Does Art Have to Tell a Story?

For centuries, philosophers and artists believed that art must tell a story or have important meaning. In order to fully appreciate the artwork, viewers had to “read” this story from the image and understand its meaning.

Andy Warhol: 16 Jackies

In the 1700s, philosopher Sir Joshua Reynolds stated that great art must tell a major story. He even described the acceptable themes—Greek and Roman mythology and material from the Bible. Subjects such as portraits, landscapes, and still lifes were less important in art. While this may seem old fashioned today, many people still believe that art should express some great idea or tell a story. Therefore, to fully appreciate and understand a work of art, viewers must understand the message behind the work.

Jacques Lipchitz: Prometheus Strangling the Vulture II

This concern for meaning in art expanded in the mid-1800s. Some artists rejected the major art subjects and instead depicted scenes of everyday life and common objects. Others began to reject realistic work altogether and explored other types of images. As the messages became less obvious, viewers were challenged to decipher a story or understand the meaning of the work.

George Segal: The Diner

From the Walker Art Center's website "So, Why is this Art?" http://schools.walkerart.org/swita/switaact2.html

For one of these works, write a brief story about what you think is happening from the point of view of one of the people in the image. Look for visual clues in the artwork to help you add details to your story.

Turn it in to Ms. Ridlen for the chance to earn extra credit. If it is high quality work, you could earn up to 15 extra credit points.

Should Art be Beautiul?

People respond emotionally and intellectually to visual images, often recognizing characteristics that make a something seem beautiful without even thinking about it. Philosophers call the reaction to an appealing quality an aesthetic response. Aesthetic responses may vary from person to person, and individuals often have different ideas about what makes an artwork beautiful. Some people respond to certain subjects because they associate them with pleasure. Others may find a particular combination of lines, colors, and shapes appealing without understanding the meaning of the artwork.

In the 1700s and 1800s, European philosophers and art schools (called academies) developed formulas to analyze and create beautiful works of art. Understanding compositional elements such as balance, unity, rhythm, and harmony became a formula to guide artists as they created works. By following these rules, they could learn to produce beautiful artworks that many so-called untrained artists could not.

Judged by these traditional standards, many contemporary artworks would not be described as beautiful or pleasurable. Then why are they considered art? Contemporary artists often want viewers to think about art in a different way, beyond the traditional rules of beauty. For many, it is more important that the works are interesting, thought-provoking, and challenging.

From the Walker Art Center's website "So, Why is this Art?" http://schools.walkerart.org/swita/switaact2.html

Should Art Be Beautiful?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

* What does this saying mean?

* How does it apply to our question “What is art?”

Address these questions by leaving a comment.

Supply Shopping

Tips:
Most supplies can be bought at places like Target or Office Max. The one item I know gives people trouble is the OIL PASTELS. These you will have to find at an Art Supply store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Be extra careful that you are buying OIL PASTELS not chalk pastels, sometimes called pastels, hard pastels, or soft pastels. If in doubt, don't open them. Bring them in and let me see them. You can exchange them if they aren't what you'll need.

Parents: Many Thanks for taking the time to go out for these supplies. They will definitely enhance the enjoyment of art for your child.