2. We strive to weave our experiences into
coherent bodies of knowledge and to
communicate them.
3. ART, EXPERIENCE, AND
MEMORY
• Art has served to record and
communicate experiences and events of
individuals and collective groups of
people.
4. The Meaning of the
Word Art…
1. Materiality – The materials used to make the work of art
2. Process - The different forms of art such as drawing, painting,
sculpture, architecture, and photography.
3. Context – The direct or indirect information associated with the
work of art.
4. Space – The integration of a completed work of art into a specific
location.
Whatever the definition, it is important to know
the vocabulary of art in order to understand it.
5. Some “Truths” About Art
1. There is no agreed-upon
definition of art.
2. Art does not necessarily have to
be beautiful.
3. Art can be created for a variety
of reasons.
6. The Philosophies About
Art:
Many philosophers have argued that art serves
no function, that it exists for its own sake.
Some have asserted that the essence of art
transcends the human occupation with
usefulness.
Others have held that in trying to analyze art
too closely, one loses sight of its beauty and
wonderment.
7. Understanding and
appreciating art…
1. Look
-Does it provide you with aesthetic pleasure?
2. Read
-Does it allow you to consider intention,
purpose, process, etc?
3. Understand
-Does is motivate you to find additional context
and meaning?
8. Art can make you think, feel, and can
trigger associations. The viewer may
ponder the purpose of the artist, the
emotions or activity of the subject, all
while forming one’s own response to
the piece.
14. Figure 1.1, p. 3: LEONARDO DA VINCI. Mona Lisa (c. 1503–1505). Oil on wood panel. 30 1/4” x 21”.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19. Figure 1.5: French performance artist Orlan, who has dedicated herself to embodying Western classic
beauty as found in the works of Leonardo, Botticelli, and Boucher through multiple plastic surgeries. Here Orlan
is being “prepped” for one in a series of operations.
99. Figure 1.9, p. 7: ANDY WARHOL. Four Marilyns (1962). Synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on canvas.
30" × 23⅞".
100. Ongoing Questions:
• Why is there no single answer to the
question “what is art?”
• Who forms the “audience” for works
of art?
• How does a work of art function
differently in contemporary culture
that historical culture?
