Unit I: Foundations of Art

Lesson 1: The Importance, Meaning, and Assumptions of Art

Duration: 3 hours

Introduction

Are you a big fan of art? If so, what is art for you? But if art doesn’t have any impact on
you, would you still care about what it is? Stop saying no because this lesson will
motivate you to look closer and get a glimpse of what art truly is and the enormous
explanation and definitions.

In your schooling timeline, reality speaks that art class or art subject is not an
exemption, right? Or even if it is not an art subject, there would still be an art-related
activity within that particular subject. You would probably even agree that art will take
hold of you even after you finished your college years.

Since you have realized the immensity of your connectivity to art, there's still a need to
extend your understanding of it. This lesson, beginning with definitions of art, its nature,
its importance, and the creative process, will guide you to crave more and venture more
about the vast influence art you could ever imagine.

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 Differentiate the various nature and assumptions of art
 Explain the process of creativity
 Create a unique visualization of the creative process
 Identify and discuss art and art appreciation.
 Define art from a cultural perspective.

Pre-Test
Note: Give it a try! Test yourself by answering the activity without reading the
discussions. It’s a way to challenge yourself, believing that you will be surprised at its
result when we get through with this lesson. Good Luck!

Task 1. Choose the appropriate word/ statement for each picture. Write your
answer on the blank boxes. Choices are provided for each line of pictures.

Line 1 (horizontal) It is art It’s not art Maybe it’s art

Line 2 (horizontal) Art is nature Art is not nature Nature and art are the same
Line 3 (horizontal) Art is universal Art is cultural Art involves experience
Line 4 (horizontal) Innovation Imagination Creativity
Line 1

Line 2

Line 3

Line 4

Lesson Proper:
A. Activity
“Before we go directly through the content of this lesson, you should finish this simple
activity. Eventually, this will make you realize that this is the right avenue for you to
understand the lesson well”. You can do it!
Try this!
Task 2: Try to imagine that you and your friends happened to be in these scenarios.
What would possibly become your small talk? Create communication by observing the
location, expression of characters, or even gestures.
B. Analysis

C. Abstraction
Art is a wide range of man's activity from expression down to creating tangible or
intangible things. Visual artwork is one of the oldest, rich, complex, and popular forms of
the art highly rooted in one's culture. Other forms like auditory and performing arts are
also considered as manifestations of man's expression and imaginative skills.
From your basic knowledge of art. How would you define art? Webster New Collegiate
Dictionary says that "Art is the constant use of skills and creative imagination especially
in the production of aesthetic objects" But in a more specific and straightforward way,
we can define it in this way. Art is painting, sculpture, music, dance, play, and the like.
But there is more beyond this definition. Art is the expression of man's experience,
thoughts, feelings, and observations that transforms something ordinary to
extraordinary.
This experience that exudes from man's inner voice can transform into something
functional, artworks that lift one's spirit, allow others to experience aesthetic
significance, pain or sorrow, confusion, and other emotional power or even helps us
appreciate beauty. Perhaps we can say that art is very human and uniquely human.
Definitions of art vary in many ways, and sometimes it will depend on how you have
experienced and encountered art.
Art is derived from the Latin word “ars” which means ability or skills or manmade, and
from the Italian word “artis” meaning craftsmanship, mastery and inventiveness.
Because of the traces from the greatest works of human activity anyone can argue that
art is a product of man’s mastery and skills rooted from his artistic creativity. Thus, all
artworks express the artist’s imagination, his emotions, ideas and things he wants and
values in life. (Estolas et al., 1995)
Let’s take a break! "Before we move forward with this lesson, let us enjoy and
discover more about the topic."
Task 3: Watch the video presentation. Go to Youtube and type the title of the video or
type the URL. After watching this video, write your new discoveries or collect some
information that seems very interesting to you. Write or draw it on the box below.
“Aesthetic Appreciation: What is Art?
Crash Course Philosophy #30”

DISCOVER
MORE
HERE!

SOURCES:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ5duzln2wI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2VpNx5ZxSA

MY NEW
DISCOVERIES!

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ASSUMPTIONS OF ART
Art is rooted in culture, and it ties our present from the past and connects us to the
future. As independent of one's culture, artworks serve as a form of communication of
ideas and emotions, perceptions, or even passion through political, philosophical, and
spiritual matters. Art binds the identity of one's culture, which makes them unique from
the rest. Art mirrors culture
Art is universal. Art is as old as humans. In almost every country and within the most
primitive communities, there is always art in every era and locus. No matter what period
or location, art exists. That is why it is universal. People from different countries
worldwide respond to art for every other reason. The ability to be moved by any art
forms is undeniably versatile.
Art is not in nature. Art is made by man using his skills, craftsmanship, creativity, and
imagination. It is far different from nature. A man may consider nature as inspiration to
create an artwork. A very distinctive characteristic of man that differs from animals is
that man can create art. A man may incorporate his past experiences or influence from
his environment to create an artwork. Art represents what he sees, experiences, feels,
smells, values, etc., and presents them through artistic interpretation.

Art Involves Experience. Experience is the actual doing of something. The perfection
of art appreciation will never be possible without experiencing art. All art requires
experience. The experience of art is subjective. Our judgment of art is highly personal
and individual. We should not expect others to agree with our own experience with art.
Another thing is that an emotional response accompanies art experience. The initial
reaction in such experience of art is inevitable. We may either like or dislike it. We can
say that it's beautiful or it's not good at all.
What is Art Appreciation? Art Appreciation is the capacity to understand art's works
and experience a certain enjoyment in creating art. It deals with our encounter with the
artworks and the artists and how we are affected by it. As we see, hear, or feel any
artwork, we realize that something in that artwork is also a part of our experience,
because art is the transmission of feelings the artist has experienced or the expression
of the ineffable emotion of the artist (Tolstoy). Any artwork will prompt us with valuable
aesthetic emotion, admiration and inspiration.
What is creativity and its process? The cognitive process of mind includes
imagination, creativity and thinking with innovation. Imagination is envisioning
ideas that are not present in reality. Imagination is visualizing the impossible or things
that are not present in our senses. Creativity uses imagination to represent new ideas
and create a physical embodiment which is beneficial and with value. It is the unveiling
of the impossible to possible. Through creativity, the production of valuable products is
involved (Mumford, 2003, p. 110). Or in another statement from Robert Sternberg, the
production of "something original and worthwhile." The valuable result of creativity can
either be intangible like new ideas and musical composition, or tangible object like
sculpture or painting. Expression is making known ones thoughts or feelings. It means
that the work of art reflects the artist’s personality, background or even personal
circumstances. The central focus of any expression comes from within an individual
and it can be an expression of ideas or feelings through words, actions, or any artistic
activities. Thus all these things will make its way for brand new innovation.

In

D. Application
Task 4: Congratulations! Now that you have complete knowledge and understanding of
the foundations of art and enjoyed all your tasks. I know that you are ready to assess
yourself and gauge your knowledge of our lesson. Try this!
Answer the following questions without copying from the lesson above.
1. What is your definition of art? Art appreciation?
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2. Why is art not nature?
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3. Why does art involve experience?
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4. Why is art universal?
______________________________________________________________________
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Reflection /Learning Insights

Task 5: Congratulations! You have a clear understanding of the art, its nature,
and the creative process. At this point, I want you to reflect and write your
insights about the lesson
MY JOURNAL
My Insights

Post-Test
Task 6: Test your knowledge here!
Multiple Choice. Encircle the right answer.

Questions Choices

1. It is one of the oldest, A. Art B. Visual Art

rich, complex, and popular
forms of art that is highly C. Performing arts D. Auditory
rooted in one's culture.

2. Art is subjective, and an A. Art Involves B. Art is Universal

emotional response Judgement
accompanies art
experience C. Art is not nature D. Art is expression

3. It is the expression of A. Experience B. Art

man's experience,
thoughts, feelings, and C. Creativity D. Visual Art
observations that
transforms something
ordinary to extraordinary.

4. Almost all countries A. Art is nor nature B. Art involves

have their primitive history experience
of art.
C Art is Universal D. Art is Human

5. It is the capacity to A. Arts B. Art Appreciation

 understand the works of C. Fine Arts D. Art History
art and experience a
certain enjoyment in
creating art.

6. Painting is art, no matter A. Art is universal B. Art is Cultural

it is close to nature. Still, it
is art. C. Art is not nature D. Art is Expression

7. Creativity needs this A. Expression B. Imagination

element
D. Innovation D. Both A and B

8. It is the word that A. Art is universal B. Art is cultural

describes music, literature,
painting and sculpture,
theatre, and film. It is C. Art is not nature D. Art needs
believed to consist of the creativity
"works and practices of
intellectual and especially
artistic activity" of a
particular group of people

9.  I don't like the paintings A. Art involves B. Art experience is

I saw in the museum. I felt experience accompanied with a
so uncomfortable. certain emotion.

C. Art is subjective D. Both B and C

10. Art binds the identity of A. Art is not nature B. Art is universal
one's culture, which makes
them unique from the rest. C. Art is creativity D. Art is cultural
Art mirrors culture

Final Requirement
Task 7: Create your own unique concept map or mind map about the creative
process.
Note: Use your imagination and creativity to come up with your unique concept map.
You can use images to present your ideas. Images can be in a form of drawing or cut-
out materials. Try to be resourceful. Use available materials at home. An example is
provided below.
 Art Appreciation Class Activities 2019, Instructor: Jovita F. Punzalan

SELF EVALUATION: Check your level of progress in this module. You will use this
medium to rate the level of your mastery of the lesson. For the "PRE" column, check
the mastery level before studying the lesson and for the "POST" column after you
have completed the module. It will give you a clear interpretation of the level of
progress you gained from this module.
 -I don’t -I am starting to -Sometimes I get -I can accomplish
understand yet. learn. confused. it!
TARGETS -I don’t have any -I am beginning -I make minimal -I understand with
idea about it to challenge mistakes confidence!
myself -I can do it!
Beginner Developing Proficient Exceeds
Pre Post Pre Post Pre Post Pre Post
Compare the different
definitions of art

Differentiate the
various nature and
assumptions of art

Explain the process of

creativity

Create a unique
visualization of the
creative process

Identify and discuss

art appreciation.

Define art from a

cultural perspective.

References:
Ballo, G. (1989). The Critical Eye. A New Approach to Art Appreciation, William
Heinemann London
Caslib, B.N., Garing D, C., & Casaul JA, R., (2018). Art Appreciation, Rex
Bookstore Inc.
Devilles G., Maiquez R., & Tolentino R., (2018). Art Sense, Sensing the Arts in
Every day, C&E Publishing Inc.
Panisan, W.K., Ipan-Bongabong, M.L., Boongaling, C.G., Trinidad, M.B., (2018).
Art Appreciation, Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Punzalan, J.F., Bernardo R.P.,& Caberos C.E., (2019). Art Appreciation, St.
Andrew Publishing House

Images Online Sources:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-deals/ANA-to-buy-10-stake-in-Philippine-Airlines-say-
sources
https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2018/10/29/young-indigenous-leaders.html
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/32721534762569063/?
amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID(_)&mweb_unauth_ikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkd={{default.session}}&simplifie
d=true
https://www.academyoflearning.ab.ca/courses/computer-fundamental/
https://www.amazon.in/Pixel-Artz-Canvas-Painting-Colorful/dp/B072MZDMXY
https://www.cosmo.ph/news/baguio-cancels-panagbenga-festival-covid-19-a1320-20200310
https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/travels-geology-pyramids-giza-wonders-ancient-world
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rufusknight/3079339372
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/nordviken-chair-black-40369109/
https://www.jameshempel.com/art-gallery-bringing-art-and-culture-together/
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/161777811600336261/
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/33495590961743281/
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/405605510163033410/
https://www.postermywall.com/index.php/art/template/c114c2ed2104bd8b815cf7fbb2f34f44/
notebook-paper-background-design-template#.XypSmigzbIU
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Sunflower-in-a-Vase/188870/109690/view
https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/asias-50-best-restaurants-2018-the-list-in-
pictures.html
https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/414137-easel-with-blank-canvas-doodle-style-sketch-
illustration