment.

Benefits of improvisation → Engaging in improvisation offers numerous advantages. It fosters

creativity, as individuals learn to trust their instincts and generate ideas on the spot. It improves
communication skills, as participants must actively listen and respond to others.
III. Recommendation and Analysis

Soulmaking: “Soulmaking” typically refers to the process of creating something deeply

meaningful and personal. I recommend exploring the works of philosopher and writer Thomas
Moore, particularly his book “Care of the Soul,” for a comprehensive analysis of this concept.
Ultimately, discussions of soulmaking invite us to contemplate the nature of the self, the role of
adversity and experience in personal development, and the search for meaning and authenticity
in our lives. Different thinkers and traditions offer unique perspectives on these profound
questions, making soulmaking a rich and multifaceted topic of exploration.

Framework of Genius: To understand the framework of genius, you can study the works of
psychologists like Howard Gardner, who proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. His work
delves into the different facets of human genius.It’s important to note that this framework is a
starting point, and the specific implementation would vary based on cultural, societal, and
individual factors. Additionally, ethical considerations and a commitment to equity should
underpin any framework for nurturing genius to ensure that opportunities are accessible to all,
regardless of background or circumstances.
Appropriation: Appropriation in art and culture often raises questions about originality and
ethics. You might want to read about artists like Sherrie Levine and their use of appropriation as
a form of commentary on art and authorship.

Issue on Copyright, Appropriation, and Ownership: This is a complex legal and ethical topic. It’s
essential to stay updated with recent cases and developments in intellectual property law. You
could also explore the Creative Commons licensing system as an alternative to traditional
copyright.

Improvisation: The world of music and theater often relies on improvisation. Jazz music, in
particular, is known for its improvisational nature. Research jazz legends like Miles Davis or
improv theater techniques for deeper insights.

In conclusion, these topics are interconnected and can be explored from various angles, including
philosophical, legal, and artistic perspectives. Remember that the interpretation and
understanding of these concepts may evolve over time, so it’s beneficial to stay current with
contemporary discussions and scholarship in these areas.