– Encarta Encyclopedia

I choose this kind of artwork (cubism), by Cesar Legaspi “kargador”, because it portrays the struggles and the emotions felt by the subject. It explains, how he make the artwork through his emotion which the fragmented forms symbolize their burdens, reflecting strength and endurance despite hardships. For me arts is a creative thoughts that comes to your mind, it is not just focusing on aesthetics but it is a portal to express your emotions and experiences that tells story.

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?

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

Art as expression and representation-

For me it highlights how the author or the artist expresses their artworks through their emotions, thoughts, their personal experience or their personal beliefs. It states how the author creates an artwork to communicate, that conveys, feelings, expressing identity or the social commentary. Unlike art as an expression, art as representation depicts or portrays only a subject, which expresses perception of reality. So it is not focusing on human feelings but on imitations.

Art (Aesthetics)-

For me aesthetics can affect the satisfaction of the viewer or listener/ how art can affect our moods and feelings. It views through the lens of aesthetic property, which emphasizes the sensory, emotional, and intellectual engagement of the observer. It highlights the appealing features of an art. It suggests that art's value lies in the experience it provides rather than in its technical execution or adherence to specific forms. Not all artworks may be appealing/aesthetics to others some people find it plain but attractive to other people. From this perspective, art is subjective, shaped by the viewer's perception, background, and

emotions.

actual scene? Does it matter? Why or why not?

Yes it is an actual scene based on research, this works of his, is one of the masterpiece artworks that he created in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. It is a small town in which Van Gogh spent his life before he travels to another world. Even though he did not paint an exact, photographic representation of what he saw. He used instead, different kinds of techniques in painting which altered perspective to convey his emotions rather than realism. Of course, for me it does matter, since it is a place where his last time spent on Earth, capturing the landscape after surrounded him in his final days. Making this painting conveys a cacophony of emotions, and a deep personal farewell outwork. The painting itself has different meanings from the wheat, crows, and dirt paths. For me he experienced a great turmoil and psychological distress that's why he painted this artwork. I think for him, it is his implicit or hints that he experienced tribulation or sign that he is going in afterlife. Making his artwork an expressive and a haunting masterpiece.

According to Salvador P. Lopez’s essay “literature and society”, art can be practiced for its own sake when writers or artists focus purely on the aesthetic qualities of words, such as "beauty of sound or beauty of imagination". This involves using words "purely for their music or purely as an instrument of fancy", or in the pursuit of "the beautiful word for the beautiful thought". This perspective aligns with the dogma of "Art for Art's sake." This idea manifests as a belief that artists should "leave social agitation alone and stick to art", exclusively focusing on creating beautiful things like landscapes, songs, or sonnets, rather than engaging with social justice and democracy.

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

Lopez argues that believing art is merely a form of escape is detrimental because it leads artists to isolate themselves from the realities of the world. He sees this as a "comfortable philosophy of escape" driven by fear of "the ugly facts of life". This isolation, symbolized by the "Ivory Tower," suggests a lack of profound thought and deep feeling, ultimately hindering the creation of great art. Furthermore, by focusing solely on "beautiful thoughts and the creation of beautiful things," artists who view art as escape neglect the "richest subject for observation, portrayal and study" – humanity and its struggles.

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

Lopez believes it is important for art to address the problems of the artist's time because artists are inevitably exposed to the realities of their society, such as "terrible happenings" and "social struggle". Ignoring these issues implies an "Olympian superiority-indifference" that yields to the "persistent hammering of the facts". In my opinion, engaging with these problems allows artists to move beyond merely echoing what they have read in books and instead convey the different message altogether found in the "book of life," fostering compassion for the oppressed and anger at their oppressors.

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

Lopez means he said that writers and artists should be “teachers of men”. He stated in his essay that great writers like Shakespear, Shelley, and Whitman were “teachers of men”, meaning that their work achieved more than just aesthetic beauty. They offered insights, perspectives, and challenged readers to think about fundamental aspects of human existence, such as justice, truth, and freedom. Their art was "deeply rooted in the earth of human experience", allowing them to impart stirring thoughts and contribute to the "improvement of the condition of man". This teaching is not necessarily crude instruction or propaganda but arises from a deep engagement with life and a desire for progress.

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

Lopez thinks that the highest form of art is emancipation; because, it derives from man’s deepest urges and longings which are his love of his own kind and longing to be free. It is giving the people social and political freedom to express themselves. When looking at arts it connects the fundamental desires of a human that has the power to uplift and liberate a human spirit. Those writers who address the problem of society and advocate social justice also to defend democracy, can contribute to emancipation. By focusing on the improvement of the human condition and the defense of freedom, art becomes a force for progress and betterment.

The poem “Letter to Pedro, US Citizen, Also Called Pete” by Rene Estrella Amper critiques the effects of colonialism, capitalism, and social inequality on a small hometown. It highlights how power and wealth have concentrated in the hands of a few, like the mayor and his son, while the common people, especially farmers, continue to struggle. The loss of childhood innocence is evident in the transformation of familiar places into privatized, controlled spaces, symbolizing the erasure of communal life and simple joys. The poem also reflects on cultural displacement, as Pete has left for America, assimilating into a new identity while his hometown deteriorates. Through irony and nostalgia, the poem mourns the changes brought by modernization and corruption, questioning whether progress truly benefits everyone.

The Alice in Borderland Season 2 finale is a captivating and emotionally intense conclusion to the series' existential and psychological dilemmas. The episode, where Arisu and his primary companion Usagi face the ultimate game against the Queen of Hearts, which encapsulates the series' core themes of survival, free will, and the pursuit of meaning in an absurd world.

The game with Mira, the Queen of Hearts, manipulates Arisu into questioning the nature of reality, suggesting that everything he has experienced is a mere hallucination. Despite the confusion and psychological torment, Arisu chooses to believe in his reality and fight for life, aligning with existentialist thought. The series promotes this ideology by showing characters despite suffering striving for survival and connection, reinforcing the idea that meaning is something we create rather than something given to us.

Rewatching this episode with a critical lens deepens my appreciation for its philosophical undertones and narrative craftsmanship. The game itself serves as a metaphor for the human struggle with existential doubt, with Mira's role as the antagonist being particularly interesting. The finale of Alice in Borderland Season 2 elevates the series beyond a mere survival thriller, encouraging viewers to reflect on the power of choice and the importance of forging one's own path, even in the face of uncertainty and despair.

Originality often gives a work prestige and authenticity, making us value it more, while pirated or copied works are often viewed as less valuable or even illegitimate. However, in the digital age, the line between originality and piracy is increasingly blurred—remixes, memes, and edits can spread messages and emotions just as powerfully as the original. This challenges traditional ideas of ownership and shifts focus from who made it first to how it makes people feel or think.