The quote "Art is the enjoyment of forms." by Ernst Cassirer resonates with me because it basically says that art is about appreciating how things are put together—whether it's the shapes in a painting, the movements in a dance, or the sounds in music. We don’t always need a deep meaning to enjoy art; sometimes, it just feels good to experience.

Since music is something I’m deeply connected to, the song "Multo" by Cup of Joe stands out as my chosen piece of art. The song is track #7 from their Silakbo album, but was released in August 2024. The first time I heard it, I instantly fell in love. Many people interpret the song in different ways—some say it’s about being haunted by the ghost of a lost love, while others see it as a story of missed opportunities. But for me, the moment I listened to it, I loved the rhythm, tempo, and beats. Even without attaching any meaning, the song itself makes me want to dance and just vibe with it.

I also believe that Art as an expression could also be the way on how people communicate thoughts, emotions, and ideas beyond words. I often hear people say they paint (or dress) that way to express their selves. Expression is at the heart of the artistic process because it allows artists to let out their emotions, thoughts, and experiences into their work. For many artists, creating art is a way to process feelings, tell personal stories and ideas that words cannot fully capture. I guess that is why people would also feel emotional once they witness the art. For instance, it could be a painter using bold strokes to represent anger, while musicians use melancholic melody to express sadness or sorrow. The difference between art as expression and representation is that expression focuses on conveying emotions and personal perspectives while representation focuses on something that depicts the reality. Expression is about what I feel personally, while representation means to show something recognizable.

Art as a representation is the idea that art imitates, reflects, or symbolizes the real world. According to Thomas Oppong (n.d), art is a powerful mirror of reality, it reflects many life lessons. When you stand in front of a canvas, you're not just looking at colors and shapes; you're seeing an artist's vision of the world. The art focuses on depicting objects or people in a way that makes them recognizable, whether realistically or through symbolic means. And, yes, art as representation can be visual arts like paintings, where subjects can be depicted in recognizable forms. However, when it comes to abstract art (like Wassily Kandinsky’s works) or instrumental music, representation becomes more complex. Abstract artists moved away from literal representation, like art could express deeper ideas without directly mimicking reality. Instead of painting objects or people, they used colors, shapes, and lines. On the other hand, music without lyrics doesn’t "represent" objects the way a painting does, but it can still evoke or symbolize ideas, or even narratives. For example, A deep, slow piece might "represent" sadness or longing.

Dr. Jose Dalisay’s lecture about the significance of art made me realize that even in science, art matters. He explains that the arts help us think creatively, understand emotions, and see the world in various perspectives. Science is about facts and logic, but the arts give meaning to those discoveries—they make us ask why something matters, not just how it works. Even in fields like medicine, engineering, or technology, creativity and imagination are just as important as knowledge. Lastly, at the end of the day, the arts make sure that progress isn’t just about invention, but also about making life richer and more meaningful.

Reference: Singer, J. W. (2024). Masterpiece Story: Abbey in the Oakwood by Caspar David Friedrich. Daily Art Magazine. https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/abbey-in-the-oakwood/

Salvador P. Lopez, in Literature and Society, says that art should not be separated from society but should engage with it. He critiques the idea of "art for art’s sake" and believes that great artists thrive through social involvement. Lopez emphasizes that its highest form is emancipatory and altruistic. However, young artists may initially see art as mere beauty and this creates a greater purpose in addressing social issues. Art can be practiced for personal expression without considering societal issues. This is the idea of "art for art’s sake," where the artist focuses solely on beauty, creativity, or expression rather than addressing real-world problems. Since art is an expression, it is a freedom for the artist to create something they feel. However, viewing art only as a means of escape ignores the opportunity to inspire change and engage with important social concerns. Additionally, art serves as a mirror of society, it helps create awareness in terms of struggles, makes us feel relevant and included. Artists can be a huge influence, so, Lopez believes that artists have the responsibility to educate and inspire people. Lastly, Lopez argues that art should free people from ignorance and oppression, and art serves as awareness and social change.

Stranger Things is a popular American television series across the world. The first season was released on July 2016; final season will be out this 2025. One of the most emotional and intense episodes in Stranger things is the season 4 episode 4 named Dear Billy. It focuses on Max's struggle with Vecna's curse. This episode is deeply memorable as Max confronts her guilt, fears, and regrets, especially to her step brother, Billy (who died in season 3). The climax was when she escapes Vecna's grasp by holding onto the memories of her friends while the song "Running Up That Hill" was playing in the background.

The ideology in this episode revolves in the power of love, resilience, and human connection. Max is able to fight Vecna's curse because of the unwavering support of her friends. This episode also explores how past traumas shape a person's present struggles. I had rewatched the series recently, and rewatching this episode with critical lens emphasizes my appreciation for how it portrays mental health struggles and isolation. It also emphasizes the idea that holding onto hope and connection can be a lifeline during the dark times. It shows that even if the show itself is a supernatural horror, real human emotions is still visible.

Using either of the mediums of painting or drawing or collage (including digital), create a self-portrait. Regardless of likeness to your image, the portrait should represent you as an individual. You may be influenced by realism, surrealism, expressionism or any approach you feel best works for what you want to convey about your portrait.

This self-portrait uses surrealist collage to express my inner world and the everyday pieces that shape who I am. By layering symbolic elements—like music notes, a guitar, a cup of coffee, and handwritten textures—I blend dreamlike visuals with reality to reflect my passions and comfort zones. My intention was to show not just what I look like, but what I live for: music, peace, creativity, and growth.

Choose a work of art you may find online or near you and alter or repurpose it. You may use editing softwares like Photoshop, Canva, etc.

Trabi by Birgit Kinder

In this artwork, I changed the old Trabi car into a Hot Wheels-style Maserati. The Trabi is a symbol of the past, while the Maserati shows speed, luxury, and fun. It looks like it's crashing through the wall, which makes the image more exciting and bold. This shows how I wanted to mix old and new, and add a playful twist using something from my childhood.

1. Yes, based on Walter Benjamin’s ideas, I can consider the end-product of my project as art. Although it’s a digital alteration, it still carries meaning, creativity, and personal expression—qualities Benjamin believed gave art its value beyond just being “original.” He argued that even reproduced or altered works can have their own “aura” if they reflect intention and emotion.

2. The concepts of “originality” and piracy affect how we receive art by changing our focus. When something is original, we often value it more because it’s rare or authentic. But with piracy or reproductions, art becomes more accessible, which can spread ideas and creativity—but sometimes also makes the work feel less special or “real.”

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?
Art can be practiced for its own sake when the artist focuses only on beauty, personal style, or self-expression without thinking about society. This kind of art is often called “Art for Art’s sake.” It avoids real-world problems and exists mainly for pleasure or aesthetics.

2) Why is it detrimental to believe that art is a form of escape?
Thinking of art as an escape can be harmful because it keeps artists from dealing with important social issues. It makes art feel disconnected from reality and limits its power to help others. Instead of being a tool for awareness or change, it becomes a way to ignore problems.

3) Why is it important for art to address the “problems of [the artist’s] time”?
When art responds to the issues of its time, it becomes more meaningful and impactful. It reflects real experiences and connects with people more deeply. Art like this can raise awareness, start conversations, and even inspire change.

4) What does Lopez mean when he said that writers and artists should be “teachers of men”?
Lopez means that artists should use their work to guide, inform, and inspire others. They have a responsibility to share truth and help people think critically. Artists can be powerful voices for understanding and growth in society.

5) Why does Lopez think that the highest form of art is emancipatory?
Lopez believes the highest art frees people—from ignorance, fear, or injustice. It doesn’t just entertain; it uplifts and empowers. This kind of art serves others and helps build a better, more aware society.