Introduction to Art Appreciation – SS1 Visual Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

Art appreciation is the study and understanding of the visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, architecture and photography.

• Looking: studying an artwork carefully, not just glancing at it.
• Understanding: using its history, culture, style and technique to explain it.
• Responding: stating the feelings it stirs in the viewer.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define art appreciation.
2. State the factors considered when analysing an artwork.
3. List the benefits of art appreciation.
4. Explain the key concepts in art appreciation: aesthetics, form, content, context and criticism.
5. Describe the skills needed for art appreciation.

What is art appreciation?

Art appreciation is the study and understanding of the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography and other forms of creative expression.

• Analysing: breaking an artwork into its parts to see how it was made.
• Interpreting: explaining what the artwork means.
• Responding: stating personal feelings about the work and giving reasons.

What are the forms of visual art we can appreciate?

Visual art is art that we see, and it includes several forms.

• Painting: colour applied to a surface such as canvas, paper or board.
• Sculpture: three-dimensional work carved, modelled or cast, as in Nok terracotta heads and Benin bronzes.
• Architecture: the design of buildings, such as a mosque, a church or a traditional palace.
• Photography: pictures made with a camera.
• Textile art: designs on cloth, as in adire and aso-oke.
• Ceramics: pots and other objects made from fired clay.
• Graphic design: posters, logos and book covers.

What factors are considered when analysing an artwork?

Five main factors are considered when analysing an artwork: historical context, cultural significance, the artist’s intentions, style and technique, and emotional impact.

1. Historical context: the time and events in which the work was made.
2. Cultural significance: the place of the work in the beliefs and customs of a people.
3. Artist’s intentions: what the artist wanted to say or show.
4. Style and technique: the look of the work and the materials and methods used.
5. Emotional impact: the feelings the work stirs in the viewer.

Why do we study art appreciation?

We study art appreciation to understand and enjoy artworks and to build useful thinking skills.

• Critical thinking: we learn to give reasons for our opinions.
• Knowledge of styles: we understand different art movements and styles.
• Interpretation: we learn to analyse and interpret artworks.
• Respect for the creative process: we see the skill and effort behind a finished work.
• Creativity: we get ideas for our own practical work.
• Cultural awareness: we value our heritage and the heritage of others.

What are the key concepts in art appreciation?

There are five key concepts in art appreciation: aesthetics, form, content, context and criticism.

Aesthetics

• Meaning: the study of beauty and taste.
• Use: it helps us explain why we find a work pleasing or not.

Form

• Meaning: the physical structure of an artwork.
• Includes: line, shape, colour, texture, space, and how they are arranged.

Content

• Meaning: the meaning and message of an artwork.
• Includes: the subject, the story and the idea behind the work.

Context

• Meaning: the cultural, historical and social background of an artwork.
• Example: a mask used in a festival must be read in the light of that festival.

Criticism

• Meaning: the analysis and interpretation of artworks.
• Note: criticism means careful judgement with reasons, not only finding fault.

What is the difference between form and content?

Form is what an artwork looks like and how it is made. Content is what the artwork says or means.

What skills are needed for art appreciation?

Five skills are needed for art appreciation: observation, description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

• Observation: carefully looking at artworks.
• Description: naming what you see, such as the subject, colours, lines, shapes and materials.
• Analysis: studying how the elements are arranged and how they work together.
• Interpretation: explaining the artist’s intentions and the message of the work.
• Evaluation: assessing the value and impact of the artwork.

How do we appreciate an artwork step by step?

We appreciate an artwork by moving from looking to judging, in the order below.

1. Observe the artwork quietly for some time.
2. Describe the subject, colours, lines, shapes, textures and materials.
3. Analyse how these parts are arranged and why they work together.
4. Interpret the meaning, using the context and the artist’s intentions.
5. Evaluate the work and give reasons for your opinion.

Evaluation

1. Define art appreciation.
2. List five factors considered when analysing an artwork.
3. State three ways art appreciation helps a student.
4. Explain the difference between form and content.
5. What is the meaning of aesthetics?

Assignment

1. Choose one artwork you know, such as a Benin bronze or an adire cloth. Name the five key concepts in art appreciation and the five skills for art appreciation, and say what each means. Then use the five skills to describe your chosen artwork.