CHAPTER 1

Objectives
• Discuss the different definitions of art from different artists
• Differentiate art history from art appreciation
• Characterize artistic expression based on personal experiences with art
• Appreciate the valuable role of arts through participation and intense
involvement in artistic activities

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF HUMANITIES

The Study of Humanities

◦ The term “humanities originated from Renaissance Latin expression

studia humanitatis or study of humanitas which refers to “culture,
refinement, education”.
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◦ During the Renaissance period of the early 15 century, the studia
humanitatis became a secular study in the universities at the time.

◦ The humanities course primarily consisted of grammar, rhetoric, poetry,

history, and moral philosophy, Latin and Greek classics.

◦ The study of humanities today include literature, language, philosophy,

geography, history, religion, music and art. These subjects use methods
that are primarily critical, speculative, and historical in elements.

◦ Humanities are academic disciplines that deal on the various aspects of

society and the noble man. Thus, humanities make man more humane,
cultured, dignified, and refined human being. In short, humanities bring
out the best and worthiness of man as a person.
MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF ART

◦ Art is a subject under humanities (there is no one universal definition of

art since art is subjective). It is subjective in the sense that people differ in
their perception of an object or thing.

◦ Etymologically, art is from an Italian word “artis” defined as human

creative skill. Art includes its application, craftsmanship, skill,
inventiveness, mastery of form, and association of the use of forms and
ideas and the utilization of materials and techniques.
From Aryan civilization, “ar” means to join or put together; from
Latin word “ars” implying ability or skill; and from the Greek words

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 “artizien” which implies to prepare and “arkiskien” denotes to put
together.

◦ Some people may consider an object as something beautiful and

meaningful while others may consider it as ugly or meaningless. In other
words, different authors and writers define art in various ways as they
perceive it.

◦ Moreover, the meaning of art has changed throughout history due to

multicultural settings. Thus, every time a new movement in art emerged,
the meaning of what is art, or what is acceptable as art, is being
challenged.

❖ Some Definitions of Art

• Art is a product of man’s need to express himself-F. Zulueta

• Art concerned itself with the communication of certain ideas and feelings and by
means of form and film -C. Sanchez
• Art is that which brings life in harmony with the world.-Plato
• Art is an attitude of spirit, a state of mind-one which demands for its own
satisfaction and fulfilling, a shaping matter to new and more signification forms-
John Dewey
• Art is not what you see but you make others see- Geogia O’Keeffe
• Art is a life that helps us to realize the truth-Pablo Picasso
• Art is desire of a man to express himself, to record the action of his personality in
the world he lives in.-Amy Lowell
• Art is never finished, only abandoned- Leonardo da Vinci
• Art is the conscious creation of something beautiful or meaningful using skill and
imagination.- Lisa Morder
• Art is the skillful arrangement or composition of some common but significant
qualities of nature such us colors, sounds, lines, movements, words, stones, wood,
etc., to express human feelings, emotions, or thoughts in a perfect, meaningful,
and enjoyable way. - Panizo and Rustia

Four (4) Common Essentials of Art

1. Art is man-made, not God-made
2. Art is creative, not imitative
3. Art benefits and satisfies man-when he uses art in practical life through
artistic principles, taste, and skills.
4. Art is expressed through a certain medium or material by which the artist
communicates himself to his fellows.

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Why is Art important?
• Art improves your creativity skills.
• Art gives you joy satisfaction.
• Art relieves stress.
• Art gives you the opportunity to showcase your talent.
• Art gives confidence in our performance.
• Art helps you do well academically.
• Art helps you to express your emotions.
• Art is a different language because it can express things without words.

Importance of Art to Students

Art plays a valuable role to students;
1. Through participation in arts-music, dance, drama, media arts, and the
visual arts,
• Students can develop their creativity.
• Students learn about their identity.
• Students develop self-awareness
• Students develop sense of well-being
• Students develop self-confidence.

2. Through intense involvement in artistic activities,

• Students experience a sense of wonder and joy when learning through the
arts.
• Students can be motivated to participate more fully in cultural life.
• Students are able to gain educational opportunities, which they can use
later in their career life.

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 ART APPRECIATION
Art appreciation can be defined as follows:
• Art appreciation is the ability to interpret and understand man-made arts and
enjoy them through actual work experience with art tools and materials.
• Art appreciation is the possession of the works of art for one’s admiration and
satisfaction.
• Art appreciation refers to the knowledge and understanding of the general and
everlasting qualities that classify all great arts.
• Art appreciation is the introduction and exploration of visual and performing art
forms.
• Art appreciation is the analysis of the form of an artwork to general audience to
enhance their enjoyment and satisfaction of the works of art.

Importance of Art Appreciation

• Art Appreciation helps the person make sense of his world by broadening his
experience and understanding of the things around him.
• It can help the person imagine even the unimaginable.
• It can connect to a person’s life and experience the past, the present, and the
future or sometimes simultaneously.
• It can help transport the individual to different places and culture through
literature, films, visual arts, and other forms of art.
• It allows the individual to see himself, his family dynamics as well as his
community through different lens of great art.
• It enables the individual to better empathize with those who suffered and endured
for their lives through great art forms.

ART HISTORY
Art history is the study of objects of art considered within their time or period. Art
historians analyze visual arts’ meaning (painting, sculpture, architecture) at the time they
were created.
Art Historians develop ways to translate from the visual to the verbal, through
analysis and interpretation, using a number of different approaches and methodologies.
Art Historians develop a special sensitivity and understanding of the way visual,
material, and – in contemporary art sometimes immaterial – expression makes meaning in the
world, and how those meanings contribute to our social, political, and spiritual life.

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Importance of studying Art History
▪ Understanding cultures

Visual art recounts stories of our past; it gives an account of past events. Art
history allows us to look back and understand how our civilization evolved over the
centuries. It is a way to know ourselves better. Why do we have certain values? What
shaped the way we think and our vision of the world?
▪ Develop critical thinking

Studying art history is not about memorizing dates, artists’ names, art
movements, etc. Instead, it drives you to analyze paintings, photographs, sculptures,
etc. To support your analysis, you must build rational and convincing arguments,
hence developing your critical thinking.

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 Activity 1
I. Multiple Choice
Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer that corresponds each artist’s definition of
art.

1. Art defines art as not what you see but you make other see.
a. Plato b. Geogia O’ Keeffe c. F. Zulueta d. John Dewey
2. Art as an attitude of spirit, a state of mind – one which demands for its own satisfaction
and fulfilling, shaping matter to new and more signification forms.
a. Amy Lowell b. Plato c. C. Sanchez d. F. Zulueta
Answer:John Dewey
3. Art is a product of man’s need to express himself.

a. C. Sanchez b. Amy Lowell c. Geogia O’ Keeffe d. Plato

4. Art is never finished, only abandoned.
a. F. Zulueta b. C. Sanchez c. Leonardo Da Vinci d. John Dewey
5. Art is desire of a man to express himself, to record the action of his personality in the
world he lives in.
a. Amy Lowell b. Plato c. John Dewey d. Geogia O’ Keffe
6. Art is a life that helps us to realize the truth
a. Leonardo Da Vinci b. Plato c. Amy Lowell d.Pablo Picasso
7. Art is that which brings life in harmony with the world
a. Plato b. Leonardo Da Vinci c. F. Zulueta d. C. Sanchez
8. Art concerned itself with the communication of certain ideas and feelings and by
means of form and film.
a. Pablo Picasso b. John Dewey c. C. Sanchez d. F. Zulueta
9. Art is the skillful arrangement or composition of some common but significant
qualities of nature such us colors, sounds, lines, movements, words, stones, wood,
etc., to express human feelings, emotions, or thoughts in a perfect, meaningful,
and enjoyable way.
a. John Dewey b. Panizo and Rustia c. Lisa Morder d. Plato
10. Art is the conscious creation of something beautiful or meaningful using skill and
imagination.
a. Lisa Morder b. Plato c. F. Zulueta d. Panizo and Rustia

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B. SELF-EXPRESSION
Directions: Write your thoughts freely on the following items.
1. How do you define art?
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2. As a student, how can you say that art is valuable?
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3. How will you differentiate art history from art appreciation?
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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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