Project DescriptionWhat is it? Why is it made like that? What is its meaning? Is this good or bad? Do I like this? Is this art?
These are all questions that are often heard in museums and galleries. Art is much more than the making of art. It is also the viewing, and more importantly the evaluating of art. When we are considering whether a work of art is good, bad or even considered art we art considering aesthetics, the philosophy of the nature of art, beauty and taste. In this project you will learn about some different kinds of aesthetic theories and reflect on how it relates to your own work through a painting in acrylic and a short essay. |
CriteriaEssay -20 (5 per paragraph):
Aesthetic Theory- 5: Describe and define what aesthetic theory(ies) you chose. Explain why you prefer it over the other theories. Why should art be judged by that theory's standards? Painting Description- 5: Accurately describe what your painting looks like. Use descriptive words as well as explaining the composition through the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. How do they Relate- 5: Explain how your painting is a good example of your chosen aesthetic theory. Critique - 5: Explain what you did well in your painting as well as what you could have done better on and how. Painting- 30 (total): Fill Canvas- 5: The entire canvas must be filled with paint meaningfully. Technique- 15: The painting must be made with skill appropriate to the style. Aesthetic Theory(ies)- 10: The painting must be a good representation of at least 1 aesthetic style. |
Aesthetics
Have you ever wondered how art critics decide which artworks are good and which are bad? How can you compare artworks that are so drastically different such as splatters of paint or a realistic sculpture? One way to accomplish this is by using aesthetic theories. An aesthetic theory is a set of criteria that is used to evaluate an artwork. Because there are so many different types of artworks, there are several different aesthetic theories. Each theory's criteria is based on what the artwork is intended to accomplish - the primary purpose of the artwork. Before you can judge an artwork, you will need to determine what the goal of the artwork is. The following four aesthetic theories apply to most visual artworks:
Some artworks have elements that would allow them to be placed in more than one category. In fact, many artworks have elements from all four categories. However, you will find that there will usually be one predominant category that fits best in your mind. You should use that category to make your evaluation. Artists don't always go out to intentionally make works that can be categorizes. These categories of looking at art are simply meant to give the viewers a way to interpret, understand, and evaluate work from their perspective.
- Imitationalism
- Emotionalism
- Formalism
- Instrumentalism
Some artworks have elements that would allow them to be placed in more than one category. In fact, many artworks have elements from all four categories. However, you will find that there will usually be one predominant category that fits best in your mind. You should use that category to make your evaluation. Artists don't always go out to intentionally make works that can be categorizes. These categories of looking at art are simply meant to give the viewers a way to interpret, understand, and evaluate work from their perspective.