The document discusses different types of subjects in art and how artists represent them. It defines representational or objective art as having subjects like people, objects, scenes or events, while non-representational art does not depict identifiable subjects. Most contemporary artists use non-objective styles that appeal directly to the senses through color and form rather than representing images. Common sources of subjects include nature, people, history, legends, religion, and an artist's dreams or imagination. Artists may present subjects through styles like realism, abstraction, symbolism, or expressionism to convey their intended messages.

1. Subject and Content

2.  Art Subject defined
The subject of art refers to what work represents.It could be a
person,an object,a scene, or an event. Some artworks have
subjects,others do not. The artworks that has subject are called
representational or objective arts. Those that do not have subjects are
known as non-representational or non-objective arts.
Objective Art
(Sunflower by Von
Gogh)
Non-objective art
(Composition 8 by
Kandinsky)

3. The non-objective arts do not present
descriptions,stories or reference to indentifiable
objects or symbols. Rather , they appeal directly to the
senses primarily because of the organization of their
expressive elements.
Through genius application of design elements,painters
can convey his message non-objectively. Color usualy
conveys mood. Bright and dark hues affect how a piece of
painting can be interpreted. Similarly, light and delicate
line suggest gaiety, while dark, heavy ones communicate
foreboding or heavy feeling

4. Most contemporary painters and sculptors
have opted for non-objective arts. They
have shifted their attention to the work of
an art as object in itself,an exciting
combination of shapes and colors to fulfill
the aesthetic need without to represent an
image or tell a story
Example:
The Cow by Doesburg (1918)

5. SOURCES OF SUBJECT
The learner may often wonder how the artists gets their
inspiration and from where. It is important to remember that
all artists are individuals with unique personalities and
unique experiences. These characteristics of the artists may
be the factor that would determine the kind or type of
subject that they will represent in the art.
Art is a human expression and artists’ choice of subject are clues
to their inner world which tells viewers how their art should be
interpreted.

6. The following are the sources of the artists’ inspiration for their works:
Seascape Painting
Tree Sculpture
Nature
This is the most popular source of objective art.
Mountains,trees,animals,landscapes,seascapes,cl
oudscapes are some examples of nature-inspired
art

7. People
Human subjects,whether real or
imagined,are the most interesting . They can
be in a perpetual pose or performing tasks of
everyday life.
The Thinker
The Making of the
Philippines flag
History
Historical Art works depict real
events which are verifiable facts
that occurred in the past. The
purpose of such work are etiher
to commemorate events or to
teach history to the viewers.

8. Excalibur
Legends
Artworks based on legends
present to viewers of the art
something tangible even when
unverified. Art brings life to
these stories.
The Last Supper
Religion
These artworks are based on sacred
texts: Holy bible of Christianity,The
Quran of Islam, and the Torah of
Judaism. Many artworks used
beautiful stories is these sacred
texts to convey their beliefs

9. Head of Medusa
Mythology
Art works can also be based on stories of
the Gods and goddesses of the ancient
Greece,Rome,Celts,Norse and the
Egyptians.These deties are depicted in
human or animal forms and present
humanlike behavior.
Persistence of Memory Dreams and Fantasy
The Intrigrue of the unconscious also inspires
artists to present it through art for others to
see,relate and interpret. Artists believed that the
content of the unconscious should be shared for
others to know and may be understand.

10. Futuristic Art : Painting and Sculpture
Technology
The modern era with its tall building and
amazing machines are also subject matter for
the artists.
Cityscapes,airplanes,cars,ships,motorcycles
and robotic technology are object of interest.

11. Ways of Presenting the Subject
The artists after setting their minds on their
inspiration or source of subject then decide on
how it is to be presented as an art form. Their
choice of presentation may be just like how the
masters do it or they may experiment and develop
their own style to best convey to the viewers the
message that they wanted to impart

12. The Following are some ways in which artists may
present their choice of subject :
Venus de Milo Naturalism
In Greek (Hellenistic) art,gods and heroes,
looked behaved like human beings.Unlike
other cultures,particularly in the Egyptians
(Coptic) art, Greek deties were the almost
depicted In idealized human form

13. Potato eaters by Van Gohg
Realism
This Depicts the artists’ attempt of portraying the
subject as it is. Realists try to be objective as possible
in their presentation.
Refugee Europe – 99 by
Sjogren Abstraction
Abstract means ‘’to move away’’ or ‘’to separate from’’.
Abstract as subject of presentation moves away from
reality,from presenting the subject as it really is. It involves
the process of simplifying or reorganizing characteristics
and element of the work to adhere to the artists’ level of
artistic expression.

14. Abstract may take the Following forms:
A. Distortion – This form of abstraction results when the figures have been so
arranged that its proportions differ significantly from reality
B. Elongation – in this type of abstraction, the subject is stretched vertically and/or
some parts lengthened to give impressional thinness.
C. Mangling – This may not so be common in paintaings but may be popular in other
art form (Sculptures,theatre, and films).
D. Cubism – abstract form presented through the use of figures: a cone,cylinder,
sphere,triangle, square,cube , and circle in place of pictorial elements.

15. Mona Lisa
By Leonardo da Vinci
Symbolism
A symbol defined as visible sign of something invisible such as
an idea of quality. Symbols in art draws the viewer’s attention to
what other message the artists may be trying toconvery aside
from what is obviously observed.
Cat with Red fish
by Matisse
Fauvism
This subject presentation began in france, and was the first
organied movement in painting of 1900s. Fauvism literally
means wild beasts.

16. Fountain
By Duchamp Dadaism
This is an art movement that doesn’t follow the traditions and
principles of art. It is a revolt againsts traditions and aims to
show the wickedness of society.
Italian Futurism Futurism
This art movement began in Italy. Artists of this
movement wanted their works to capture the speed and
force of the modern industrial society

17. Example of Surrealism art
Surrealism
It emphasized the activities of the
subconscious mind. Subjects in this
kind of presentation attempt to show
man’s inner mind and how he may
perceieve his outside world.

18. Lady in the green jacket
By Macke
Expressionism
This style of art depicts the emotions aroused
by objects and events. Subjects presented
involves chaos,sadness,tragedy and defeat

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