GROUP III

SUBJECT AND CONTENT OF ART

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Differentiate representational art and non-representational art;
 Discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its content;
 And identify the main kinds of subject and the levels of meaning of art

Two types of subject:

1. Representational Art
 These types of art have subjects that refer to objects or events occurring in the real
world. It is also known as “figurative art”.
 A painting or sculpture that is clearly recognizable for what it claims to be.
Examples:
a. Mona Lisa (1503) by Leonardo da Vinci
b. Boy Leading a Horse (1905) by Pablo Picasso
c. Palay Maiden (1920) by Fernando Amorsolo
 a. b. c.

2. Non-representational Art
 Art forms that do not make reference to the real world, whether it is a person, place,
thing, or even a particular event.
 It is stripped down only to visual elements to translate a particular emotion and concept.
 Best example of a non-representational art is an abstract art.

Note: Abstract art can be a representational art since even with the abstraction of an artwork, it
can still form a real image through visual elements.
SUBJECT OF ART
 The visual focus or the image that may be extracted from examining the artwork; the “what”

Six (6) main kinds of subject:

1. Still Life – a collection of inanimate objects arranged together in a specific way.
2. Landscape – natural scenery such as mountains, cliffs, rivers, etc.
3. Nature – a focused view or interpretation of specific natural elements.
4. Portraiture – an image of a particular person or animal, or group thereof.
5. Abstract – a non-representational work of art.
6. Day of the Dead – a Mexican holiday with a vibrant artistic tradition.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.
CONTENT OF ART
 The meaning that is expressed and communicated by the artist or the artwork; the “why”

Three (3) various levels of meaning:

1. Factual meaning – Is the most rudimentary level of meaning. Extracted from the
identifiable or recognizable forms in the artwork.
2. Conventional meaning – Pertains to the acknowledged interpretation of the artwork
using motifs, signs, and symbols. Established through time, strengthened by recurrent
use and wide acceptance by its audience who study them.
3. Subjective meaning – A particular work of art that is consulted and read. Meanings that
came from the viewers or audience’s circumstances and experiences. Meanings may not
be singular, rather, there are multiple and varied.