4.9 KiB
4.9 KiB
Chapter 1 - Discovering a World of Art
Table of Contents
The World as We Perceive It
What is the difference between passive and active seeing?
The Process of Seeing
- Seeing is an inherently creative process
- Trompe-l'oeil murals are a perfect example of this (making space out of something flat)
- What we perceive is dictated by our complex perceptions of the world
- Just taking it in, no further examination
Active Seeing
- We can understand our filters (prejudices) and learn to look more closely beyond them
- Everything seen is colored by our perceptions of the world and our history with it
- Properly perceiving and understanding the meaning of a work
The World as Artists See It
What is the creative process and what roles do artists most assume when they engage in that process?
The Creative Process
- All artists have shared fundamental desire to create
- In order to create artists engage in critical thinking
- Creative process is an exercise in critical thinking
Art and the Idea of Beauty
- For many, the purpose of art is to satisfy aesthetic senses
- In western culture beauty is associated with order, regularity, right proportion, and design
- Hallmarks of the Greek Golden Age
- Work of art itself may not be beautiful, but the higher level of awareness given to the viewer may be thought of as a form of beauty
Roles of the Artist
- Most artists think of themselves as assuming one (or a combination) of four fundamental roles
- They create a visual record of their time and place
- They help us to see the world in new and innovative ways
- They make functional objects and structures more pleasurable by imbuing them with beauty and meaning
- They give form to immaterial ideas and feelings
1.) Artists Make a Visual Record of the People, Places, and Events of Their Time and Place
- Sometimes artists only want to record accurately what they have seen/are seeing
- Art of portraiture is a direct reflection of this desire
2.) Artists Help Us to See the World In New Or Innovative Ways
- Literally, help us take a new understanding to an object
- For instance, hang trees
3.) Artists Make Functional Objects and Structures (Buildings) More Pleasurable and Elevate Them Or Imbue Them With Meaning
- For instance a coffin with a sculpture of a film projector upon it
- Demonstrates the person the coffin is for loved films or was in some way connected to films
- We want our spaces to be more appealing
- Green Architecture is an example of this
4.) Artists Give Form To The Immaterial -- Hidden Or Universal Truths, Spiritual Forces, Personal Feelings
- Minkisi are small statues in Central Africa that have power from the dead/spirits and some speakers can harness power through them
- Aminism is the belief that inanimate objects posses souls
- Most religious artworks
Seeing the Value in Art
How does the public come to value art -- or not?
Artistic Value and the "Culture Wars"
- Value of art is not all about money
- Art has intrinsic value
- A minor had her genitals presented as art, was fought in court as whether or not it was "Criminally Obscene"
- Basically, how much can art toe the line with what is culturally acceptable and what defines art as valuable is tied to how that art presents itself (e.g. not just a straight picture but has some form or substance)
The Avant-Garde and Public Opinion
- Avant-Garde works are usually viewed with reservation as it typically has little context for which to view it
- Hard to appreciate what is not understood
Political Visions
- If art appears to be promoting a specific political or social agenda then there are bound to be parts of the public that disagree with its point of view
- That political vision of an art piece can shift with time as the public's understanding changes
Key Points
Differentiate Between Passive and Active Seeing
- Everything we see is filtered through our understandings and prejudices
- Through art we can see past our own filters or at least understand our filters
- Art allows us to look more closely at the world
Define the Creative Process and Describe the Roles That Artists Most Often Assume When They Engage In That Process
- Artists share desire to create, but their response is divergent
- Artists must be an explorer and inventory
- Artists think of themselves as assuming one of four roles
- Record specific times places visually
- Imbue objects with beauty and meaning
- Give form to feelings and ideas
- Help us see the world in new and innovative ways
Discuss the Different Ways In Which People Value, or Do Not value, Works of Art
- Monetary value of a work of art is determined by the art market
- Often established by auction houses
- Art has intrisic value
- Public usually receives innovative artwork with reservation
- Has little context to understand and appreciate the art by