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"Art is the product of creative human activity in which materials are shaped or selected to convey an idea, emotion, or visually interesting form." (Encarta Encyclopedia).

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Frida Kahlo's painting of Viva La Vida is the perfect exemplification of the Encarta Encyclopedia's definition and idea of art, as the watermelons are the chosen subject material to demonstrate an idea or emotion, and in this case, it is an embodiment of the painter's resilience despite life's unpredictable transience. Every detail that was added in this painting is packed with various symbolism and unique interpretations, from the hard shells of the fruit, which conveys how the artist felt the need for a tougher exterior to get through the pain from misfortunate events in her life, up until the vibrant and fresh insides and seeds of the fruit, which perfectly represent new beginnings, growth, and renewal even after death. Frida Kahlo's painting was not only a visually interesting form that expertly utilized various elements and principles of art, but more importantly, this final masterpiece of hers portrayed how she skillfully transcended her personal hardships and anguish in life into an all-encompassing and multi-faceted creative expression, which then allows me to reach a personal reflection that what makes art most genuine and sincere is when the artist and the art coexist with each other and they are naturally closely associated with one another, bound by true emotions and the reality of human experiences.

Source: Viva la Vida, Watermelons - by Frida Kahlo https://www.fridakahlo.org/viva-la-vida-watermelons.jsp

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Viva la Vida, Watermelons - by Frida Kahlo

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3. Art as "expression". Among the key concepts, this is likely the well-known dimension of art. You hear people say, "I paint (or dress) this way to express myself." How does 'expression' relate to the artistic process, in general, or the artist, in particular? How does this compare with art as representation?

Art as a concept of expression is when the artist is capable of conveying their innermost feelings, ideas, emotions, and personal lived experiences through integrating it into their respective forms of art. This concept reinforces the idea that crafting or producing art through creative expression is uniquely tailored to fit the artistic choices and personal underlying emotions or insights of the artist itself, providing creative freedom or liberty. However, one limitation of this concept is that not all art focuses primarily on communicating expressions or emotions. There are art forms that prioritize technical execution, complex details, and the expert utilization of elements and principles of art. Another limitation of art as an expression is the fact that feelings and emotions are subjective and context-dependent based on its audience's perception. Hence, expressive art can be positioned in various interpretations or is customized to a particular type of audience. Expression explores the mind of the artist which could also be found in their imagination. Representation on the other hand is a personification or embodiment of a shared reality or relatable or common experiences making it less subjective and individualistic.

5. If art is defined within the ambit of "aesthetics", whether as "aesthetic object", or "aesthetic experience." how is art viewed from this perspective?

In defining art using the lenses of aesthetics, art has the ability to evoke visual experience and enjoyment. Hence, it could be interpreted as art consisting an interactive aspect through the employment of various elements and principles of art and design which in turn could convey a particular emotion or depict a certain scenario. Aesthetic object centers around its visual properties or inherent qualities, which makes a masterpiece visually pleasing to the eye. On the other hand, aesthetic experience refers to the subjective interpretation and feedback of the audience ultimately giving or assessing its value or based on the lasting impact or impression it creates during the personal interaction with the art piece. One limitation to this concept is that it creates room for biases, absolute or highly subjective judgment, or criticisms wherein aesthetics or visual beauty is being prioritized over the overall intent or meaning behind the artwork. Lastly, this concept could promote or reinforce the idea that art is absolutely measured only through skill and perfection when it is in fact not always the case.

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The Interface of Art and Society (Individual Reflection)

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The Interface of Art and Society (Individual Reflection)

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INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION: Write about your response to the points raised by Dalisay in his lecture. Why indeed should the arts matter even to Science students? Write at least 5 sentences and include in the padlet.

Arts matter even to science students because they could be used as a medium that addresses various societal problems and challenges, and they are transformative in a manner that they have the power and the capacity to socially construct meaning and perspectives, evoke emotions, and create multi-faceted interpretations or meaning-making essential for social interactions and nation-building. Art can then challenge existing ideas or normative beliefs, which ultimately transforms into a catalyst for social change and a medium for social movements. Moreover, art enhances or reinforces artistic imagination, ingenuity, innovation, and creative expression, which are skill sets that could provide a vantage point on the establishment of creative industries impacting cultural, socio-economic, and even political domains of our society. The arts matter to Humanities and Social Sciences students not only because it can be beneficial economically due to employment and growth opportunities, but also because it can also be an avenue for the exploration of one's cultural heritage, community-centric approaches to solve modern-day issues, and even discovery of self-identity. Arts can touch multi-faceted domains of communicative, artistic, intellectual, emotional, ethical, and physiological disciplines, which are beneficial for human survival and development across multiple aspects.

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It is said that this was the last painting of Van Gogh before he committed suicide. Was it an actual scene? Does it matter? Why or why not?

Just like Frida Kahlo's painting of Viva La Vida, Cornfield with Crows, though debatable, is also the final artwork of Van Gogh before his death. Hence, one can interpret such a masterpiece as a tribute to the artist themselves and a representation of the life they had led as well as their current state before it all ended. However, this particular painting, just like any other masterpiece of Van Gogh, entails or manifests profound emotions and depicts a more natural, intuitive, and broader concept of life and worldview in general rather than an explicit, purposive, and straightforward narrative or intent. Thus, without further and credible evidence, this painting cannot be considered a suicide note or an actual scene in relation to his death. Moreover, the significance of this painting is not dependent on whether or not Cornfield with Crows is Van Gogh's personal tribute to his death. The artwork can be interpreted in numerous ways. The erratic brushstrokes and the contrasts in the sky and the fields may represent uncertainty and hopelessness. The crows may represent both death and transformation. The field portrays a sense of isolation or loneliness. But the fact that the scenery is that of nature may also depict a sense of solace amidst isolation and the beauty of nature and life itself. Therefore, the painting might not totally represent the tragic and dark death of the artist. It can be subjected to various interpretations depending on how the viewer perceives the artwork and puts value or relevance on it.

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"Fragments of Landscapes" -Leslie Pascua, Drawing inspired by the poem "Landscape II" by Carlos A. Angeles 

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Activity 2: Visualizing Carlos Angeles’s “Landscape II”

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Activity 2: Visualizing Carlos Angeles’s “Landscape II”

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Reading the poem "Landscape II" by Carlos A. Angeles made me realize the importance of human life, which I have portrayed in my drawing. The four disk-like elements, once assembled with their pieces together, will become a big circle, depicting the circle of life, a general worldview, and the repetitive cycle of human experience. The poem talks about suffering, longing, pain, grief, war, and destruction which I could relate to Philippine colonialism. Hence, the dominating colors in the drawing were black and red, signifying the extreme havoc caused by war. The colors in the inner halves of the circle represented the nature and environment that were destroyed by the war (red and black outer circle). The yellows and orange depict the light that turned into darkness. The shades of green symbolize the land that was soaked with the red blood of those who died during battles. The shades of blues were the oceans that were used by the colonizers to reach our archipelago. The brown colors signify the people who suffered under their very own country. Overall, the drawings were full of fragments, depicting fragility, pain, and devastation. However, some pieces of those fragments matched the colors of the world it was once before. Thus, expressing a sense of rebirth and transformation, even despite a great turmoil and tragedy, one can rise up to continue living and eventually recover from the scars that human conflict has caused.

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After reading the article, answer the following questions and post your answers in your padlet (at least three sentences).

1) How can art be practiced for its own sake, separate from society?

At the last part of the assigned readings, Lopez made mention that if a writer is sincere with his talent for writing, he or she must not fear creating social content or propaganda, disregarding artistic expression, which I most disagree a bit since I believe that art is crafted in accordance with the creator's free will and desires, whether or not it could satisfy the needs of the few or many, and sincerity of a masterpiece cannot be measured based on its contribution to society alone. It is possible to create different art forms for the purpose of visual experience and aesthetic delight or appreciation without the need to incorporate themes and context regarding societal problems, political issues, and the presence of reality. The readings described art as a practice for its own sake that is separated from society with the phrase "Art for Art's Sake," wherein art could be interpreted as a creative expression, pursuit, activity, or medium, rather than something with direct purpose or impact within a society, however, we cannot ignore the fact that art is unconsciously could interpret and address societal problems.

2) Why is it detrimental to believe that art is a form of escape?

Based on my understanding on the given readings, treating art as a form of escapism from reality is detrimental or undermines the society because it completely negates from a sense of purposiveness of societal obligation when it comes to addressing or acknowledging global issues nor does it uphold social transformation as well as projecting the realities of the modern world. Lopez have described this as a "comfortable philosophy of escape" wherein writers would prefer to entrap themselves and their readers in the facade of fantastical elements or themes of literature, dissociating themselves on any form of advocacy on crucial problems affecting society at large. Moreover, Lopez believes that if such perspective continues to prevail, then writers and artists will feel a sense of detachment and ineffectual attitudes towards exigencies and difficulties of their immediate surroundings, and it shall be manifested or reflected to their work of art which lacks a sense of communal purpose or social relevance.

3) Why is it important for art to address the “problems of [the artist’s] time”?

The article by Lopez explained that art could be an effective catalyst or a purposive avenue when it comes to upholding social consciousness, portrayal of struggle, and fostering transformational change. Hence, artists should realize their significant role in nation-building through contributing to various public spheres wherein distinct and relevant narratives are discussed, changing preconceived mindsets, and promote intellectual inquiry through confronting pressing issues of the artist's time. Lopez would describe that the greatest and exceptional artists are not the ones who mainly craft their artworks for the sole purpose of aesthetic pleasure but rather, they are the ones who would harness their artistic abilities and merge with social commentaries on a worldview lens, which indicates that they show sincerity towards their communities.

4) What does Lopez mean when he said that writers and artists should be “teachers of men”?

According to Lopez, writers and artists should be teachers of men, meaning that they have a civic obligation to maximize their artworks in a manner that contributes to society and promote the common good such as to inform and inspire other people to rise up especially when it comes to tackling societal issues. Moreover, artists and writers must make their art in a sense that it is utilitarian and purposive to showcase and promote a sense of reform and criticism towards the evil of society rather than using their artwork for entertainment consumption and selfish means. Using this viewpoint, art should be able to advocate something significant to show its greatest value and the purpose of art as a visual experience and delight is below that.

5) Why does Lopez think that the highest form of art is emancipatory?

Based on Lopez's article, the highest form of art can be defined as emancipatory or liberating in a manner that for him the most powerful ability that art could bring is its capacity to be at the forefront of empowering vulnerable societies from the detrimental effects of discrimination, tyranny, and lack of social understanding, thus an art can only be considered in its highest level of artistic expression if it aims to combat social problems and injustices. An art that revolves around analyzing the problems of our time is better since it empowers people, communities, and societies to arise, organize, and mobilize, in order to achieve a world that respects the rights of humanity and achieve democracy. Moreover, Lopez would consider art as exceptional only if it could bring about benefits and advancement to mankind, discouraging the fact that art should be use for visual pleasure.

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Activity 2: Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses

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Activity 2: Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses

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Write a reflection on a popular foreign series (Korean, American, Japanese, European) you have already seen. Choose your favorite episode and write your response to it. Identify the dominant ideology in the episode and how it is promoted. Include in the reflection how rewatching the episode with a critical lens

affects your response to it.

Snowdrop is a popular Korean series with BLACKPINK Jisoo and Jung Hae In as the actors. The plot was set on 1987 Seoul wherein the two met and fell in love, but certain unfortunate events have challenged their relationship being that Lim Suho (Jung Hae In) was a North Korean Spy and Eun Youngro (Kim Jisoo) a South Korean student and the daughter of the Director of the Agency for National Security Planning who is trying to hunt Lim Suho and his subordinates down.

In Episode 3 of Snowdrop, ideological conflict and struggle between South Korean citizens and state power was evidently seen as Eun Youngro believed that Lim Suho was an activist who was injured during a confrontation with state authority, this alone shows how higher and influential people demonstrated their power in order to repressed people who are members of the pro-democracy movement that places them at an obvious disadvantage which resulted to the enforcement of a nationalistic and authoritarian ideology.

This Korean series illustrates how ideological state apparatuses such as the media and education system of Seoul as well as repressive state apparatuses at the latter part of the series or the use of violence by the Agency for National Security Planning (ANSP) molded individuals to acknowledge and becomes slaves towards absolute authority by the police and government, making brutality and force as justifications for repression of alleged dangers or threats. An example of this is when the ANSP with the directory from the government is tasked to kill the civilians inside the university dormitory and put the blame on the North Korean Spies who hold these innocent people hostage in order to save their higher positions in the police and government.

Althusser defined the concept of ideology as a set of ideals and beliefs that influences how people view, interpret, and act upon their surroundings and the world at large. It was shown how most civilians were loyal to the set of standards and rules imposed by the ANSP and the government and there is a constant fear of punishment when these laws were defied especially if an individual is a part of a propaganda or movement. Moreover, even the education system is being manipulated wherein universities are exercising ideological control and its severe consequences among students rather than cultivating critical thinking and social consciousness. This ideological conflict is being personified by both the main leads. Eun Youngro being the daughter of the Director of ANSP and a student at a dormitory with strict authoritarian rule is forced to accept loyalty and devotion to the government, while Lim Suho is being threatened by his own country to follow their directory with his sister and his beloved Youngro as their means to control him.

Being a BLACKPINK fan, I tend to focus on the love story between Eun Youngro (Kim Jisoo) and Lim Suho (Jung Hae In). However, as the show progresses, it obviously indicates that romance is just a surface level theme. Using Altheusser's theory and perceptions, ideology could become a concerning and scary thing wherein people who are influenced with a strong ideology are being forced to take two paths which is either to submit and become slaves to higher authority or rebel with a possibility of suffering severe consequences. The two main leads are victims of ideological and state apparatuses wherein Lim Suho was manipulated by leaders of North Korea to act as a pawn for them and to view South Korea as an adversary (Repressive). On the other hand, Eun Youngro, growing up in a wealthy but politically constrained setting how ideology can also be influenced by education and family (Ideological).

In summary, Snowdrop is a good series which shows how ideology functions in both repressive and ideological state apparatuses. It highlights the perils of unwavering allegiance to these ideologies diminishing democracy. The series also illuminates the hardships of those enmeshed in political and ideological disputes. Overall, Snowdrop goes beyond than just discussing a tragic love story, but rather it demonstrates a political discourse wherein ideology can either make or break human independence.

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Activity 3: “Letter to Pedro, US Citizen, Also Called Pete”

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Activity 3: “Letter to Pedro, US Citizen, Also Called Pete”

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Read the poem “Letter to Pedro, US Citizen, Also Called Pete” by Rene Estrella Amper.

What ideologies do you see the poem as having and/or is addressing? Write a short response (at least 5 sentences)

The poem by Rene Estrella Amper addresses the consequences brought about by migration, colonialism, and diminishing sense of cultural heritage as the context revolves around the American supremacy complex wherein the "American Dream" is an idealistic view that most underdeveloped and developing nations strive for, hence, third-world countries like the Philippines would prefer to leave their homeland and migrate to America or other western countries in hopes for success and a better life, while those who have stayed suffered in extreme socio-economic, cultural, and political issues of today. The writer's position regarding this unfortunate reality is mixed with a feeling of yearning and despair as the letter receiver (Pedro/Pete) have moved to America and have seemed to have loss his sense of Filipino identity as he immersed himself with American ideologies and culture, which demonstrates the growing inequalities between rich and poor nations and how migration or even just by the influence of Westernized ideals causes people to disassociate themselves from their native land and own cultural traditions or norms. The poem is targeted to the countries who have colonized the Philippines and influenced a sense of colonial mentality or dependence towards the superior country as well as those Filipino people who have willingly decided to forget their roots and national identity in exchange of life led by luxury and economic stability or security. Rene Estrella Amper attempts to challenge and question individuals who measure life and success on the basis of money and power rather than a sense of commitment and love for one's country. Overall, the poem could be a daily reminder of the realities among Filipino people, especially those who live in extreme poverty who are forced to submit on neoliberalism and capitalist societies or ideologies brought about by richer nations.

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Activity 1: Styles of Figuration Question

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Activity 1: Styles of Figuration Question

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Read Alice G. Guillermo, “Styles of Figuration,” in Art and Society. Each group will be assigned 1 question that they need to answer.

1. Distinguish the terms “representational,” “naturalism,” and “realism.”

Based on the assigned readings by Alice G. Guillermo, entitled "Styles of Figuration," it was mentioned that styles of figuration could only be clearly understood once representational, naturalism, and realism art could be properly identified and differentiated from one another. The aforementioned terms are context-dependent and may have varying interpretations manifested under given circumstances. Moreover, meanings are not absolute and can be socially constructed based on a focused theme, aspect, or trajectory. Hence, the transformation and evolution of interpreted meanings might also occur.

According to the provided reading material, representational art is a broadly defined classification of visual arts as it embodies any form of art that portrays identifiable and apparent subjects in the actual world. Moreover, representational art guarantees the subject's identity or existence but does not strictly strive for absolute or perfected exactness. Representational art can either be a realism or a naturalism style of art, as it encompasses both.

As pointed out by the designated literature reading, Naturalism Art is one of the representational approaches of creating art that intends to precisely mimic, replicate, or recreate the appearance of a natural setting or object in its possibly accurate physical nature. It frequently attempts to produce a realistic or photographic artwork, which extremely accentuates and highlights the ability to have keen attention to detail and identify precise dimensions. However, naturalism art could also be romanticized or have elevated art elements or features to improve visual appeal.

Based on the provided reading material, Realism Art is another representational approach to creating art that intends to project different issues in an authentic manner, frequently emphasizing everyday life, societal realities, and unadorned depictions of humans and settings, but still attempting a lifelike portrayal. Instead of exalting or romanticizing its subjects, Realism Art stresses realness, occasionally drawing attention to the unpleasant and brutal parts of life.

In summary of all the learnings and knowledge obtained from the assigned reading, representational art is a vast or omnipresent term that comprises any artwork that is recognized by the human eye based on an individual's perceived truth or reality. The subject could appear similar to the actual world but does not necessarily have to be exceptionally perfect or accurate. Naturalism art perceives the world using an almost flawless attention to detail and complex technique. Yet, it still has the propensity to exaggerate and refine the artwork to its absolute perfection as it frequently emphasizes high visual experience, creating slightly unrealistic depictions. Lastly, Realism Art breaks the boundaries of idealistic perceptions through the portrayal of the truthful realities of existence, including flaws and imperfections. Overall, the styles of figuration vary depending on the artist's mood and artistic path they want to take, either to create art that seeks acknowledgment, precision, or confrontation.

Reference:

"The Image and Its Context" in Alice G. Guillermo's book, Art and Society (Quezon City: [Department of Art Studies, College of Arts and Letters,] University of the Philippines, 1997), 112-120

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"Less than 50 Shades of Pink with Light Yellow and Cyan" - Digital Art by Leslie Pascua

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In creating my self-portrait, I chose digital illustration as my art medium, integrating an expressionism style, wherein I placed emphasis on communicating my feelings, emotions, perspectives, and overall identity rather than creating a realistic or exact image of myself. The style I incorporated is vibrant, stylized, and bold which is a take on pop art and maximalism influence. The different shades of pink not only hints my favorite color but it also conveys my compassion and optimism towards people and life in general, the yellow represents my thirst for knowledge and desire to make people happy, while the color cyan symbolizes that despite the sunshine and energy I radiate, there is still space for maturity and calmness, all of these implies my ambivert character, multiple personalities that might sometimes contradict but could still coexist within me. The most prominent design or element in this self-portrait are the fragmented patterns or mosaic-liked design on my top, skirt, and hair which represents how sometimes I feel so broken and lost due to my flaws and differences, however I used these imperfections as power to navigate every bits of myself, embracing and/or appreciating both strengths and flaws. Overall, this self-portrait is a visual experience that allows its viewers to explore my overall identity and persona as someone who intends to radiate confidence, talent, and wisdom but at the same time is vulnerable and conscious to her surroundings, enabling wits to prevail.

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Altered and Repurposed Version of Pablo Picasso's Le Rêve (The Dream) Painting

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1.) Based on Walter Benjamin’s ideas, can you consider the end-product of your project art? In what ways?

Integrating the learnings from the provided reading material  “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" by Benjamin Walter, I can still consider my end-product as a work of art because despite copying it from an existing art piece, the changes I have made created a new artistic direction, established a different visual experience, and evoked distinct emotions, context, or interpretation not so similar than it had before. According to Walter and his concept of "aura", the uniqueness of an original artwork diminishes when being recreated and manipulated through a different medium or methods, hence, personally although I agreed that my end-product can be identified as an art due to its expressionism and modern artistic technique, ethicality is being challenged once I started claiming this piece as an original work of art which is why I marked an ex on my name and a check to the name of the original creator making a genuine statement that the artwork is only an inspiration because of its accessibility and popularity in the modern time. When an artwork is being altered or repurposed, it might lose the aura of the original, however, its meaning evolves into something new, bearing relevant social, political, or cultural value. My inspired artwork reinforces an entirely fresh and different ideas, feelings, mood, and tells a story based on how I reimagined the artwork to be. In its totality alteration or repurposing an existing art holds both positive and negative implications that are still being subjected into various critical discussions and debates even to this day. There should be a fine line or a boundary between incorporating features or elements of an existing art, utilizing it as an inspiration but not deviating from or forgetting to provide credit to the original source.

2.) How do the concepts of “originality” and piracy affect the way we receive works of art?

The concepts of originality and piracy stirs up controversy and sometimes could be subjected to audience criticism to those who do not tolerate such act, this results to reinforcing negative perceptions and feelings towards an artwork and its artist such as hate, disappointment, and doubt of artistic intellect or skill. When an artwork is genuinely original, inventive, and unique, audiences and critics would place greater cultural significance and financial worth on it, however, in contemporary times, it is difficult to come up with novel artistic pieces or technique without associating it to an inspiration or existing art making the aforementioned industry challenging to penetrate, compete, and sustain especially for indie or local artists. Moreover in the current digital age, piracy became one of the challenges of artists in relation to their rights and ownership of their artworks. Some artists create art as a livelihood and not only in a manner to express themselves, hence, when people pirate their works for easy accessibility to the public, it hinders their source of income and diminishes the value they place on their masterpieces. On the perspective of the audience, their growing interest and desire to witness the art piece is what resorts them to piracy, though unethical, but availability and expensive prices are barriers for their further visual experience. Artworks that cannot or difficult to pirate are only made accessible to those who can afford, while others, despite having interest, would no longer like to witness it due to lack of accessibility. Alterations and repurposing of artworks are permitted in circumstances wherein artistic expression is established as a collective visual experience and when originality is not so strictly enforced. In summary, originality and piracy as concepts and dilemmas of artists are significant factors that affects how art is viewed and appreciated by its audience.

References:

Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” (German, 1935; translation 1969).

https://web.mit.edu/allanmc/www/benjamin.pdf