VAISHNAVI SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING – HYDERABAD
AR22B1.4C: INTRODUCTION TO ART AND ARCHITECTURE
SEMESTER I
Reference Notes Subject Faculty:Ar.Athira S
Unit I: Introduction to Art
'Kaala' or 'Art' is the expression of inner feelings and ideas, which is creatively expressed in several
ways. Art is considered as an one of the important part of human activities. Art is the mental and
physical activity where creation and expression are significant. Art is expressed through sensory
perceptions (touch, see, hear, smell and taste) in an appealing way.
Purpose and relevance of art
Art is created sometimes with specific purpose but many times as an activity which appeals to the
senses. The purpose of art is the expression of boundless ideas and concepts. The purpose for which
art is created can be categorised into two parts:
1. Functional and 2. Non-functional
1. Functional
a) Informative: If the purpose of art is functional, it is a conscious effort of an artist to respond to
the needs. To convey specific message to a larger audience, a dance or drama programme is
arranged through which the message can be conveyed.
b) Communicative: In early times the religious thoughts and practices were conveyed through a
picture or sculpture or by narration in music, dance and drama. Art is a simplest form of
communication, any complicated. Idea can be conveyed impressively through art. Art transmits
variety of ideas. Each artistic expression conveys a message.
c) Livelihood and profession: Art fetches earning for an artist. Many earn their livelihood being in
the world of art. The artists take up commission works or organise their exhibitions, participate in
art events where their art works are sold at higher price. The dancers, musicians, actors, anchor
persons are paid well for their contribution and performances.
d). Social function: Art reflects the social development of a particular society from time to time. It
also brings people together in a given space and time. For example a music program brings joy
collectively to all the spectators. It conveys the socio-cultural and religious condition through certain
symbols created by the artists.
e) Relaxation and entertainment: Attending a dance performance or a drama will bring joy to the
tired mind. One can get relaxed and a break from routine work.The people from rural and urban
places equally enjoy going to cinema and watching television programs.
f) Capturing Events : Art may also serve as a commemoration of crucial events, such as major
historical incident.
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g) Advertisement and Publicity - Art is also a platform for propaganda or social commentary.
Inspirations have been drawn from particular viewpoints or the actions of public or private
institutions. In the case of social commentary, art helps us generate the awareness of past or
prevailing human conditions, as per an artist's perception.
h)Expression of Human Creative Instinct - Through Art, one can capture incidents, emotions etc. Art
is a means of exploring and appreciating formal as well as informal elements.
i)Novelty/ Perception - Art explores and unveils new ways and angles to familiar things. It helps
interpret situations, new and old, making the use of various kinds of visual shorthand.
j)Cultural Preservation and Identity Formation:Art has historically played a pivotal role in preserving
cultural heritage, traditions, and narratives. Art allows communities to celebrate their distinctiveness
and safeguard their cultural legacies.
k)Mental Health and Well-being
l) Economic and Urban Development:Art, in all its forms, has proven to be a driving force for
economic growth and urban development. Museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals attract
tourists, stimulate local economies, and create job opportunities.
m)Art Education and Skills Development:Art education plays a crucial role in fostering creativity,
critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among individuals of all ages. It encourages lifelong
learning and cultivates a well rounded society.
2) Non-functional
Art need not be always functional. At certain times it acts as value adding factor. If art is created
or performed with philosophical approach, it is for enlightenment. As part of education it sharpens
the creative ability of a child. In the development of personality, art induces finer attitude towards
life. Indian art is regarded as sadhana, a continuous practice that drives towards attaining spiritual
heights.
Art serves to unite people. When two tribes speaking different languages fight and then come to
peace, their stage dance whose rhythm bring them closer and they live together. Countries send
their cultural troupes to perform in the other countries for the purpose of creating cultural
harmony. The lines like saarejahan se achcha hindustan hamara when sung, everyone feels like they
are all one and belong to this beautiful land. Art is a creative activity. By learning anyone or
different arts, the creativity of a person is enhanced because art is an expression which needs to be
felt and expressed in different ways in different times. Hence, one develops the ability to be always
creative. In the present times the world looks at the act of creativity. Anything expressed in an
artistic way is fresh and appears to be different and new.
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Classification of art
1. Fine arts : This category includes those artworks that are created primarily for aesthetic
reasons ('art for art's sake') rather than for commercial or functional use. Designed for its uplifting,
life-enhancing qualities. Drawing Using charcoal, chalk, crayon, pastel or with pencil or pen and ink.
Painting Using oils, watercolor, gouache, acrylics, ink and wash, or the more old- fashioned tempera
or encaustic paints. Calligraphy : the highly complex form of stylized writing.
2. Visual Arts: The visual arts are art forms that create works which are
primarily visual in nature. This category includes all the fine arts as well as new
media and contemporary forms of expression such as Assemblage, Collage,
Conceptual, Installation and Performance art, as well as Photography, and film-
based forms like Video Art and Animation, or any combination thereof.
3. Plastic Arts: The term plastic art typically denotes three-dimensional works employing
materials that can be molded, shaped or manipulated (plasticized) in some way : such as, clay,
plaster, stone, metals, wood (sculpture), paper (origami) and so on. For three-dimensional artworks
made from everyday materials.
1. Sculpture
in terracotta by Aristide Maillol
2. Venus de Brassempouy, a
25th millennium BC carving
in mammoth ivory
3. Origami
4. Decorative Arts: This category traditionally denotes functional but ornamental art forms,
such as works in glass, clay, wood, metal, or textile fabric. This includes all forms of mosaic art, as
well as ceramics, (exemplified by Chinese Pottery and Greek Pottery) furniture, furnishings, stained
glass and tapestry art. Noted styles of decorative art include: Rococo, Pre-Raphaelite, Second
Empire, Japonism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Edwardian, and Retro.
1. Wine Pot, 18th century, China
2. Electric lamp in the shape of a
turtle
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5. Performance Arts: This type refers to public performance events. Traditional varieties
include theatre, opera, music, and ballet. Contemporary performance art also includes any activity
in which the artist's physical presence acts as the medium. Thus it encompasses mime, face or body
painting, and the like . A hyper-modern type of performance art is known as Happenings.
6. Applied Arts: This category encompasses all activities involving the application of aesthetic
designs to everyday functional objects.This wide area includes architecture, photography, industrial
design, graphic design, fashion design, interior design, as well as all decorative arts . Noted styles
include, Bauhaus Design School, as well as Art Nouveau, and Art Deco.
Art consciousness:
It refers to the deep understanding and appreciation of art, encompassing multiple dimensions
that go beyond the mere aesthetic experience. It involves an elevated level of perception,
comprehension, and interpretation of artworks.
1. Visual Perception:One significant aspect of art consciousness involves perceiving and
interpreting the visual components of artworks. Graduate students possess a heightened ability to
discern the use of color, form, composition, and texture in visual arts. Their intellectual capacity
enables them to analyze the intricate details and interpret the hidden meanings embedded in art
pieces.
2. Cultural and Historical Awareness:Art consciousness also includes the comprehension of the
cultural and historical contexts in which artworks were created. Advanced knowledge to unravel the
socio-political, economic, and ideological influences that shaped the artist's intentions and the
artwork's significance within a specific time and culture.
3. Symbolism and Semiotics:The ability to decipher symbolic representations in art is a crucial
aspect of art consciousness. Identify and interpret the complex metaphorical language employed
by artists. Recognize how different signs, symbols, and iconography contribute to the overall
meaning and message of a piece.
4. Critical Thinking and Analysis:Art consciousness demands a high level of critical thinking and
analytical skills. Evaluate and analyze the formal qualities of an artwork, as well as its conceptual
framework. Discern the artistic techniques employed, assess the message conveyed, and identify
the artistic choices made.
5. Interdisciplinary Approach:Art consciousness extends beyond the boundaries of art itself. The
intellectual capacity to integrate knowledge from various disciplines, such as philosophy,
psychology, sociology, and literature, to better understand and interpret art. They bring a holistic
perspective to their analysis, recognizing the art's interconnections with broader intellectual and
cultural spheres.
6. Emotional Response:Art consciousness is intertwined with emotional intelligence. Articulate
thepersonal emotional responses, analyze how the artwork communicates emotions, and explore
the emotional experience it elicits in viewers.
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7. Ethical and Moral Considerations: Contemplate the ethical choices made by artists and examine
the societal impact of certain artistic representations. They question how art may shape or challenge
prevalent norms, values, and power structures.
8. Identity and Representation: Critically assess how artworks contribute to shaping social identities,
challenge stereotypes, and amplify marginalized voices. Analyze the power dynamics and cultural
prejudices reflected in art and strive for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of artistic
representation.
9. Interpersonal and Collaborative Engagement: The ability to engage in artistic discussions, provide
valuable insights, and foster meaningful dialogue with peers, artists, and experts. Participate in
complex debates, contributing to the evolution and expansion of art consciousness.
10. Artistic Creation and Innovation: develop the artistic vision by incorporating insights acquired
through their expanded art consciousness. Push the boundaries, challenge conventions, and
contribute to the ongoing development of the art world through their own creative practice.
Understanding Basic Vocabulary Needed to Describe Artwork
When exploring various works of art, it is essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of the
vocabulary used to describe these artistic creations. Basic terminologies required to effectively
analyze and appreciate art:
1. Style and Composition :Style refers to a particular manner of artistic expression, characterized
by unique visual characteristics or techniques. It can be associated with a specific period,
movement, or artist. Composition is the arrangement and organization of elements within an
artwork. This includes the use of lines, shapes, colors, space, and perspective to create a unified
whole.
2. Color and Form :Color and form are crucial elements that heavily impact the visual experience
and interpretation of artwork. Colors can evoke emotions, signify symbolism, or create
aesthetic harmony. Artists utilize various color theories, including complementary, analogous,
and monochromatic palettes, to achieve desired effects. Form refers to the three-dimensional
aspect of an artwork. It encompasses the physical shape, structure, and mass, as well as the
relationship between positive and negative space.
3. Subject Matter: The subject matter of an artwork provides insights into the artist's intentions
and the underlying themes within the piece. It involves examining the content, narrative, and
symbolism depicted in the artwork. Subject matter can range from portraits and landscapes to
abstract and conceptual ideas. Understanding the subject matter helps viewers establish
connections between the artwork and the wider world it reflects.
4. Medium and Technique: The medium and technique employed by an artist play a pivotal role in
the final appearance and expressive qualities of an artwork. Medium refers to the materials
used, such as oil paint, watercolors, sculpture, or photography. Mastery of technique allows
artists to manipulate the medium effectively, employing methods like brushstrokes, texture,
layering, or perspective to convey their artistic vision.
5. Context and Interpretation :Analyzing art requires considering the context in which it was
created. This encompasses factors such as historical period, sociopolitical influences, cultural
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background, and even the artist's personal experiences. Understanding the context aids in
comprehending the artwork's intended meaning and evaluating its impact on society.
6. Symbolism and Iconography: Symbolism and iconography represent vital elements in art, as
they enable artists to convey complex concepts and ideas. Symbolism involves the use of
objects, colors, or gestures to represent deeper and often abstract meanings within the
artwork. Iconography refers to the study and interpretation of symbols and motifs present in
an artwork, drawing from cultural, historical, or religious references.
7. Aesthetics and Artistic Expression: Aesthetic qualities encompass the sensory aspects of an
artwork that contribute to its overall beauty and perception. They involve aspects such as
harmony, balance, proportion, rhythm, and unity. Artistic expression, on the other hand,
pertains to the unique voice and style employed by an artist to communicate their ideas,
emotions, or values through their chosen medium.
8. Artistic Movements and Cultural Influences: To fully comprehend an artwork, it is essential to
contextualize it within the broader spectrum of artistic movements and cultural influences.
Familiarity with major artistic movements, such as Renaissance, Impressionism, Cubism, or
Abstract Expressionism, allows for a more nuanced analysis, as it enables the identification of
the characteristics associated with specific periods and groups of artists.
Challenges faced by artists
In today's rapidly changing world, artists face a multitude of challenges that impact their ability to
create and thrive. One significant challenge is the digital revolution, which has transformed the
way art is consumed and produced. With the rise of social media platforms and online galleries,
artists must now navigate the complexities of promoting and selling their work in a crowded
online marketplace. Additionally, the accessibility of digital tools has blurred the line between
amateurs and professionals, making it harder for artists to stand out and gain recognition.
Another key challenge for artists today is the ongoing struggle for financial stability. The rise of
streaming services and digital content has disrupted traditional revenue streams for musicians,
filmmakers, and other creative professionals. With the widespread availability of free or cheap
online content, it has become increasingly difficult for artists to earn a living from their craft. This
has led many artists to seek alternative methods of funding, such as crowdfunding or partnering
with brands, which can further complicate the artistic process and compromise creative freedom.
The current socio-political climate poses unique challenges for artists. Issues of censorship, political
correctness, and cultural appropriation are hotly debated, making it challenging for artists to
navigate these sensitive topics while staying true to their vision. There is a constant pressure to
create work that is both socially conscious and commercially viable, leaving many artists feeling
restricted in their artistic expression. Moreover, artists often find themselves at the forefront of
social change, which can be emotionally and mentally exhausting as they grapple with their
responsibility to reflect and critique the world around them.
