what is art

BLIND CONTOUR DRAWINGPLACE YOUR SKETCHBOOK BENEATH THE TABLE AND DRAW YOUR HAND. YOU ARE NOT TO LOOK AT YOUR DRAWING OR LIFT YOUR PENCIL. ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR HAND DRAW ANOTHER OBJECT OF YOUR CHOOSING. THE MORE YOU PRACTICE THE BETTER YOU WILL BECOME. THIS EXERCISE AIDS YOU IN LEARNING TO DRAW FROM OBSERVATION.

What is Art?

Traditionalism-Modernism-Postmodernism

Traditionalism• Social control is necessary in order for society

to function.• The function of art in traditional societies is to

carry on the message of that tradition from one generation to the next. The aesthetic element of art in this instance is to draw people into that message.

Modernism• Modernism is centered on the individual.

• The belief that the individual can rise above any social agenda through the process of rationality. The reformation of tradition is essential because tradition is seen as inherently oppressive.

• “ART FOR ART’S SAKE”

Postmodernism• Postmodernism questions if it is possible or

even desirable to break from tradition.

• It asks individuals to recognize that they are all members of tradition.

• Every meaning exists within a socially constructed web of meanings.

THE END OF ART?

THE END OF

MOVEMENTS

• Emotion

• Skill

• Concept

Traditionalism

Modernism

Postmodernism

DISCUSSION QUESTION 1

Starting out in this course, what do you think that it means to teach art for meaning? How would you go about teaching art in this manner?

DISCUSSION QUESTION 2

Discuss whether you think art should be taught for its own sake or as interdisciplinary connection. Do you think there is room for both positions, or does one necessarily eliminate the other?