The Basic Concepts
The Basic Concepts
When we study Art synchronically, that is, when we analyze its parts independent of the social and cultural context from where it originates, we discuss the components of subject matter, medium, technique, elements, and the Art's overall visual or aural form. This brings out the expressive content (ideas, feelings, or sensation) presented as Art. Of these components, medium is the most essential because it is through the medium that Art becomes palpable.
There are basic concepts we study when we dissect art. Art will necessarily reach us through some palpable form. What the artist wishes to express will have to pass through a "bridge" between two points from where, in the first point, the artist reaches us, the second point. The artist with his ideas and feelings that he wishes to express, will need this "bridge" to connect himself with us - his perceivers or listeners. This, to simplify matters, is the process of the artistic creation.
Subject
Subject
But even before he conceives of this link, or "bridge," an artist will have to express something. This something may be an idea or a feeling. It will be what his art is all about. This is called the subject, a term used to denote whatever is represented in a work of art.
However, not all arts have subjects. Many forms do not represent anything. Arts without subjects are called non-objective or non-representational because they refer to nothing in the real world. Many paintings and sculptures have no subject as they do not represent anything but are viewed and appreciated only in the manner their elements are designed, e.g., how colors are combined, and how shapes are merged. Buildings may have beautiful structures yet