ARTWORKS
Art Appreciation
Art is a reflection of life, culture and environment. Art should be engaging on many levels. It should make us think and reflect. Art should engage us in a conversation with yesterday (past), today (present) and tomorrow (future). It should engage us in a conversation within ourselves and with others. It should have a sense of the eternal and the ephemeral. All art is communication between the artist and the audience. It is a giving and a receiving, a taking and a letting go.
Art appreciation is the knowledge and understanding of the universal and timeless qualities that identify all great arts. The more you appreciate and understand the art of different eras, movements, styles and techniques, the better you can develop, evaluate and improve your own artwork.
There are different aspects to art and design that one needs to know when appreciating artworks. There is its history, why it was made, what meaning it had for society, etc. There is also the technical aspect, what colours were used and how, what technique was used, how are the elements arranged, etc. We have also the ideas that a work shows.
This can be part of the first point, but one thing is the time and meaning society give to the work and the other is the meaning it had for the artist.
IMPORTANCE OF ART APPRECIATION
Why do we appreciate artworks?
Art appreciation is extremely relevant for multiple reasons. It is a good way to understand the history behind the work, and the period from which the piece originated.
Artists often reflect the problems that they face, and the issues of the society in their work. By analyzing and putting ourselves in the mind of the artist, we can better study how differently society functioned then, compared to now, We can empathize and relate to the problems they faced on a personal level.
Art is meant to stimulate thought and conversation between its viewers. By reflecting on a piece of art, we delve into our own experiences and nostalgia, thus a piece of art means something different to every person that comes across it. Art appreciation helps open up the mindset of the people, by listening to different perspectives and views as well as interpretations of the art, it encourages thoughtful conversation and the understanding that there is more than one approach to everything.
Art appreciation delves into the history and story behind the art, as well as a look into the lives of the artists. It enables one to critically analyze a work, along lines of design, mastery and techniques. Most importantly, however, art appreciation stimulates thoughts and analysis, provokes an individual to look past what meets the eye and open our mind to the views of others.
HOW TO APPRECIATE ART
The following key questions serve as guide to enable us to appreciate art very well.
How was it made?
Take in the stroke patterns or a number of colours in a painting, or the amount of detail in a sculpture or photograph. Noting the details of a piece of artwork will provide insight on how much work went into it.
Why was it made?
It is important to know that artworks are usually influenced by the environment or the society in which the artist lives or the social problems that the artwork addresses or the things that are trending. In appreciating artworks, you need to know all these factors that might have influenced the art piece.
What is it made out of?
Many artists have used materials that are either reflective of their time or, simply, of their preference. Learn a little more about the creator of a piece simply by observing whether they used marble or wood, paints or charcoals, thread, or yarn.
How does it make you feel?
This one may sound like a cliché (outside its original context), but it is truly important. Art is generally created to be seen, and to be shared with an audience. Just like the lyrics to a song are meant to move the listener, artists often intend for their pieces to cause an emotional response. When taking in a piece, see if it reminds you of something else or stirs up thoughts or emotions you had not considered.
How does it connect to other art?
Museums and galleries tend to order pieces by time periods or styles. As you take in each piece, see how it compares to those around it. Is there a piece that sticks out among the rest? Which one do you find to be the most interesting or complex?
Activity
Look out for pieces of artworks in the school and community. Following the guidelines discussed, make an appreciation on those that attract you, and write down your findings.
Chapter Review
Write a speech on “Giving appreciation to artworks” to be delivered on your school’s exhibition or speech and prize-giving day. Type your speech on the computer and print it out.
NB. If you don’t have a computer, write it down in your notes book.