Week 2 - Introduction to Aesthetics

What is Aesthetics?

What does Aesthetic mean? Aesthetics is the philosophical inquiry of art, it is a branch of philosophy. The following are Essential Theories of Aesthetics that will be explored more in depth later on in the blog:

• Mimetic/Realism (Plato): has to look real, the essence of
• Expressionist (Aristotle): feeling
• Instrumentalist: does it serve a purpose, is it a tool, does it educate?
• Formalist: Elements & Principles of Design, not context
• Neo-Rationalist: how does it compare to past art/the masters
• Institutionalism: if an institution (such as a prominent gallery) says it's art then it must be art
• Feminist: multiculturalism, marginalism
• Marxist: politics, culture, etc
• Queer: strange in order to unsettle beliefs
• Hedonist (Epicurus): does it bring pleasure/joy
• Ecology & Complexity theory

What is Art? Another Idea

We made a visit to the BYU Museum of Art to see Dan Steinhilber's new exhibit. He uses items that people would normally consider junk or trash and turns them into art works. Depending on which theory is used to analyze his work may be considered art, or it may be considered otherwise.
We were also given an assignment to have a socially engaging art experience, to document it, and to come prepared to share it with the class. This assignment made me think a little more about what could be considered art, what in the world do I do that is artistic? There were actually a few things that I thought of but I decided to make cupcakes:



OTHER PROJECTS

My Reflections:
I really like the idea of doing something that is artistic and making it social. It definitely broadens and stretches that boundaries that make up art. Doing it made me realize that everyone is artistic in their own way.

Future Applications:
Since I am planning on teaching 8 year olds I would modify this assignment a little. I would have them do an activity with their family that they view as artistic, document it, then share it with the class. You could even integrate it with English by having students write about it.