Lesson 4: SUBJECT AND CONTENT OF ART Flashcards
Two Kinds of Art as to Subject:
- Representational or Objective Art
- Nonrepresentational or Non- objective Art
They are those arts that depict (represent) objects that are commonly recognized by most people. They attempt to copy, even if in a subjective manner, something that is real. They use “form” and are concerned with “what” is to be depicted in the artwork.
- Representational or Objective Art
are often favored because they are easier to recognize. Viewers find a greater degree of comfort when what they see registers as something familiar.
Representational works
They are those arts without any reference to anything outside itself (without representation). It is abstract in the sense that it does not represent real objects in our world.
- Nonrepresentational or Non- objective Art
Examples are works of Jackson Pollock who is known for “ action paintings”
One source of confusion is the notion that non- representational art is the same as abstract art.
- Nonrepresentational or Non- objective Art
is a departure from reality, but the extent of that departure determines whether it has reached the end of the spectrum, which is NON-REPRESENTATIONALITY- a complete severance from the world.
Abstract art
(known for his paintings, he also dabbed into other works including sculptures.)
Even with the abstraction of the image, this work is arguably representational.
“HEAD OF A WOMAN, MOUGINS” (1962)
An abstract work of Pablo Picasso
a higher level of perceptiveness and insight might be required to fully grasp the feeling, emotion, or concept behind the work.
For Non-Representational art,
Sources of the Subject of Art
•Nature
•History
•Greek and Roman Mythology
•Religion
• Sacred and Oriental Text
Next to animals and people and their activities, nature as landscapes has been the common subject of the arts. It has been the most common inspiration and subject.
Nature
All art is conditioned by the historical period in which it is created.
History
This has been very important source of subjects in the arts. These art are so famous that they count as a definite part of our inheritance.
Greek and Roman Mythology
It has played an enormous role in inspiring works of visual arts, music, architecture, and literature through the ages.
Religion
Sacred texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Islam.
Sacred and Oriental Text
is the meaning, message, and/or feeling imparted by a work of art. This is not the same thing as the subject matter the work depicts. Content is inextricably linked with form, which refers to the pictorial aspects of art.
THE CONTENT OF ART
It is the mass of ideas associated with each artwork and communicated through the following:
The Art’s imagery
The symbolic meaning
Its surroundings where it is used or displayed
The customs, beliefs, and values of the culture that uses it
Writings that help explain the work.
Three levels of Meaning
FACTUAL MEANING
CONVENTIONAL MEANING
SUBJECTIVE MEANING
the literal statement or narrative content in the work that can be directly apprehended because the objects presented are easily recognized.
FACTUAL MEANING
it refers to the special meaning that the certain object or color has for a particular culture or group of people when it is shown in an artwork.
CONVENTIONAL MEANING
it refers to the individual meaning deliberately and instinctively expressed by the artist using a personal symbolism that stems from his own alliance with certain objects, actions, or colors with past experiences.
SUBJECTIVE MEANING-
Nations keep art for several reasons. Consider the San Agustin Church built from 1568-1607, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- NATIONAL PRIDE AND GLORY
