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Chapter 1Humanities and Art Appreciation: An IntroductionLEARNING OUTCOMEIntroductory ActivityAs a preliminary activity, the teacher will ask the students the following questions: Do you think of yourself as a creative person? If you do, why? If you do not, why not? Are you more creative and most pr...

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Chapter 1 Humanities and Art Appreciation: An Introduction “Appreciation of works of art requires organized effort and systematic study” Dr. Arbert C. Barnes

LEARNING OUTCOME At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4.

practice viewing and interpreting art; understand the importance of humanities and art appreciation in every individual’s life; gain a general knowledge of the creation and functions of arts; and recognize the certain purpose of art as well as its classification and discuss their

Introductory Activity As a preliminary activity, the teacher will ask the students the following questions: 1. Do you think of yourself as a creative person? If you do, why? If you do not, why not? 2. Are you more creative and most productive when feeling happy? Do you suffer if you are not? 3. How do you determine whether a particular art is an original work of an artist? 4. What talent/s would you like to improve as a person? Why? Meaning and Importance of Humanities tymologically, the term “humanities” is from a Latin word humanus which means educated. It refers to the learning of arts such as architecture, dance, literature, music, painting, theatre, and sculpture (Sanchez, 2011). They are branches of knowledge that focuses on individual opinions and relationships (Machlis, 2003). As a branch of learning, the artwork is considered as the material object, while its creativity and appreciation are the formal objects (Menoy, 2009 and Marcos, et al., 2010).

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Likewise, Humanities is more concerned with how an individual expresses his or her feelings. These feelings can be in facial manifestations or body movements. Crying, clenching the fists, curling the toes, stretching out the fingers, crossing the arms, and laughing are representations of humanities (Menoy, 2009). As a branch of knowledge, Humanities explores human conditions through the use of analytical, critical, or theoretical methods. These methods are in the form of ideas and words that help makes our lives more colorful and meaningful. Moreover, Humanities can also be a study of

how an individual documented and processed his or her experiences, particularly in connecting to others. Imparting humanities as an academic science is designed to let the learners, particularly the new generations become logical, creative and artistic individuals. Humanities help the students to connect with the community through art exposure like museum outings, concerts, theatre performances, and more (Marcos, 2010).

Art Has a Feel-Good Power on the Brain By: Robie Benve Source: https://feltmagnet.com/artist-corner/How-Arts-Improve-Quality-of-Life Updated on December 1, 2018

Based from scientific studies, the power of art on the brain has an effect on the quality of human life. It has been shown, by Ercole Vellone (2017) in her study, that among stroke survivors, who has interest in the arts enjoyed better general health, had more energy, easier to walk, and tend to be happier. They were also less likely to unhappy or sad. The results of the study imply that art may have lasting changes to the brain that help the person to recuperate when things go wrong. Thus, understanding art will make the brain active and involved. Art has always been a way of touching our souls and connecting our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions to our own experiences. Being a deep experience of ourselves, art can help us to understand ourselves and enhance our lives through our creativity. Science confirms what all art lovers already knew, that art appreciation improves quality of life and makes you feel good. Great artworks stimulate the brain like falling in love which in effect produce dopamine. Also, appreciating art helps a person follow the hierarchy needs toward a stage of selfactualization or “being need”. This stage would drive us to realize our true skills and achieve our ideal self including our personal and creative self-growth (Maslow, 1943).

Maslow's Pyramid of Needs

Description of Art Appreciation When we observe our surroundings, we see many things that relate to art. People look at art in different ideas that they want to know more. Art can come in the form of an item, such as covers, paintings, portraits, posters, and more. Art can show ideas about the past, what is presently happening, and what may happen in the future. It can also show boredom, creativity meaning, and love. Art can be expressive because of the colors, interpretations, and forms it can create. Art Appreciation is a way to stimulate ideas and allows individuals to show their feelings when viewing artwork. It helps develops critical and innovative skills in thinking and teaches essential qualities in listening, observing, and responding to multiple viewpoints. It also requires an ability to differentiate what is apparent and what is not (Gargaro & Jilg, 2016 and Sanger, 2012). Perceptions and Stages in Creating Arts In our life, we experience fragmentation of our thoughts and feelings. However, by creating arts, it brings things back together. We merely make art because of so many reasons, and we enjoy the process of it. The word “art” is from a Latin arti, meaning craftsmanship, inventiveness, mastery of form, skill. It includes literature, music, paintings, photography, and Creating three-dimensional art sculpture. It expresses several meanings and Source: www.memecenter.com interpretations. It serves as an original record of human needs and achievements. It usually refers to what is called “fine arts” (e.g., graphics, plastic, and building) and what is called “minor arts” (everyday, useful, applied, and decorative arts). It is the process of using our senses and emotions in making creative activities (Marcos, 2010). It is a human capability to make things beautiful (e.g., buildings, illustration, designing, painting, sculpture, and photography) through the production of his or her imagination depending on the preparation, theme, medium, and values used. Likewise, the word artist comes from the French word artiste and the Spanish artista, which means “performer.” It is someone who creates art that is merely trades and professions by which different people make their livings (Goines, 2004). Significantly, there are distinctive perceptions about arts as people observe. First, art is universal because it is seen in every corner of society. Art appears in everything we do or practice as a civilized or cultured individual. Second, art is a human-made because it is the product of his or her reflective and artistic skills which undergoes logical procedures in developing and expressing ideas, emotions, or feelings. Arts are temporary or superficial creations of the artists that showcase the talents given to them by the Divine Creator. Thirdly, Arts is the articulation of experience because it rationalizes how the artist lives and survives. Art represents a story of human

life that unveils its truth through the application of colors, shape, movement, sound, text, and other elements that define beauty. Furthermore, the artist uses imagination and skill to produce works that may be judged to have aesthetic importance. Creativity is a characteristic of an artist who has evolved to the extent of his or her life to express feelings. These are all processed in three important stages, such as Development Stage, Adaptation Stage, and Completion Stage (Sanchez, 2011). a. Development Stage (Creation of the Ideas). Artists usually impress people. They used their creative imagination in making their artwork. For example, a composer may write a song to the development of a romance between a man and a woman, or the pain of a heart broken. b. Adaptation Stage (Creation of the Materials). The artist uses different mediums to give form to an idea. For example: A painter uses pigments; a sculptor uses wood, metal, or stone; an author uses words, and a composer uses musical sounds to determine the notes. c.

Completion Stage (Creation of the Forms). There are different forms that the artists use in expressing their ideas. It is a medium of artistic expression recognized as fine art. This form is used to explain the physical nature of the artwork, like in metal sculpture or oil painting.

Functions of Arts From the very beginning, art has been part of human history. Human experience described, defined, and deepened arts. Art benefits individuals and groups in different ways depending on the interaction between the individuals and the artwork. Understanding this context is an important part of developing a discussion of the function of artwork in society. During the prehistoric period, for example, people performed songs and dances to gratify their ancestors. Hunters painted various figures on the walls of the caves to illustrate their day-to-day experiences. The arts also serve several functions which are the outcome of the item (Menoy, 2009), especially:

Individual or Personal Function. The artists perform because of the passion of their respective art forms. An artist may create art out of a need for selfexpression, or gratification. The artists might have wanted to communicate a thought or point to the viewer. Perhaps the artist was trying to provide an aesthetic experience, both for self and viewers. For example, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (Asia’s Songbird) is a wellknown artist (singer) for possessing a unique vocal range. She sometimes presents a concert for free because of her advocacy and the love of singing. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Source: shorturl.at/hBEUY

Public/Social Function. Social functions of art are beyond personal intrinsic value to the social benefits of arts. The artist connects with others through the performance of his/her art that produces social awareness. Art is for a public or social celebration that conveys family or community relations. Examples of this association are the choral singing, group dancing, public art exhibits, and other practices. UP-Manila Chorale Source: shorturl.at/blFQT

Commercial Functions. Art is a direct and indirect contributor to the state’s economies. An example of this is by generating economic vitality in under-performing regions through crafts, tourism, and cultural attractions such as the Kadayawan festival at Davao City in August.

Kadayawan sa Davao Festival 2019 Source: shorturl.at/stxTW

Political Functions. Art provides a forum for ideas that will lead to power, status, employment, and prestige. During the election period, for example, the candidates created their posters expressing their propaganda, agendas, and political views about a stable society.

Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte Source: shorturl.at/beiLR

Historical Functions. Art is an important method for information to be recorded and preserved. It serves to document or reconstruct historical figures and events. For example, when you visit Rizal or Luneta Park and Fort Santiago, you think of Dr. Jose Rizal who contributed to the significant history of Manila.

Rizal or Luneta Park Source: shorturl.at/gmrt2

Cultural Functions. Art is an articulation and transmission of new information and values. For example, the 1892 painting Parisian Life by Juan Luna represents the condition of the Philippines during Spanish times which became controversial when it was bought by the Government Services Insurance System (GSIS) in 2002 at an auction in Hong Kong for P46 million. Through art’s colors, materials, and symbolism, we can learn about the story and culture it has created in the past. Parisian Life oil painting of Juan Luna Source: shorturl.at/loqD0

Structural/Physical Functions. Buildings are designed and constructed creatively to make life safety and more meaningful. Architects, industrial and graphic designers, and interior decorators share responsibility in creating an environment that balances forms and functions.

Holy Cross of D Source: shorturl.at/kDN18

Religious/Spiritual Functions. Arts can also underpin religious or spiritual significance. An example of this is the painting of Hapag ng Pagasa (The Table of Hope, in photo) by renowned Filipino artist Joey Velasco who portrays a different version of the Last Supper of Christ. This is also the local version of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting. Hapag ng Pag-asa painting of Joey Velasco Source: shorturl.at/qwzDX

Reception Hall of Malacanang Palace Source: shorturl.at/cmNP8

Aesthetic Functions. Any artwork means beauty. It is a visual flavor for elegantly adorned interiors and can bring out the most elegant features of different décor elements. It reasonably reproduced visual images which communicate through fantastic persuasions and meaningful words. An example of this is the reception hall of Malacanang Palace, featuring the official pictures of Philippine presidents. This hall was built during the American period and underwent many modifications over the years until it was ultimately restored in 2011.

Purpose of Art Creativity is the fundamental basis of art. Art is the articulation of an idea or experience of an artist through the use of a medium in a visual way (Frank, 2011). Art is made when an artist produces a stimulating experience that is considered by his or her audience to have artistic merit. Through artistic works, he or she can share what is valuable to him or her with others and can learn about the feelings of those sharing art. It allows the expression of the individuality of the artist. Some purposes of art are as follow (Marcos et al., 2011): 1. Creates Beauty. Art is an expression of our thoughts. It is the communication of ideas that cannot be shown by words alone. The example of beauty can be in a snowy mountain scene, and the art of the photograph as it shown to the family. 2. Commemorates Experience. Art serves to record the artist’s impression in his work and to convey his personal experiences.

3. Creates Harmony. An artist makes use of the composition to put an order in the diverse content of his work. 4. Provides Decoration. Artworks create an entertaining environment. It is meant to beautify things to please and amuse the viewers through their colors and patterns. 5. Reveals Truth. Artwork attempted to reveal about how the world works and pursue truth. It is a language that sends messages to the souls of the recipients that help change their attitudes, their sensibility, and their ethics. 6. Expresses Values. Through arts, the artist will be encouraged to develop their creativity, challenge, and communication skills. It also promotes self- esteem and wellness. Categories of art The arts, also called fine arts, are modes of expression that use imagination or skills in the creation of aesthetic objects or experiences that can be shared with others. There are many types of art, and its artworks can be created using a wide array of materials, media, and techniques. One of the criteria used for categorizing arts is the purpose for which they are created. The purpose of indulging in arts could be profit-making, religion, self-expression, or giving a social message. During the early modern period, many changes in the arts took place. Its categories can be on many characteristics, including form, shape, function, use, or social context. The categories of Art are as follows: 1. Visual Arts. These arts are those forms that create primarily visual works. Examples of these arts include: a. Architecture. This form of art provides us the physical structure we lived in. It is an expression of human culture, which outlive us in forms of monuments that future generations will study and strive to understand. b. Drawing. This form of art enhances the way we see the world around us. This has been a critical part of art throughout history and in the contemporary art world. c. Painting. This form of art aims to arouse emotion from the viewers. It is practiced by applying pigments (colors) or other media to a surface with a brush or other objects on any flat two-dimensional surfaces. d. Photography. This form of art is a method of creating pictures by recording radiation on a radiation-sensitive medium, such as electronic image sensors or photographic films. e. Sculpture. This form of visual arts which represents an imagined object in hard materials such as glass, metals, or wood in three dimensions.

2. Performing Arts. These arts are those forms in which the artists used his/her own body, face, and presence as a medium. Examples of these arts are as follows: a. Dance. This form of art is performed through body movement, which entails social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting. b. Film. This is a form of the art of motion picture whose medium is used to simulate experiences that communicate ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, and beauty. c. Installation Art. This is an artistic style of three-dimensional works that often are sitespecific and designed to transform the perception of a space. In this artwork, the viewers become active and navigate the work in an environment that they can experience visually. d. Theatre (Drama). This form of art uses artists to portray the imagined event or the experience of a real or before a live audience in a specific place and time. d. Music. This is an art of sound that helps to express our feelings and ideas. f. Opera. This form of art helps to tell stories through music. This art is performed with a full orchestra composed of the various musical instrument sections. In this art form, singers and musicians perform a dramatic work by combining text (called a libretto) and musical score. g. Stagecraft. This form of art is a technical aspect of theatrical production. This includes constructing and arranging the scenery, hanging and focusing of lighting, the design of costumes, makeup, and procurement of props, stage management and recording and mixing of sound. 3. Literary Arts. These arts centered on creative writing, which includes prose and poetry (e.g., novels, short stories, sonnet, ballad, epic, and essay). 4. Applied Arts. These arts focus on the application of diverse designs and decorations in any object to become aesthetically pleasing to the viewers. a. Digital/Graphic Design. It is the production of visual images, words, and ideas to convey information to the audience. It uses a variety of visual materials including billboards, logos, packaging, and etc. b. Fashion Design. It is an art of creating ideas and designs for different styles of clothing and other lifestyle accessories. c. Furniture Design. It is a specialized art in making the design to any movable objects such as chairs, cabinets, and tables, required for use or ornament in a house, office, or the like. d. Interior Design. It is the art or process of designing the inner beautification of a room or building.

The Value of Arts in Education When we talk about the importance of arts in education, we always start with its intrinsic value. We see art as it illuminates our inner lives and enriches our emotional world. Most subjects in the educational system are based on facts, with correct and incorrect answers. Art education offers a more open approach and celebrates the differences in finished outcomes. Students learn that there is more than one way to complete the art project. They are able to express themselves and their emotions through their artwork. Students have the opportunity to interpret other artwork, either from classmates or in famous works of art (Frost, 2017). According to the National Art Education Association (1994), practicing and learning arts disciplines are essential to the skill development of the students. During early times, when humans drew images on the walls of the caves, the artworks have been the means of recording human experiences. It described how early people survived and lived. There are several thoughts for the arts to be included in an educational system. Participation in the arts has been shown to help students in their academic, personal, and social development. Listed below are other details for this assertion. 1. Arts are worth studying because they served to connect our...