Understanding the Subject and Content of Art

Understanding the Subject and Content of Art

1. The Subject and
Content of Art
by Romm Fianza. Mabli

2. Classify artworks according to subject;
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify how artists present their subjects in
relation to the real subject;
Differentiate content from subject;
Explain their understanding of artworks' content
according to the three levels of meaning.

3. Subject - the visual focus or the image that may be extracted
from examining the artwork; the "what"
Content - the meaning that is communicated by the artist or
the artwork; the "why"
Form - the development and configuration of the artwork -
how the elements and the medium or the material are put
together; the "how"
Three basic components of a work of art that
mediate between the artwork and the viewer:

5. the "essence of the piece"
the MAIN IDEA/OBJECT or the MAIN CHARACTER that is
presented in the artwork
the matter to be described or portrayed by the artist
may refer to any person, object, scene, or event
could be make-believe or based from real events
3.1 Subject of Art

6. "Anything under the sun!"

7. SUBJECT
MATTER
How to
determine the
of an artwork?

8. 2 Kinds of Art
(as to subject)

9. Arts that represent objects easily recognized
by people
They are attempted copies of "the real".
The artist tries to be as objective as possible;
portrays the subject as it is.
uses "form" and is concerned with "what" is to
be depicted in the artwork
Representational or
Objective Art
1.

10. Still life1.
inanimate objects arranged
in an indoor setting

11. 2. Portrait
realistic likeness of the
person
face and expression are
predominant
attire and accessories are
very much expressive

12. 3. Landscapes, seascapes,
moonscapes, and cityscapes

13. 4. Mythology and Religion,
Dreams and Fantasies

14. arts without any reference or recognizable
objects
does not represent real objects in the world
(non-objective)
uses "content" and is concerned with "how" the
artwork is depicted
stripped down to visual elements to translate a
particular feeling, emotion, and even concept
2. Non-representational
or non-objective Art

15. Composition VIII (1923)
by Vassily Kadinsky
synesthesia
composition series - an
artistic tribute to music
"Lend your ears to music,
open your eyes to
painting and stop
thinking! Just ask yourself
whether the work has
enabled you to 'walk
about' into an unknown
world. If the answer is
yes, what more do you
want?"

16. Sources of the
Subject of Art
Nature - most common inspiration and subject
Greek and Roman Mythology
Religion
Sacred Oriental Texts
History

17. 3.2 The Content of Art
meaning, message, and/or feeling imparted by the work of art
"content" inextricably linked with "form"
mass of ideas communicated through the ff: the art's
imagery, symbolic meaning, surroundings where is
used/displayed, the customs, beliefs and values of the culture
that uses it; and the writings that help explain the artwork

18. Factual meaning - literal
statement/narrative content
Conventional meaning - "special meaning"
Subjective meaning - individual meaning,
personal symbolism
Three Levels of Meaning
(Cleaver, 1966)

19. Factual meaning - most basic level of meaning can be taken from the
recognizable forms in the artwork; as well as how these parts interact
Conventional meaning - refers to the accepted interpretation of the artworks
based on motifs, signs, symbols, and other ciphers; these standards develop
over time, are reinforced by repeated exposure, and are widely accepted by
both viewers and academics who study them
Subjective meaning - a variety of meanings may emerge when
subjectivities are utilized to interpret a work of art; interpretations are based
from the viewers' or audiences' conditions: what you know, what you learned,
what you experienced and what values you stand for
1.
2.
3.

20. Keeping Art

21. National Pride and Glory1.
Spoliarium
San Agustin Church (1586-
1607)

22. 2. Museums and Private
Collections

23. 3. Preservation and
Restoration