Art Appreciation, Nourishing the Mind and the Heart through the Arts

A Module in GE 6: Art Appreciation, Nourishing the Mind and the Heart through the Arts Let’s see what you know! Before we proceed to the lessons, let’s see what you know so far by answering the question that we will present to you on the next page. As you go on with the lessons, try to remember your answers in this exercise and see if they go in line with those. Remember: Try to answer those questions without peeking on your notes or the previous lessons. DIAGNOSTIC TEST A. Based from previous learning, write a brief description of the following: 1. Abstract art - _________________________________________________ 2. Cubism - ____________________________________________________ 3. Realism - ___________________________________________________ 4. Pop art - ____________________________________________________ 5. Surrealism - _________________________________________________ B. What are some of the notable contribution to civilization of the following periods in terms of arts? Early Greeks Early Romans Byzantine Period Gothic Period Renaissance Period A Module in GE 6: Art Appreciation, Nourishing the Mind and the Heart through the Arts READING THE IMAGE We begin with the basic premise that there are two interrelated aspects in the study of art.   Art has its specificity that is, its particular language has to do with the mediums, techniques, and visual elements of art. This is what constitutes art as a particular human activity different from the others. Art is historically situated and shaped by social, economic, and political forces. Both these aspects need to be taken into account so as to be able to fully understand and appreciate art. A. THE BASIC SEMIOTIC PLANE   Semiotics is the study of "signs“. A sign consists of a "signifier" or its material/physical aspect and its "signified" or non-material aspect as concept and value. It includes: 1. The visual elements and how they are used: line value, color, texture, shape, composition in space, movement. 2. The choice of medium and technique. 3. The format of the work. B. THE ICONIC PLANE OR THE IMAGE ITSELF   This has to do with the particular features, aspects, and qualities of the image which are the signifiers. The image is regarded as an "iconic sign”. It includes: 1. The choice of the subject which may bear social and political implications. 2. The positioning of the figure or figures. 3. The gaze of the subject. 4. Cropping of the figure or figures. 5. The relationship of the figures to one another. C. THE CONTEXTUAL PLANE  Here one proceeds from the basic semiotic and iconic planes and the knowledge and insights one has gained from these into the social and historical context of the work of art. A Module in GE 6: Art Appreciation, Nourishing the Mind and the Heart through the Arts   The experience of a work cannot be reduced to a statement, such as a moral lesson or message, but is a total experience involving the faculties of the whole person--not just his eyes or his senses, but his mind and emotions as well. The work of art has its horizon of meaning which is narrower or larger depending on the degree of cultural literacy, art exposure and training, and intellectual and emotional maturity of the viewer. ART HISTORY  The Prehistoric Period A. Introduction During the pre-historic times, the early humans had transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to that of a more permanent one, which led to early civilization. Art appeared as one of the earliest activities of man. Man could draw long before he could write. The primitive man was primarily a hunter and a food finder, so that a great deal of cave painting was about animals and hunting. His success as a hunter depended upon his skills and weapons. Though pre-historic humans would not necessarily possess the complex rational capabilities to tell their story through written records and accounts, some artifacts would serve as “story tellers”. B. Characteristics  Reflecting their attitudes and beliefs system on spiritual, social, political and economic matters  Used for survival and activities of everyday life C. Milestones  Prehistoric Painting Cave Paintings and the Hall of Bulls in Lascaux Cave, France A Module in GE 6: Art Appreciation, Nourishing the Mind and the Heart through the Arts  Prehistoric Sculpture “Lepenski Vir” is an important Mesolithic archaeological site  “Venus of Laussell” “Venus of Willendorf” Prehistoric Architecture Cromlechs Menhirs – a tall, upright stone erected during prehistoric times which are mostly found in Europe Dolmens – a prehistoric structure dominantly found in Europe which consists of a massive stone (flat or semi-flat) on top of two pillar-like stones Cromlechs – a group of menhirs and dolmens that are placed in a spiral formation; speculated to be used in rituals and as tombs during the prehistoric times