SUBJECT AND CONTENT OF ART - Art Appreciation

Summary

The video, presented by teacher Levi, explores 'The Subject and Content of Art.' It covers key concepts such as the subject in art, which refers to the main idea depicted, using examples like Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The script explains different types of art—representational, non-representational, and abstract—and the ways artists convey their messages. Additionally, it discusses sources of subject matter such as nature, history, and religion. Various art movements like realism, symbolism, futurism, and surrealism are introduced, along with their unique approaches to conveying meaning through art.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The subject of art refers to the main idea or essence represented in a piece of artwork.
• 🖼️ Representational (or objective) art depicts objects that are easily recognized by most people and attempts to portray them realistically.
• 🌟 Non-representational (or non-objective) art does not reference real objects and focuses on content rather than form.
• 🌍 Common sources of art subjects include nature, history, mythology, religion, and cultural texts.
• 🏞️ Subjects of art can vary widely and include landscapes, still lifes, portraits, animals, figures, and scenes from everyday life.
• 🖌️ Realism as an art style aims to depict things as they are, often influenced by photography and the desire to capture objective reality.
• 🔮 Abstract art presents the subject through the artist's emotions or ideas rather than an objective representation.
• 💡 Symbolism uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and can vary depending on audience perception and the artist's intent.
• 🌈 Movements like Fauvism, Dadaism, Futurism, and Surrealism all offer distinct approaches to presenting subjects, from bright colors to dream-like images.
• 📖 Content in art refers to the meaning, message, or feelings conveyed by the artwork, which can be understood on factual, conventional, or subjective levels.

Q & A

What is the subject in art, as defined in the script?

The subject in art refers to the main idea or essence represented in the artwork. It is the person, object, scene, or event being depicted, such as Mona Lisa in Leonardo da Vinci's painting.

How can you determine the subject matter of a particular piece of art?

You can determine the subject matter by asking yourself: What is depicted in the artwork? What is the artist trying to express? What message is the artist conveying? And how are they conveying that message?

What are the two kinds of art in terms of subject?

The two kinds of art are representational or objective art, which depicts recognizable objects, and non-representational or non-objective art, which does not reference real objects and uses content rather than form.

What are some sources of subject matter in art?

Sources of subject matter in art include nature, history, Greek and Roman mythology, religion, sacred oriental texts, and everyday life.

What is the difference between realism and abstraction in presenting the subject of art?

Realism attempts to depict the subject as it is, often focusing on accurate and objective representation. Abstraction, on the other hand, presents the subject in a non-literal way, focusing on the artist's ideas or emotions rather than the physical appearance of the subject.

What is symbolism in art?

Symbolism in art involves using symbols to convey deeper meanings. The meaning of a symbol can vary based on the audience's perception or the artist's intended message.

What is Dadaism, and why is it considered controversial as an art form?

Dadaism is an art movement that emerged as a response to the absurdity of the modern world. It is often seen as nonsensical or chaotic, which leads some to argue it is not art. However, it is still considered art because it is man-made and reflects imagination.

How does surrealism differ from other art movements?

Surrealism focuses on dreamlike, imaginative, or subconscious imagery. It presents objects in unusual ways to evoke feelings of wonder or absurdity, drawing on the inner workings of the mind rather than reality.

What are the three levels of meaning in art according to Clifford (1966)?

The three levels of meaning are: factual meaning (the literal, recognizable content of the work), conventional meaning (symbolism understood by a particular culture or group), and subjective meaning (the personal message or symbolism intended by the artist).

What is the content of art, and how does it differ from the subject?

The content of art refers to the meaning, message, or emotion conveyed by the artwork. It goes beyond the subject by including the symbolism, cultural context, and interpretations tied to the work.