HOLY NAME UNIVERSITY

GEC ART: ART APPRECIATION

Name: Allysa Mae C. Tuasoc, BSCE – 2
Section and Schedule: N – 8:30 to 9:30 AM (MWF)

CHAPTER 2: ASSUMPTIONS OF ART

TASK B:

1. Why is art universal?

 Art is universal because it exists in every society and culture, regardless of

time period or location. It’s a fundamental part of human nature to create and
express emotions, ideas, and stories through artistic forms like music,
painting, dance, and literature (Dissanayake, 1992). I believe art is one of the
few things that actually connects people across generations. A song that has
been written for centuries may still bring people to tears today, and a painting
created in one country can be understood and loved by someone on the other
end of the world. Art moves beyond the boundaries of language and social
differences, showing that creativity plays an important role in human life.

2. Why is art not nature?

 Art is not nature because it does not exist independently but it is a product of
human creativity, interpretation, and intention. Nature is raw and unshaped,
whereas art takes what exists in nature and transforms it into something that
conveys meaning or emotion (Tatarkiewicz, 1972). As an example, a sunset
in itself can be a beautiful thing, but through a painter painting it on a canvas
or the written word of a poet, it becomes much more than just a natural
phenomenon, it becomes an expression. I believe this is what makes art so
unique since it allows us to see the world not just as it is, but as we feel it or
imagine it to be. Artists give meaning to nature through portrayals of the
same, which evoke emotions and tell stories.

3. Why does art demand involvement?

 Art demands involvement because it requires both the creator and the
audience to engage with it on an intellectual and emotional level (Dewey,
1934). An artist putting something into a work puts thought, emotions, and
experiences, but the real deal with the art isn't completed until somebody else
has his own interpretation or connects to the piece in any way. In fact, what
 one painting is to a given person can differ greatly to a completely different
individual depending on experiences. Even abstract art, which might not be
showing anything, invites the viewers to find meaning for themselves in it. I
believe that's what makes art powerful is that it is not something we see or
hear, it is something we experience, reflect on, and respond to.

4. How is art expressed?

 Art is expressed in countless ways, from traditional forms like painting,

sculpture, and music to modern digital art, film, and even fashion design
(Langer, 1953). Personally, to me, art means the way by which people try to
say what words can never say. Sometimes, emotions can be put forward
through poetry. Sometimes, emotions can be brought out by means of dance.
Sometimes, a photograph may reveal the artist's point of view. In short,
anything done in the decoration of rooms, dressing, and cooking is artistic. It
doesn't have just one definition because, for me, art is very fluid, evolves, and
deeply personal; not only do individual creativities appear, but so does culture
and time of that creation.

5. What does it mean to say, "Art involves experience?"

 When we say "art involves experience," it means that art is not just something
to be observed passively but it is something that engages the senses,
emotions, and intellect. Both the artist and the audience bring their own
experiences into the art-making and interpretation process (Dewey, 1934).
For instance, a song may evoke different emotional impacts based on the
listener's personal memories associated with it. A painting may remind one
person of a past love while another sees it as a representation of freedom. Art
is never just about what is physically present; it is about the emotions it
evokes and the meanings people attach to it. For me, the most powerful art is
the one that gives you feelings, happiness, sadness, nostalgia, or inspiration.
That's what makes art very human, it connects you with yourself and other
people through experiences.

TASK C:

1. Man learned to draw before he could start to talk.

 I strongly agree with this statement because visual expression is one of the
oldest forms of communication. Even before humans developed spoken
language, they were already creating images on cave walls to tell stories,
depict their daily lives, and express their emotions. Drawing is a natural and
 instinctive way for people to communicate, especially when words are not
available. It is something we can see in children even now, before they learn
to speak fluently, when they scribble and doodle to depict their thoughts. It
leaves me to believe that art has an inclination deep within us, something
that surfaces instinctively to give a semblance of meaning to the world
around us. It is interesting to think how early these drawings have become
historical records, giving insight into prehistoric civilizations and how they
pictured life.

2. Art is lived because it is liked and engaged.

 Art is not something we observe from afar but it's something we experience,
interact with, and even absorb into our lives. We may listen to music while
working, decorate our living spaces with meaningful artwork, or attend
concerts and theater performances, and so art becomes a part of us. We do
not just see art, we feel it, connect with it, and let it influence us. I think that's
why art remained a constant throughout human history. If people do not
connect themselves with it, then it won't have power like it has today. That is
the beauty of art thriving because it affects us on every level, mentally and
intellectually. It isn't about painting something pretty. It is a creation of what
people can empathize with to reflect upon themselves and be beautiful in
their individual ways.

3. Art expression may be expressed 100% in the conscious mind.

 I would not entirely agree with this statement because creativity or art often
originates from the subconscious mind rather than the conscious. Although
most artists consciously intend on what they wish to say and plan every
artistic move they are going to take, the bulk of creative imagination takes
place subconsciously. For instance, when I compose stories or poems, ideas
can just pop in without my necessarily thinking of them. Later, I will discover
that it is actually inspired by emotions, experiences, or memories that at the
time were even unconscious of themselves. That's why the greatest ideas
that come to the best artists, musicians, or writers are quite unexplainable:
sometimes it just comes up from nowhere during sleep, or perhaps in fits of
inspiration. This shows that art isn't purely a product of logical thought; it
also comes from feelings, instincts, and the deeper parts of the mind that we
may not always understand.

4. Art strengthens people's culture and identity.

  Art is among the most powerful methods of communicating cultural identity.
Each culture has its very own unique traditions in arts, be it music, dance,
paintings, literature, or even fashion. All these art forms help in the
preservation of history, beliefs, and traditions, which can benefit future
generations to keep their roots active. I think art plays a huge role in
strengthening the sense of belonging because when people see their culture
represented in art, they are able to feel a deeper connection to their
heritage. It's also a way for cultures to share their identity with the world. For
instance, K-pop, traditional Filipino dances, and indigenous paintings are all
artistic expressions that show the richness of various cultures. Without art,
many cultural traditions would disappear with time, and that is why it is so
important to continue creating and appreciating cultural art.

5. Art is a product of the imagination.

 Yes, without imagination, there would be no art. Creativity allows artists to

draw forth things from what they see, feel, and think and make them new
and meaningful. Even if an artist is representing reality, creativity plays a part
in how he or she presents it. For instance, a writer might take a real-life
experience and weft it into a fictional story, or a painter might take an
ordinary landscape and interpret it in a way that evokes deep emotion. I
think imagination is what makes art exciting-it pushes boundaries,
challenges perspectives, and opens up endless possibilities. It allows people
to dream, create, and share ideas that might not exist yet. Imagination plays
a big role in the innovation and designing of even products outside the so-
called traditional art, such as architecture or engineering. In my opinion,
without one, the other would not exist. Art and imagination walk hand in
hand.