ART APPRECIATION Lesson 2: Art Appreciation: Creativity, Imagination, and Expression

PREFACE - It takes an artist to make art. One may perceive beauty on daily basis.
However, not every beautiful thing can be seen or experienced may truly be
- More than anything else, is his soul, his capacity to think – Plato. called a work of art. Art is a product of man’s creativity, imagination, and
- Being social and political is what sets him apart, the masters of thought, expression. Nature is not considered art simply because it is not made by
disappointed by missing out on one of the most important aspects of man: man.
his capacity to think and appreciate this creation. The result of this facet of
man is art and the humanities. - Aristotle Art Appreciation as a Way of Life
- Humanities because it is the work of man: hymns, verse, painting, sculpture
that define his humanity. Without the great work of civilization, man would - Jean-Paul Sartre, a famous French Philosopher of the twentieth century,
not have been man. described the role of art as a creative work that depicts the world in a
completely different light and perspective, and the source is due to human
freedom.

Lesson 1: What is Art: Introduction and Assumptions The Role of Creativity in Art Making

- Art is perennially around us. - Creativity requires thinking outside the box. In art, creativity is what sets
- Plato describes the Symposium, the object of love of any love. apart one artwork from another. We say something is done creatively when
we have not yet seen anything like it or when it is out of the ordinary. A
Why study the Humanities? creative artist does not simply copy or imitate another artist’s work.
- Being creative this day is very challenging because there could be a
- Man also marked his place in the world through his works. Through is bare possibility that the art we thought is original and only made by us can be
hands, man constructed infrastructures that will tend to his needs, like his identical to other arts from other parts of the world. For instance, the
house. He sharpened swords and spears. He employed fire in order to melt campaign ad “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” used by the Department of
gold. Tourism (DOT) boomed popularity in 2011, but it was the same as
- The world “art” comes from the ancient Latin word “ars” meaning “craft” Switzerland’s tourism slogan “It More Fun in Switzerland”, back in 1951,
or specialized form of skill, like carpentry or smithing or surgery. To the former DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. claimed that it was “purely
Ancient World, art only meant using bare hands to produce something that coincidental”.
will be useful to one’s day-to-day life.
- Arts in Medieval Latin came to mean something different. It meant any Art as a Product of Imagination, Imagination as a Product of Art
special form of book-learning, such as grammar or logic, magic, or
astrology. It was finally in the eighteenth century when the word has evolved - German physicist Albert Einstein who had made significant and major
to distinguish between the fine arts and useful arts. The fine arts would come contributions in science and humanity demonstrates that knowledge is
to mean “not delicate or highly skilled arts, but beautiful. (Ex. Cave actually derived from imagination. ‘‘Imagination is more important than
Paintings) knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand,
- The humanities constitute one of the oldest and most important means of while imagination embraces the entire world, and all world, and all there
expression developed by man. The Galloping Wild Boar found in the cave ever will be to know and understand’’. Imagination is not constrained by the
of Altamira, Spain is one such example. In 1879, a Spaniard and his walls of the norm but goes beyond that. Through imagination, one can craft
daughter were exploring a cave when they saw pictures of a wild boar, hind something bold, something new, and something better allows endless
and bison (upper Paleolithic Age). Pre-historic men, with their crude possibilities. In an artist’s mind sits a vast gallery of artworks. An artwork
instruments, already showcase and manifested earliest attempts at recording does not need to be a real thing but can be something that is imaginary
man’s innermost interests, preoccupations, and thoughts. (example a musician who thinks of a tune in his head). Artist uses their
imagination that gives birth to reality through creation. Art also inspires
ASSUMPTIONS OF ART imagination.

1. Art is universal. two Greek epics, the lliad and the Odyssey. The Sanskrit pieces Art as Expression
Mahabharata and Ramayana are also staples in this field. purportedly written before the
beginning of recorded history. man9s attempt at recording stories and tales that have been - You try to release yourself from this tormenting and disabling start by doing
passed on. Art has always been timeless and universal, spanning generations and something which is called expressing oneself. An emotion will remain
continents through and through. Age is not a factor in determining art. “art is not good unknown to a man until he expresses them.
because it is old, but old because it is good” just like the works of Rizal and Francisco - Robin George Collingwood, an English philosopher who is best known
Balagtas. Florante and Laura never fails to teach high school students the beauty of love, for his work in aesthetics, explicated in his publication “The Principles of
one that is universal and pure. Ibong Adarna, another Filipino masterpiece, has always Art” (1938) that what an artist does to an emotion is not to induce them, but
captured the imagination of the young with its timeless lessons. Reading Psalms, we feel express them. Makes people’s art not a reflection of what is outside or
in communion with King David as we feel one with him in his conversation with God. external to them, but a reflection of their inner selves (“I am angry.” It is a
And Kundiman or perform folk dances. The humanities is the art has been crafted by all description and not an expression.)
people regardless of origin, time, and place, and that it stayed on because it is like and
enjoyed by people continuously. Countless ways of expressing oneself through art:

2. Art is not Nature. In the Philippines, it is not entirely novel to hear some consumers of • Visual Arts – Creations that fall under this category are those that appeal to
local movies remark that these movies produced locally are unrealistic. Paul Cezanne, a the sense of sight and are mainly visual in nature. Artist produces visual arts
French painter, painted a scene from reality entitled “Well and Grinding Wheel in the driven by their desire to reproduce things that they have seen in the way that
Forest of the Chateau Noir”. Cezanne has changed some patterns and details from the they perceived. It is the kind of art form that the population is most likely
way they were in the photograph. What he did is not nature. It is art. Art is made by man more exposed to, but its variations are so diverse they range from sculptures
whereas nature is given around us. They may, according to the moviemaker’s perception that you see in art galleries to the movie you saw last night. It includes
of reality, be a reinterpretation, or even distortion, or even distortion of nature. Art is paintings, drawings, letterings, printing, sculptures, digital imaging, and
always a creation of the artist, not nature. more.
• Film – the art of putting together successions of still images in order to
3. Art involves experience. Art is just an experience. By experience, we mean the “actual create an illusion of movement. Focuses on its aesthetic, cultural, and social
doing of something”. Knowing a thing is different from hearing from others what the said value and is considered both as an art and an industry. Stimulates
thing is. A painter cannot claim to know how to paint if he has not tried holding a brush. experiences or creates one that is beyond the scope of our imagination as it
A sculptor cannot produce a work of art if one is to know art, he must know it not as fact aims to deliver ideas, feelings, or beauty to its viewers. Important elements
or information but as experience. Degustibus non disputandum est (Matters of taste such as lighting, musical score, visual effects, direction, and more. Metro
are not matters of dispute). One cannot argue with another person’s evaluation of art Manila Film Festival and Oscars recognize excellence in the art of
because one’s experience can never be known by another. Feelings and emotions are filmmaking.
concrete proofs that the artworks has been experience. The artist has to be foremost, a • Performance Art – live art and the artist’s medium is mainly the human
perceiver who is directly on touch with art. body which he or she uses to perform, but also employs other kinds of art
such as visual art, props, or sound. Time, where the performance took place,
the performer’s or performers’ body, and a relationship between the audience
and the performer/performers. It is live makes it intangible, which means it
cannot be bought or traded as a commodity.
 • Poetry Performance – art form where the artist expresses his emotions not 3. Physical Function of Art – It can be found in artworks that are crafted in order to
by using paint, charcoal, or camera, but expresses them through words. It serve some physical purpose. A Japanese raku bowl that serves a physical function in a
uses words emotional, musical, and spatial values that goes beyond its literal tea ceremony is an example.
meaning to narrate, emphasize, argue, or convince.
• Architecture – not all buildings are beautiful. Some building only embodies Other Functions of Art
the functionality it needs, but the structure, lines, forms, and colors are not
beautifully expressed. Thus, not all buildings can be considered architecture. Music as an art is also interesting to talk about in relation to function. It used for dance
Consider these three important elements-plan, construction, and design-if (music assures synchronicity among dancers, also guarantees that marches, in the case of
they wish to merit the title architecture. warriors, are simultaneous.) and religion. Ancient world saw music only as an instrument
• Dance – series of movements that follows the rhythm of the music to facilitate worship and invocation to gods. Serenade is one example. People composes
accompaniment. Here we primarily describe dance as a form of expression. hymns of love to express feelings and emotions.
It has no rules.
Sculpture, on the other hand, is another functional art form that has long existed for
• Literary Art – use words-not paint, musical instruments, chisels-to express
various purposes most particularly for religion. Were also made in order to commemorate
themselves and communicate emotions to the readers. It focuses on writing
important figures in history (like Jose Rizal). The iconic statue Oblation by Guillermo E.
using a unique style, not following a specific format or norm. It may include
Tolentino has remained a pillar of the university and constant of reminder of the need to
both fiction and non-fiction such as novels, biographers, and poems. It goes
offer oneself up selflessly for the country. As well as coins.
beyond the usual professional, academic, journalistic, and other technical
forms of writing. Works include “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-
Architecture might be the most prominent functional art form. Buildings are huge,
Exupery and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare.
expensive, and are not easily constructed and replaced, buildings take so much time to
• Theater – live performers to present accounts or imaginary events before a erect and also to destroy. A lot of investment is put into making megastructures like the
live audience. Theater art performances usually follow a script. It considers pyramids of Giza, the acropolis, of the great cathedrals of the medieval world. Consider
several elements such as acting, gesture, lighting, sound effects, musical
the national conditions like topography and climate of the place of erection and the social
score, scenery, and props. Some genres of theater include drama, musical,
conditions such as the purpose of the building itself.
tragedy, comedy, and improvisation.
Does Art Always Have to Be Functional?
Applied Arts is incorporating elements of style and design to everyday items with the
aim of increasing their aesthetical value. Industrial design, interior design, fashion, and While it has been shown that most arts are functional, still there are some which are not.
graphic design are considered applied arts. The value of a work of art does not depend on function but on the work itself. The plays
of Aeschylus, the poetry of Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe are still counted as
Creativity is what sets apart one artwork from another. While through imagination, an examples of great works of art despite their not having a known function.
artist can craft something bold, something new, and something better in the hopes of
creating something that will stimulate change. Through expression, an artist able to Philosophical Perspective on Art
explore his own emotions, at the same time, create something beautiful out of it.
Expressing emotions is something different from describing emotions, description 1. Art as an Imitation – Plato (2000) in his masterpiece, The Republic, particularly
destroys the idea of expression, as it classifies the emotion, making it ordinary and paints a picture of artists as imitators and art as mere imitation. In Plato’s metaphysics,
predictable. Expression on the other hand, individualizes. or view of reality, the things in this world are only copies of the original, the eternal, and
the true entities that can only be found in the World of Forms. For example, the chair that
one sits on is not real chair. It is an imperfect copy of the perfect “chair” (Form of
Beauty) in the World of Forms. Much is true for “beauty” in this world. For Socrates, art
Lesson 3: Functions and Philosophical Perspectives on Art
objects represent only the things in this world, copies themselves of reality. A painting is
just an imitation of nature, which is also just an imitation of reality in the World of
- The Greek philosopher Aristotle claimed that every particular substance in
Forms.
the world has an end, telos in Greek, which translates to “purpose” and it is
intricately linked with function. Man, in Aristotle’s view of reality, is bound
2. Art as a Representation – Aristotle considered art as an aid to philosophy in
to achieve a life of fulfillment and happiness, or in Greek, eudaimonia, and
revealing truth. The kind of imitation that art does is not antithetical to the reaching of
his happiness is linked with his function, which is being rational. The telos, fundamental truths in the world (Aristotle). According (2016), in the Politics claimed that
the function, and the “whatness” of a thing are all interconnected.
poetry is a literary representation in general. Aristotle conceives art as representing
possible versions of reality. In the Aristotelian worldview, art serves two particular
Functions of Art
purposes; art allows for the experience of pleasure and art also has an ability to be
instructive and teach its audience things about life, thus it is cognitive as well.
- When one speaks of function, one is practically talking about the use of the
object whose function is in question. When it comes to function, different art
3. Art as Disinterested Judgement – In “Critique of Judgment,” the cornerstone of art, as
forms come with distinctive functions.
something that can be universal despite its subjectivity. Art is innately autonomous from
- A building as a work of art is obviously made for a specific purpose. The Taj
specific interests. It is the form of the art that is adjudged by one who perceives art to be
Mahal, a massive mausoleum of white marble built in Agra was constructed
beautiful or more so, sublime, even aesthetic judgment for Kant is a cognitive activity.
in memory of the favorite wife of the then emperor, Shah Jahan.
There is something in the work of art that makes it capable of inciting the same feeling of
- A poem is beautiful regardless of its possible ramifications in the society.
pleasure and satisfaction from any perceiver, regardless of his condition. When the same
Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees” has maintained its popularity through the years
person says that something is beautiful, he does not just believe that the thing is beautiful
regardless of its application or practical benefit. The two masterpieces of our
for him, but in a sense, expects that the same thing should put everyone in awe.
national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo served as a catechist for Filipino revolutionaries to gather 4. Art as a Communication of Emotion – The author of “War and Peace and Anna
strength in rejecting the oppressive of the Spaniards in the Philippines in the Karenina”, Leo Tolstoy, provided another perspective on what art is. In his book, “What is
nineteenth century, they spelled out country’s independence. Art” (2016). Tolstoy defended the production of the sometimes truly extravagant art like
operas despite extreme poverty in the world. Art then serves as a language, a
Three Functions of Art:
communication device that articulates feelings and emotions that are otherwise
unavailable to the audience. Tolstoy is fighting for the social dimension of art. unique
1. Personal Functions of Art – Varied and are highly subjective. It depends on the
opportunity to serve as a mechanism for social unity. Thus, even at present, one can
person-the artist who created the art. An artist may create an art out of the need for self-
commune with early Cambodians and their struggles by visiting the Angkor Wat or can
expression, to communicate an idea to his audience, entertainment for his intended
feel for the early royalties of different Korean dynasties by watching Korean dramas. Art
audience, or may not even intend to mean anything with his work. An art may also be
is what allows for these possibilities.
therapeutic (used in home for elders and orphanages, adult-coloring books to de-stress).
These all fall under personal functions of art.
Art has been at the forefront of giving color to man’s existence. An art’s function is
personal if it depends on the artist herself or sometimes still, the audience of the art. There
2. Social Functions of Art – Art is considered to have a social function when it addresses
is a social function in art if and when it has a particular social function, when it addresses
a particular collective interest as opposed to a personal interest. Political art is a very
a collective need of a group of people. Physical function, finally, has something to do with
common example. Art may convey message of protest, contestation, or whatever message
direct, tangible uses of art. Not all products of art have function. This should not disqualify
the artist intends his work to carry. Also depict social conditions. Photography, as an art
them as art though.
form, delivers this kind of functions by taking photos of subjects in conditions that people
do not normally take a look at or give attention to (pictures of poverty). Performance art
like plays, or satires can also rouse emotions and rally people toward a particular end. In
this end more, the social function of art is apparent.
Lesson 4 Subject and Content During the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, art was predominantly
representational, art came as an aid for communication-a means of propagating religion
One must be able to extract a specific image; isolate the artist or maker’s intention; and to locals who spoke a different language, visual arts, from paintings to early sculptures
unearth a particular meaning. Failure to do so automatically implies a failure of such as santos and other votive figures and icons, were created to assist Catholic
comprehension and therefore, failure of the experience. These clues are the three basic ministry. Of interest was the increase in demand for commissioned portraits (of an
components of a work of art: subject, form, and content. These components are largely individual or an entire family), finding it necessary to document themselves in light of their
inseparable from each other, and usually related to each other. Subject (whatness) refers elevated status.
to the visual focus or the image that may be extracted from examining the artwork; while
content (whyness) is the meaning that is communicated by the artist or the artwork. Content in Art
Finally, the development and configuration of the artwork-how the elements and the
medium or material are put together-is the form (howness). It referred to as the “what”- what is readily seen and relates to the artwork, its inspiration,
and the many kinds of translation. One of the foremost scholars that expounded on content
In the field of the sciences, experimentation is key to proving a hypothesis or a larger analysis or how meaning is arrived at is art historian Erwin Panofsky in his seminal work
theory. In the arts, there are also observable qualities that the artwork holds that will point “Meaning in the Visual Arts” in 1955. It is therefore expected that meaning may not be
to its subject, and sometimes even to its content. singular; rather, a painting may communicate multiple meanings to its many viewers. This
is what we call subjective meaning of art. Michaelangelo’s Creation of Adam can be read
Types of Subject using the various levels of meaning.

One of the most iconic and recognizable paintings all over the world is a work done by An interesting overlap between the conventional and subjective meanings is the proposal
Leonardo da Vinci. It is relevant to note that there is a consensus that the Mona Lisa from gynecologist Frank Lynn Meshberger, whose published essay appeared in the
whoever she is based on a real person. October 1990 issue of the Journal of American Medical Association. According to
Meshberger, the work can also be aptly called “The Endowment of Adam” for it brought
1. Representational Art – Portraits such as the Mona Lisa (realistically-proportioned) are to light that as God’s creation, the most important qualities imparted to man was intellect.
good examples of what is called representational art. These types of art have subjects that
refer to objects or events occurring in the real world. Often it is also termed figurative art,
because as its name suggests, the figures depicted are easy to make out and decipher.
Lesson 5 Artists and Artisans
2. Non-representational Art – There were no clear figures that jot out from the canvas;
there were only drips and splashes. Often termed non-figurative arts. It does not make a In Robert Henri’s “The Art Spirit” (1923), he says that “Art when really understood is
reference to the real world, whether it is a person, place, thing, or even a particular event. the province of every human being. It is simply a question of doing things, anything, well.
It is stripped-down to visual elements such as shapes, lines, and colors that are employed It is not an outside, extra thing. When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of
to translate a particular feeling, emotion, and even concept. work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature. He
becomes interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and he opens ways for
Non-representational Art and Abstract Art a better understanding. Where those who are not artists are trying to close the book he
opens it, shows there are more pages possible.”
One source of confusion is the notion that non-representational art is the same as abstract
art. An abstract work of Pablo Picasso is a great example to illustrate this. Even without In Peter Drucker’s seminal book Post Capitalist Society (1993), he says that “the real
reading the title from the caption, mere seconds of looking at the combination of lines, controlling resource and the decisive factor of production is neither capital nor labor. It is
shapes and colors of the sculpture will point to a head of a woman. Even with the knowledge. Instead of capitalists and proletarians, the classes of a post capitalist society
abstraction of the image, this work is arguably representational. Abstract art is in itself a are knowledge workers and service workers.”
departure from reality, but the extent of that departure determines whether it has reached
the end of the spectrum which is non-representationality. The Artisan and the Guilds

Sources and Kinds of Subject Craftsmen may be considered as engineers of the past. An example could be the Gothic
cathedrals and other mega structures that were built all over Europe. Craftsmen and
Artist throughout history have explored diverse ways of representing nature: from plants builders of these cathedrals and mega structures in the past did not have sophisticated
to animals, the qualities of bodies of water and the terrain of landmasses; and even the terminologies and principles that architects and engineers abide by today. Towns had
perceivable cycles and changing of seasons. Vincent Van Gogh saw art and nature as formalized groups of artisans or craftsmen who took on a particular specialization or trade:
inseparable, often finding solace and happiness in painting in it (working in the middle of textiles and glass workers, carpenters, carvers, masons, armorers, and weapon-makers,
unspoiled fields) and painting from it (landscapes). “…if I felt no love for nature and my among others. An artisan develops immense skill and expertise in his craft. In the visual
work, then I would be unhappy.” Breaking nature into smaller parts is Jan Van Kasser arts, an example of an artist strongly influenced by this was Albrecht Durer. Born in 1471,
the Elder who did numerous still lives and small-scale, highly detailed studies, and his father was a goldsmith which is why he also apprenticed as such. Later, he shifted to
scientific illustrations of flowers, insects, shells, fruits, garlands, and bouquets. the visual arts. A custom at that time was that after completing an apprenticeship, one is
expected to travel to gather more experience and knowledge elsewhere. His life was ripe
Greek and Roman mythology were also ripe with references: from episodes that transport with travels, fame, and fortunate. Two other important genres for painting at that time were
the viewer to heroic encounters of Achilles and Aeneas; warnings about man’s folly like the tipos del pais (Damian Domingo of the Academia de Debujo, known painting),
the vanity of Icarus, the wit and cunning Odysseus; the beauty of Aphrodite and the specialized in teaching the miniaturismo style of painting, other genres such as bodegones
athleticism of Myron. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the intricate fresco that lines the (still life) and paisajes (landscapes). Second is letras y figuras. The former was about
Sistine Chapel was created by Michelangelo. watercolour painting that showcased the different local inhabitants of the country in
different garbs and clues to their occupation and status; while the later combined the
Gothic style architecture is often attributed as the brainchild of Abbot Sugar. Gothic principle tipos del pais and incorporated it to illustrate the letters of one’s name or surname.
churches were characterized by three things: soaring heights (ceilings), volume (flying
buttresses and ribbed vaults), and light (bright stained-glass windows, airy and pleasant The Artist and His Studio
interiors). This echoes her belief that “art was central to religious experience.”
Today, artist studios have been a place of interest for the public. It is interesting to see and
Proceeding from a kind of a hybrid between literature and sacred text is India’s miniature learn where the creativity manifests itself, especially since an artist’s studio is an extension
paintings. In Central India, the kind of art that were produced was deeply rooted in Vedic of the artist himself. There were those workstations were segmented into two, the
texts such as Upanishads, Puranas, and other important texts such as the Sanskrit epics studiolo and the bottega; the latter is where the work usually happened.
Mahabharata and Ramayana. Indian artists had a wide array of material to work with in
showcasing not just their artistry and skill. The significance of these paintings rests on its Other Players in the World of Art
ability to foster devotion and the observance of a code of ethics through the visualizations
of heroic narratives. These paintings were small in size, but were highly pictorial, stylized, Some of the roles that have been existent since the beginning of art history have been
and employed a good contrast of colors. Some artists also included verse from the epics as properly dealt with-ascribed with a name and legitimized into a sophisticated network of
part of the cartouche which added interest and meaning to the paintings. relationships and exchanges. This network is what we call the art world. In Howard S.
Becker’s Art Worlds (1982), he asserted that all artistic work, like all human activity,
Historically significant events particularly in the affairs of humanity are abundant involves the joint activity of a number, often a large number, of people. The existence of art
references for art production. From early breakthroughs such as the discovery of fire and worlds, as well as the way their existence affects both the production and consumption of
the overthrow of geocentric theory in favor of a sun-centered universe, succeeding artworks, suggests a sociological approach to the arts. For independent artists, or those
advancements brought about by discovery, innovation and man’s incessant search for glory outside the wing off a gallery as a “stable artist”, they sometimes require the assistance of
plotted a dynamic course of history. An example is Goya’s El Tres de Mayo which captures an artist manager in order to manage his career and sometimes to help him in promoting
the death of Madrilenes, the local insurgents during the Peninsular War. These works serve himself to the art world as well.
as documentary and commemorative artworks that illustrate subjects such as important
leaders and figures; events as they were recorded to have happened; and representations of Formerly ascribed with the term “patron”, buyers and collectors are those who acquire
ideologies or values. and purchase artworks for a variety of reasons: for the appreciation and enjoyment of art;
for the scholarship and education opportunity it may provide (donors of study collections); The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or the National Living Treasures Award was created
to safeguard and preserve them for posterity; for investment; to communicate a way of 1992 under the Republic Act No. 7355. Also under the jurisdiction of the National
life/lifestyle; among others. A curator, on the other hand, is one of the most elusive of roles Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) (2015) “through the Gawad sa Manlilikha
to pin down. Institutional curator typically are affiliated with museums and galleries, ng Bayan Committee and an Ad Hoc Panel of Experts, conducts the search for the finest
while independent or freelance curators have the leeway to move around various projects, traditional artists of the land, adopts the program that will ensure the transfer of their skills
platforms, and art spaces in a multiplicity of terms. If curators are the hardest to define, it to others and undertakes measures to promote a genuine appreciation of and instill pride
is buyers and collectors who are probably the easiest to qualify. Art dealers are those among our people about the genius of the Manlilikha ng Bayan”. - It was first conferred to
whose direct hand is in the distribution and circulation of the artworks through a variety of three outstanding artists in music and poetry back in 1993. They are Ginaw Bilog, a master
means, such as direct sales, through galleries, and the more recent player in the Philippines, of the Ambahan poetry; Masino Intaray, a master of various traditional instruments of the
auction houses. What this means is that museums should involve itself into the sale of Palawan people, and Samaon Sulaiman, a master of the kutyapi and other instruments.
artworks. The recipient of GAMABA are sought out under the qualifications of a “Manlilikha ng
Bayan” who is a “citizen engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino whose distinctive
Production Process skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been
passed on to and widely practiced by the present generation in his/her community with the
The process of creating an artwork does not necessarily follow a linear progression. One same degree of technical and artistic competence.” These artist’s practice may fall under
of the things that one must accept is the fact that the arts have and anarchic dimension to the following categories: folk, architecture, maritime transport, textile or fiber art, pottery
it, allowing it to fully harness its creative potential. The process is essentially tripartite: and other artistic expressions of traditional culture. Some of the incentives accorded the
(1) Preproduction - The artists always begins with an idea that he wants to express or awardee are the following: (1) a specially designed gold medallion; (2) an initial grant of
communicate with his audience, (2) Production - Some artists however birth their ideas ₱100,000 and a ₱10,000 monthly stipend for life (this was later increased to ₱14,000); (3)
when material manipulation is already underway. This is when preproduction sometimes benefits such as maximum cumulative amount or tribute fit for a National Living Treasure.
seep into the production stage. The execution of the art may take a variety of forms such As Woodrow Wilson (1913) relates, “You are not here merely to make a living. You are
as painting, sculpture, tapestry, photograph, film, routine (dance), or track or composition here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit
(music), intuition and a kind of judiciousness in the manipulation of material, and of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if
(3) Postproduction - Once an artwork is finished, it will then be decided on how it will be you forget that errand.”
circulated or distributed. If the artist decides that he alone should see the work, then so be Artist – no specific functions.
it. The idea may take a while to form or may come as swift as a bolt of lightning. Artisans – their works has functions in our everyday life.

There are many aspects that go into production. These may include allowing the artwork Lesson 6 Elements and Principles of Art
to set, tweaking the artwork to set tweaking the artwork, preparing the artwork for transport
and display, and even the promotion and inclusion of the artwork in publications or Elements of Art: Visual
discussions. Taking off from the scientific reference, elements of art are skin to the atoms that are
defined as the units or “building blocks” of matter.
Medium and Technique 1. Line – refers to a point moving at an identification path-it has length and direction. It
also has width. It is one-dimensional; however, it has the capacity to either define the
Medium is the mode of expression in which the concept, idea, or message is conveyed. It parameters of the artwork (edges) and/or become a substantial component of the
may be concrete or tangible. For concrete works, the objects physically manifest itself for
composition. Although a line is “simple”, it has variations in view of its
a prolonged or lasting period. For ephemeral works on the other hand, it is durational. orientation/direction, shape, and thickness.
A. Horizontal and Vertical Lines – refer to the orientation of the line. Horizontal lines
Engagement with Art
are normally association with rest or calm. Vertical lines on the other hand connote
elevation or height usually taken to mean exaltation or aspiration for action. Together,
In Anna Cline’s The Evolving and its Impact on Art and Culture (2012), she wrote that
these lines communicate stability and firmness.
“exhibitions act as the catalyst of art and ideas to the public; they represent a way of
B. Diagonal and Crooked Lines - convey movement and instability. Crooked or jagged
displaying and contextualizing art that makes it relevant and accessible to contemporary
lines on the other hand are reminiscent of violence, conflict, or struggle.
audiences. The art exhibition, by its nature, holds a mirror up to society, reflecting its
C. Curve lines - Lines that bend or coil allude to softness, grace, flexibility or even
interests and concerns while at the same time challenging its ideologies and
sensuality.
preconceptions. Keeping art relevant to society and to diverse audience at any given point
in history is one of the main goals of the art exhibition and one of the reasons it is so
2-3. Shape and Form - related to each other in that they define the space occupied by the
important to the history of art.”
object of art. Shape refers to two dimensions: height and width, while form refers to three
In Paula Marincola’s “What Makes a Great Exhibition?” (2006) it reads that dimensions: height, width, and depth. Shape provides the contour of the artwork. Shape
“exhibitions are strategically located at the nexus where artists, their work, the arts can be:
institution, and many different public interest.” a. Geometric - origin in mathematical propositions, often man-made, include shapes
such as squares, triangles, cubes, circles, spheres, and cones, among others.
Exhibitions may be long term or permanent hangs, or it may be temporary or periodically b. Organic - readily occurring in nature, often irregular and asymmetrical.
changing. An artist may have a solo exhibition. There are some instances when an artwork As for form, sculptures or ornate furniture for instance are good examples of art objects
is a stand-alone or a site-specific work that renders its display under a slightly different with the element of form as their observable quality.
structure or format. Publications are also a good way to introduce the artwork and open it
up for appreciation, critique, and analysis. 4. Space - In relation to shape and form is space, inferred from a sense of depth, whether
it is real or simulated. Real space is three-dimensional. Can only be manifested in two-
Awards and Citations dimensional artworks through the use of different techniques, or the use (or non-use) of
area around a drawing or picture.
After an artist has spent considerable time in honing his skills, establishing the relevance A. Positive and Negative Space - white space is the negative space and positive space on
of the body of his works, and even gaining respect from his colleagues in the art world, he the other hand is the space where shadow is heavily used.
may be considered or nominated for awards and citations. The two major awards given B. Three-dimensional Space - An illusion of three-dimensionality can be achieved in a
to artists in the Philippines are the Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining (Order of two-dimensional work (shading).
National Artists) and Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures
Award). The conferment of the Order of National Artists is the “highest national 5. Color - best enhance the appeal of an artwork, a property of light, as it is reflected off
recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the the object.
development of Philippine arts, namely: music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film,
broadcast arts, and architecture and allied arts. The order is jointly administered by the A. Hue - dimension of color gives its name.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the i. dimension of color gives its name.
Philippines (CCP) and conferred by the President of the Philippines Art.” He was the sole ii. Secondary colors: green, orange, and violet
awardee in the year 1972, a National Artists for Visual Arts. At present, there are 66 iii. Tertiary colors: six in total, these hues are achieved when primary and
awardees of this prestigious honor across different art forms; a national artist awardee secondary colors are mixed.
receives are the following: (1) the rank of title, as proclaimed by the President of the B. Value - brightness or darkness of the color, used by artists to create the illusion of
Philippines; (2) a medallion or insignia and a citation that will be read during the depth and solidity, a particular mood, communicate a feeling, or in establishing a scene
conferment: (3) cash awards and a host of benefits (monthly life pension, medical, and (i.e.day and night).
hospitalization benefits, life insurance coverage); (4) a state funeral and burial at the i. Light colors: taken as the source of light in the composition.
Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery); and (5) a place of honor or designated area ii. Dark colors: the lack or even absence of light.
during national state functions, along with recognition or acknowledgement at cultural C. Intensity – color’s brightness or dullness, identified as the strength of color, whether it
events. is vivid or muted.
i. Bright or warm colors: positive energy
ii. Dull or cool colors: sedate/soothing, seriousness or calm.
6. Texture - Like space, texture can be either real or implied. This element in an artwork Principles of Art
allows it to be experienced through the sense of touch (and sight.) this element renders
the art object tactile. 1. Balance - This principle refers to the distribution of the visual elements in view of
A. Textures in The Two-dimensional Plane - For two-dimensional works, one can their placement in relation to each other. There are three forms of balance:
imagine how it the surface will feel if it was to be touched. describe texture are the A. Symmetrical - the elements used on one side are reflected on the other. This offers the
following: rough or smooth, hard or soft, hairy, leathery, sharp or dull, etc. most stable visual sense to any artwork.
B. Surface Texture - refers to texture of the three-dimensional art object. It offers a B. Asymmetrical - the elements are not the same (or of the same weight) on each side,
starting point or a baseline from which analysis may take place. This kind of analysis is putting the heaviness on one side.
called formal analysis of art. C. Radial - there is a central point in the composition, around which elements and objects
are distributed.
Planes and Perspective
- It was discussed how illusions can be made and implied through techniques 2. Scale and Proportion - The size of an object in relation to another, or relative to a
in visual art. An understanding of the notion of planes is needed, and the whole composition describes proportion. This can also refer to values such as amounts or
technique is called perspective. an integral idea is ground plane, which number of elements or objects in the composition. It can be:
pertains to the theoretical horizontal plane and makes the image or picture a. Natural - especially for figurative artworks, it relates to the realistic size-relations of
presented seem “real”. For flat surface appear three-dimensional, which has the visual elements in the artwork. When it is the accuracy in relation to the real world
depth and space. This technique called perspective is credited to Renaissance that we are after, this is what is now referred to as the principle of scale.
artists, the early proponents included Leon Battista Alberti and Paolo b. Exaggerated - these refer to unusual size-relations of visual elements, deliberately
Uccello architect Filippo Brunelleschi in the early fifteenth century and was exaggerating the immensity or minuteness of an object. In relation to this, there are
published in Alberti’s On Painting, in 1435. synonymous to linear notions in scale that differentiates when an element is considered to be smaller than
perspective, it is an illusion that uses converging lines and vanishing points expected (diminutive); and when something appears to be larger than what is presumed
that affect the size and distance of objects relative to that of the viewer. A (monumental).
viewpoint may be construed as normal (view standing up), low (view from c. Idealized - most common to those that follow canons of perfection, the size relations
a lower angle), of high (view looking down on a scene). of elements or objects achieve the most ideal size-relations.

THREE TYPES OF PERSPECTIVES: 3-4. Emphasis and Contrast - Emphasis allows the attention of the viewer to a focal
1. One-point perspective - often used in depicting roads, tracks, hallways or rows of point(s), accentuating or drawing attention to these elements or objects. This can be done
trees, this type of perspective shows parallel lines that seem to converge at a specific and through the manipulation of the elements or through the assistance of other principles,
lone vanishing point, along the horizon line. especially that of contrast. Contrast is the disparity between the elements that figure into
2. Two-point perspective - pertains to a painting or drawing that makes use of two the composition. One object may be made stronger as compared to other objects (hence
vanishing points, which can be place anywhere along the horizon line. It is often used in emphasis). This can be done in a number of ways using the elements of art. For instance,
depicting structures such houses of buildings in the landscape that are viewed from a the use of negative and positive space is an example of contrast. Another example is the
specific corner. use of complementary colors in a particular work of art.
3. Three-point perspective - in this type of perspective, the viewer is looking at a scene
from above or below. As the name suggests, it makes use of the three-vanishing points, 5-6. Unity and Variety - Unless intended to ne otherwise, compositions are intended to
each corresponding to each axes of the scene. imbue a sense of accord of completeness from the artwork. This is unity. Variety on the
other hand is the principles that aims to retain the interest by allowing patches or areas
Elements of Art: Auditory that both excite and allow the eye to rest.
Music as an art form is classified as auditory art. It has its own building blocks or
elements. Music is sound organized in a specific time. Some are adept with the skill and 7. Harmony - Like what is hinted above, unity and variety is related to the principle of
sense to produce music, while others consume it as listeners, audiences, and even harmony, in which the elements or objects achieve a sense of flow and
performers. It has the capacity to transcend barriers, even that of differences in language interconnectedness.
or conventions in sound.
1. Rhythm - associated to the terms beat, meter, and tempo, rhythm is the element of 8. Movement - This refers to the direction of the viewing eye as it goes through the
music that situates it in time. pulse of the music. Beat is basic unit of music while tempo artwork, often guided by areas or elements that are emphasized. These focal points can be
refers to its speed (beats/second). Beats can be organized into a recognizable recurrent lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art, among others.
pattern called the meter. Classical terms are used to refer to the variations in tempo.
a. Largo - slowly and broadly 9. Rhythm - This is created by an element is repeated, creating implied movement.
b. Andante - walking pace Variety of repetition helps in invigorating the rhythm depicted in the artwork.
c. Moderato - at moderate speed
d. Allegro - fast 10-11. Repetition and Pattern - Lines, shapes, colors, and other elements may appear in
e. Vivace - lively the artwork in a recurring manner. This is repetition. While the image created out of the
f. Accelerando - gradually speeding up repetition, is called pattern. With repetition, there is a sense of predictable that is
g. Rallentado - gradually slowing down conveyed, which in turn imbue the feelings of security and calm.
h. Allargando - getting slower and broadening
i. Allargando - getting slower, broadening Combined or Hybrid Art
j. Rubato – literally - under strict lines that separate one art form of style from another. With the
complexity of contemporary times, in which experimentation and innovation
2. Dynamics - to the loudness or quietness of music. are encouraged, the arts are not production and their resultant consumption.
a. pianissimo [pp] - very quiet One of the buzzwords of the tail end of twentieth century is interdisciplinary.
b. piano [p] - quiet Rooted on the realization that the problems of society are becoming more
c. mezzo-piano [mp] - moderately quiet and more complex, it is necessary that solution become just as innovative
d. mezzo-forte [mf] - moderately loud wherein alternative routes to what is familiar, common, and customary is
e. forte [f] - loud given premium.
f. fortissimo [ff] - very loud - become just as innovative wherein alternative routes to what is familiar,
composers to indicate an increase or decrease of loudness, they use the terms crescendo common, and customary is given premium.
for the former; and decrescendo or diminuendo for the latter.

3. Melody - linear presentation (horizontal) of pitch, is read in succession from left to

right. Pitch is the highness or lowness of musical sound.
4. Harmony - harmony is vertical, arises when pitches are combined to form chords,
When several noted are simultaneously played, this refers to a chord. Harmony can be
described in terms of its harshness; dissonance or a harsh-sounding combination; or
consonance, the smooth-sounding combination.
5. Timbre - likened to the color of music, It is a quality that distinguishes a voice or an
instrument from another.
6. Texture - number of melodies, the type of layers, and their relatedness in a
composition is the texture of music.
a. Monophonic - single melodic line
b. Polyphonic - two or more melodic lines
c. Homophonic - main melody accompanied by chords.