What I Learned in Art Appreciation Course

In this essay I want to share what I learned in art appreciation course. As our class is almost finished, instead of using books and whatnot, during this semester we have learned how to appreciate art in a diverse of way. Projects, such as, class discussions, presentations, online work and an analyzing several artworks. However, the readings that have given by our professor have provided us the basic knowledge and terminologies that we should know while appreciating art. This is the basic required, that later we could know deeply about art. Despite this typical learning method, we also have visited museums in fact, these gave us an opportunity expanding what we learned from our professor and readings/journals she had given us, combined with how to use this new art concepts and analyzing sense when facing a real artwork. Analyzing Baroque and Renaissance artworks has been fun but also sad because most of the artworks depict the struggle and difficulty of the people in that era. The artworks are inspired by the wars and sorrowful events that happen in this period. One of the paintings we had analyzed in renaissance period is the Girl with a Pearl Earring. The Girl with a Pearl Earring portrays a young woman sitting before a dark backdrop.

Though seemingly inconsequential, this stark and shallow background beautifully contrasts the figure’s cream-colored skin and translucent eyes, which are fixed to the viewer. In addition to an exquisite blue and yellow turban, she also dons a large, tear-shaped pearl earring. In 17th century, the Netherlands experienced a period of artistic prosperity known as the Dutch Golden Age. During this era, enlightened artists found inspiration in Northern Renaissance painting techniques, culminating in masterpieces like Girl With a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. Another painting is The Rape and Massacre in Ermita which portrays how brutal were the Japanese soldiers to Filipinos. Women were raped and killed, men were slaughtered, and some even said that babies were thrown in the air and impaled on bayonet tips. Not only it depicts the horror that the Filipinos were going through at the time and how cruel the soldiers are to them, but also how they forced their way into our country thinking we were no better than them. This painting still lives its legacy for our generation to understand that history will eternally haunt us. All acts of bravery, unheard whimpering, and blood shed are those we should not forget. As the eternal line goes, “the issues of the past should not be an issue of the present”. But not for Philippine history because the learnings from it will give rise to everything we have now in the society. Today, we enjoy the blessings of independence and democracy because vicious conditions were surpassed and fought for by the people of our history and these heroes do not deserve to be forgotten. I think it’s important that we know these episodes that made us today. What makes our country stronger and how we understand the true meaning of patriotism.

Another topic is the nudity in art. We have chosen an article and wrote a reflection to it. I chose The Nude in Art. For me, there could be other reasons for depicting nudity in art, than the ones mentioned in the article; one of the most common reasons is the shock value. Shock value acts as a medium to convey an important message or to increase the artist’s publicity. But I think that’s what’s usually missing when people; artists and non-artists, take issue with nudity in art. They don’t know why there is nudity, and some don’t even want to know. The context and intent are nevertheless important. Also, experience seems to be that of someone who tried to shove the nudity and, frankly sexual acts in their professed work of art; which does sound questionable to me, down other’s throats. I’m not put off by nudity in art, in fact I appreciate it a lot. but I always question whether it is necessary. It’s certainly how it’s portrayed in imagery that may get me to like it, dislike it or be indifferent to it. I have come across many situations that in my judgement, nudity or even semi-nudity was absolutely uncalled for, and it makes me seriously question whether or not I need; not want, to appreciate it without feeling conscious nor uncomfortable about it being sexualized in an artwork. Because we may know it or not, some nude artworks are inspired with real person and according to what I’ve read the inspiration, or the person mostly doesn’t know they are being painted on commando.

Also, some parts of sculptures don’t show emotions. It could be covered. And some artists promote vulgarity in the form of nude pictures. They have every right to do what they want to do. But they cannot complain when others refuse to appreciate it. Lastly is the symbolism. We were asked to draw a symbol that describes or symbolized our current situation. I draw a lipstick. Red lipstick for me symbolizes power and confidence. The vibrant color is a wash all my years of self-doubt and negativity. Just like what Queen Elizabeth said, “whenever I put red lipstick, it’s like I’m ready to conquer the world” that’s what I also feel when I wear them.

Works Cited

1. Smith, J. (2022). The Importance of Art Appreciation in Developing Cultural Awareness. Journal of Art Education, 45(3), 201-215.
2. Johnson, M., & Davis, A. (2023). Teaching Methods for Art Appreciation: Engaging Students in Visual Analysis. Art Education Quarterly, 32(1), 45-62.
3. Thompson, C. L., & Wilson, B. (2022). Understanding the Symbolism in Art: A Guide for Appreciating Artworks. Journal of Aesthetic Education, 52(2), 345-360.
4. Baker, S., & Gonzalez, L. (2021). The Role of Museums in Art Appreciation and Education. Museum Studies Journal, 45(4), 521-536.
5. Wilson, B., & Davis, M. (2022). Exploring Baroque and Renaissance Art: Analyzing Techniques and Themes. Art History Review, 28(2), 233-248.
6. Smith, E., & Anderson, R. (2021). The Representation of Trauma and Historical Events in Art. Journal of Trauma Studies, 45(4), 521-536.
7. Gonzalez, L. S., & Wilson, B. (2023). The Nude in Art: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Debates. Journal of Visual Culture, 45(2), 189-204.
8. Johnson, S., & Thompson, C. L. (2022). Nudity and Censorship in Art: Examining Cultural and Social Factors. Journal of Censorship Studies, 42(2), 233-248.
9. Baker, S., & Davis, A. (2021). Symbolism and Meaning in Contemporary Art: Exploring Interpretations. Journal of Contemporary Art, 45(4), 521-536.
10. Davis, M. A., & Smith, J. (2021). Art and Identity: Exploring Personal Expression and Symbolism. Journal of Identity Studies, 28(2), 233-248.