Disciplines of the Humanities: Art
In chapter five, I feel as if art plays a major role in the humanities itself. Art is so precious to the point that people will steal and try to recreate these unique pieces for their astonishing beauty. Like myths or legends, art is able to tell us a part of history. Not through words, but rather through a series of images/performances, portraits, and sculptures that is told in the viewpoint of the artists themselves. As stated in the chapter it will offer us a “… brief introduction to the visual arts: painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, and computer art.” (105.5.4) Art dates back as far as cavemen and prehistoric creatures. Cave paintings were the first form of art that could be interpreted by modern civilization. This took our three-dimensional reality and put it in a two-dimensional drawing plane for us to be able to imitate. Of course, by imitation it does not mean to necessarily copy one’s work without originality, but in the humanities as stated by the author, “Imitation means that the artist uses reality as a starting but not necessarily an ending point.” (106.5.4) Through creative expression the artists use imitation to their advantage by paying close attention to details around them in order to infuse their own flow of creativity to their artwork. It is also said if something becomes too “real” the message that is trying to be sent may be interpreted incorrectly. Our minds allow us to see as much as we let it. Unlike children, most adults see selectively, which in turn can basically blind us from seeing what the bigger picture is all about, blocking us from imitating accurately. Different types of styles in media also play a key role in an artists’ imitation. Being able to have own self judgement and unconfined from the norm of society is when art truly unfolds. Each artist has his/her own definition and interpretation for what the world has or will offer. Different things allow different sparks to happen in our brains that drive us to pick different mediums and styles for certain pieces. For instance, classical, medieval, and renaissance art all had their own signature features from individuals that depicted the movement of their own era.
Although those precious arts will never be forgotten, other forms of art such as performance, prank, instillation, and architectural art all feel a bit personal and easier to interact and connect with. Being able to lively experience and build these arts show that art is never lost, even in modernism. It still serves as a way to express creativity in various forms. Buildings are sometimes overlooked as art because to us the main reason of these constructions is being able to be habitable for a single or multiple purpose. As stated, “The fundamental issue in determining whether given architectural work can be labeled as “art” is the interplay of form and function.” (144.5.2) As long as the building is able to accommodate to the needs of the inhabitants and form an aesthetically pleasing building to the public, it can be labeled as “art”. Art never seems to get lost within the wind because as long as you keep an open mind to things around you, the effects it may have can be phenomenal.
Janaro, R. P., & Althshuler, T. C. (2013). The art of being human: The humanities as a technique for living. Pearson Learning Solutions.
Art History Timeline: Western Art Movements and Their Impact. (2019, November 04). Retrieved from https://www.invaluable.com/blog/art-history-timeline/
Q, R. (n.d.). Sydney Opera House Event Spaces. Retrieved from https://prestigiousvenues.com/venue/sydney-opera-house
