Embedded Files
Dr. Jose Dalisay, Jr.
(Filipino writer)
WHY THE ARTS SHOULD MATTER
WHY THE ARTS SHOULD MATTER
(Insight Paper)
The article “Why the Arts Should Matter” by Jose Dalisay Jr. has opened my eyes to how significant the arts are to our lives and our nation. I previously believed that the arts were just something for rest, leisure, or entertainment. I now realize that the arts also teach us about who we are as people and help us make sense of our history and culture. More than that, it showed me how the arts can go beyond personal expression but also shape society, governance, and even the economy. Art does not just influence our thoughts and feelings, but also the values and progress of our country.
One of the insights that stood out to me was how the arts are related to governance and the economy of our country. The humanities can assist us in making wise and meaningful decisions as a society because they are concerned with values, imagination, and vision. Creative industries such as music, film, and design from other countries make a substantial contribution to the economy and create numerous jobs for our fellow Filipinos. I learned that the arts are not an expense, but an investment for the advancement of this country. This article has made me realize how art is not only meaningful but practical as well.
Reading this article taught me that art is valuable as it touches people’s lives and also supports the nation’s growth. They enable us to become better human beings while also boosting our economy. I learned that artists need to be respected and supported more to further enhance and assist cultural education and programs. This article has opened my eyes to understand that the arts are not only just extra activities, but are actually essential to our future.
Visual Analysis
Visual Analysis
Photo Essay: My Creative Journey
Photo Essay: My Creative Journey
Museum Visit
Museum Visit
I liked the Yuchengco Museum despite it being a small museum. It satisfied my curiosity and creativity. Various paintings and artworks were collected in museums around the world. I discovered the history of Yuchengco, the artist Joel Wijangco, and the different and interesting combinations of fashion. I also learned about the lifestyle of the indigenous people shown in their halls. Plenty of artworks were throughout the museum, so it didn’t feel dull or lackluster. In fact, it actually felt refreshing to visit the museum.
My favorite part of the museum was looking at the hall full of creative heels by Joel Wijangco. The hall had a dramatic vibe that looked like a runway show, but only for the heels. My favorite artwork is also there, called Sister’s Favorite. As the name implies, Wijangco made it for his sister, whose cancer returned then. He made it to make her feel less depressed, because she loves ramen, and it is also one of the ways that Filipinos show their love, which is to give them food.
Visiting the museum made me feel that while I may not be good at the arts, I should still be engaging with them. I should visit more museums in my free time, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History, and Anthropology, to awaken my creativity and learn more about our history. Just looking at the artworks helped my mental state, as it piqued my interest while also feeling relaxed. Overall, the experience has enlightened me to visit more museums in my free time and sparked my creativity.
Painting that Captures and Teaches Another Culture
Painting that Captures and Teaches Another Culture
“Night Scene in the Yoshiwara” - Katsushika Ōi
c. 1844 – 1854. Ink and color on paper. 40 cm × 30 cm (15.7 in × 11.8 in)
What culture is the piece of art about? What did you learn about the culture from this art?
The artwork by Katsushika Ōi called “Night Scene in the Yoshiwara” is about Japanese Culture during the Edo period. It takes place in old Tokyo Yoshiwara, which is famous for being an official entertainment district or red-light district. In the painting, you can see high-ranking courtesans, regarded as celebrities who prostituted themselves. Their distinctive outfits and makeup were at the forefront of beauty and fashion then. Also, they are behind wooden lattice bars called “harigōshi”, which was their version of a stage, where they are showcased to potential clients. These clients are the men outside who choose who they want to visit at night. This scene captures Japan’s social life culture in the country, especially at night.
The painting’s setting is at night, which creates a more intimate and dramatic atmosphere. The only light present is from paper lanterns, showing no electricity at the time. Only the soft and warming glow from the lanterns was used, creating a mysterious and secretive feeling. Something that also reflects the red-light district and what appeals to the customers' desires. Ultimately, the painting shows life in the Edo period. It shows how normalized prostitution was back then, what the courtesans' attire was, and their livelihood back then, especially how the men entertained themselves in their nightlife.
How did the piece of art change the ways you understand yourself and others?
This painting made me realize that art isn't just for expression, but to tell history. And from the history I learned from this artwork, I realized that the people back then weren’t far off from people today. Some women try to live up to high beauty standards to appeal to society. Some men still view women as a commodity or an object that satisfies their lust. These are evident as there are still strip clubs, prostitutes, and nightwalkers even when these are illegal in the Philippines. While these kinds of entertainment are unlawful, there are still other ways that people enjoy the night. Bars, karaoke, or just hanging out with friends, the night is unnoticeable because of streets filled with light to pave the way to have fun. That even after a long day’s work, people would find ways to entertain themselves. Ultimately, Katsushika Ōi’s work shows that the night hasn’t fundamentally changed. It is a world where the dazzling or intimate light at night appeals to many, and fun and exploitation exist in this complicated world, just as they did centuries ago.
Reflecting on the example piece of art you chose, what do you think are the roles that art plays in intercultural understanding and multicultural societies?
Art acts like a universal language that connects us with other cultures. I did not need to understand Japanese or learn the history of the Edo Period in books or texts. The artwork was enough to depict the events and everyday life of the people. It also acts like a time capsule, as the artist was talented enough to capture the atmosphere and mood of the time and place for viewers to experience. These roles that art plays allow us to connect with other people, be it from the past or the future. We would all feel and think the same way just by looking at and taking in the meaning of the painting. These connections create a bridge of empathy and understanding that is unique only through art. A bridge not built out of stone or steel, but of emotions and understanding that transcends time.
Presentations
Presentations
Photo Appropriation
Photo Appropriation
The Creation of Adam
The Creation of Adam
Michelangelo
The Corruption of Discaya
The Corruption of Discaya
Abella, Cantalejo, Flores, Nolasco
ART TALK
ART TALK
FLORES_ARTTALK_GED108.mp4My Learnings
My Learnings
Throughout the subject of Art Appreciation, I learned how to appreciate art truly. Back then, whenever I saw a museum, I would only look at the paintings and check if they appealed to me visually. I wouldn't think about the deeper meaning or how it would resonate with me or other people. Now, I see that art has history and meaning that makes me appreciate it much more.
Through formal discussions of the subject, I gained an understanding of the various elements, principles, movements, and history of art. What really stood out to me was the explanation of De Stijl art. I only thought of it as a boring and straightforward painting. It did not make sense to me why it is worthy of being in a museum. However, when I learned about the history of how it was used to bring people together during times of chaos, it made me appreciate each painting created by the artists even more.
The subject has taught me how to bring out creativity in my outputs as well. I would usually just present in a very old and dull fashion. However, I now think of creative and engaging ways to present the material so that the audience will be interested and have fun. Overall, Art Appreciation is a beneficial subject for me, as it has taught me how to appreciate art and unleash my creativity, especially during presentations.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse