Humanities

The study of mans nature, culture, the evolution

of his thinking and ideas, aspirations and ideals,
acquired through the examination of his works by
historical analysis.

(Humanities Committee, the Development of

Western Thought, Vol. 1,p.1).

Artists convey their thoughts, beliefs, values, and feelings

through the visual arts, literary arts, dance and music.
 The study of Humanities includes the appreciation of
the arts, which strengthen our values about life and reality.

Art Appreciation
-the ability to interpret or understand man-made art
and enjoy them either through actual and work experiences
with art tools and materials or possession of these works
for ones admiration and satisfaction.
Humanities came from the Latin word humanus which
means refined, cultured and human

Refined-norms, being civilized, and socialized

Cultured-adaptation to environment (social interaction)
Human-having the nature of people, being a person
What is an Art
ART came from the word ars which means skill. It
is a human ingenuity in adapting natural things to mans
use.
An artist uses his genius in transforming God-made
things into man-made things.
e.g. wood into
religious image
a house
a piece of furniture
 Art covers all forms of human skill and all the things
which human beings were able to produce by skilled
workmanship.

In a more specialized sense, art applies to those

activities that express aesthetic ideas by the use of skill
and imagination in the creation of objects, through
experiences about the environment or through other
personal or collective experiences, which can be shared
with others.

ART IS ANYTHING ACCOMPLISHED WITH GREAT

SKILL.
Assumptions of Art
1. Art is universal
a. art as means of communication
b. art is timeless
c. art addresses human needs

2. Art is not Nature

A work of art is man-made and although it may
closely resemble nature, it can never duplicate nature

3. Art involves Experience

Classification of Art
1. Directly functional
-refers to art that we use in our daily lives (tools, roads,
bridges, furniture, kitchen utensils, dress)

2. Indirectly functional
-refers to arts that are perceived through the senses

painting, music, sculpture, dance, literary piece,

theatrical performances
Functions of Art
While artists (painters, musicians, architect, actors,
dancers, hairstylists, clothes designers) differ in the art
form, they engage in the arts basically to earn money.
Artists have other purposes in engaging in art
activities. Some do it to express their emotions and
thoughts, real or imaginary. Others do it to produce things
of beauty (architectural wonders and masterpieces).
 There are writers who are engaged in art in order to
persuade; among them are the propaganda writers,
copywriters, and editorial cartoonists.
Most artists intend to entertain people. That viewers
enjoy the sight of beautiful paintings, sculptures and
buildings gives credence to the world of John Keats who
says A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Listeners are entertained by songs or instrumental

music they hear.
Theater goers are entertained by performers on
stage and in the films.
1. Personal or Individual Function
Arts serve as a vehicle for the expression of
feelings, emotions, motivations and ideas.

The English poet Robert Browning expressed his

love to Elizabeth Barrett-Browning in the form of a poem
entitled : My last Duchess. Elizabeth did the same by
means of the poem How Do I Love Thee?
Others do their thing because of their passion for
their respective art form. Gary Valenciano renders concerts
for free because he loves singing.
2. Social Function
Art seeks to influence proper human behavior.
It expresses or describe individual, social or collective,
and universal aspects of existence.

Man is a social being and as such he associates

with his fellow beings. This association is evidenced by
their choral singing and group dancing in religious rites and
other practices.
3. Economic Function (Commercial value)
Artists engage in arts to earn money or exists if
the artwork can sell for a fortune

Many people believe that it does not pay to be an

artist. This belief was negated by these facts. J. K. Rowling,
the author of the best-selling Harry Potter series, became
one of the most-highly- paid women in British history.
Paintings of great painters (Michelangelo and Leonardo)
are now worth millions of dollars.
4. Political Function

Artists use their work to convey their ideas and

reactions about political events.

When Imelda Marcos became the Governor of Metro

Manila, she promoted her political programs by means of
the arts. Part of her beautification program was the painting
of murals along national roads and busy streets frequented
by motorists.
5. Historical Function
Art tells us some significant aspects about the
past.

Paintings, sculptures, architectural works, and other

art forms serve to record historical figures and events.

The Our Lady of EDSA Shrine is a sterling proof of

the Filipinos love of peace and freedom as it reminds those
who pass by EDSA of the bloodless revolution in Philippine
history, emulated by other nations all over the world.
 6. Cultural Function
Art reflect societys cultural ideas, values and
concerns, either collective or individual.

Representations of the different worldviews,

religious beliefs, political ideas, and social values

Buildings, furniture, clothes and the like form part of

the countrys material culture; while music, dance, and
language, which is incorporated in oral and written
literature and drama, form part of its non-material culture.
Paintings, sculptures, architectural works, songs,
dances, dramas and literary pieces are embodiments of a
nations culture.
7. Religious Function
To increase awareness of mans relationship
with God and to promote better and stronger bonds
between God and man.

People in the olden times worshipped their gods in

the form of songs and dances. The earliest dramatic forms
were religious in nature.
Greek paintings and sculptures were those of gods
and goddesses. The pyramids were built to entomb the
pharaohs.
8. Physical Function
Art is created to make our lives physically
comfortable.

Houses and other buildings are constructed to

protect their occupants and all the others inside them.
Many people claim that dance is one of the best
forms of exercise, while music is a form of therapy.
9. Aesthetic Function-art for art s sake
Artworks serve to beautify.

Paintings serve to decorate houses and buildings.

Sculptures serve to decorate churches and similar edifices.
Set designs, as well as costumes and props, make dramas,
dance performances, and song renditions not only realistic
but also appealing to the audience.