Arts Of The Past And Future Essay, Research Paper

The arts of the past, present and future

When asked, what is art? many people will respond simply by referring to art as paintings. Art involves so much more than paintings. Almost anything in today s world if done in the correct fashion can be categorized as some form of art. Art includes but is not limited to paintings. It also includes music, sculptures, theater, literature and many others. In this paper I would like to touch on a few forms of art that I enjoy.

The first form I would like to talk about is two- dimensional art. Two-dimensional art includes paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs. Which are all differently defined by the technique used. Paintings and drawings can be made with oils, watercolor, tempera, acrylics, ink or pencil. Each of these mediums has its own distinct look to it. The characteristics are all different for the media mentioned above. Oils are one of the most popular used media in paintings. Oils offer a range of colors and do not dry quickly allowing the artist to alter any mistakes.

Next I would like to inform you about sculpture. Unlike two-dimensional art sculpture is three-dimensional. Sculptures have an element that two-dimensional art does not, mass. Mass includes the size, shape, and volume of the forms. The sculpture itself defines actual space and may be full-round, relief, or linear. Also unlike two-dimensional art sculptures can be viewed from all sides (full-round).

Third, architecture is another form of art used in the unique buildings all around us. There are many varieties of architecture but I would like to talk about one of them, structure. Many structures include post-and-lintel, cantilever, arch, bearing wall, and skeleton frame structures. Post-and-lintel are laying horizontal pieces across vertical supports, it is one of the oldest forms of structural systems. When interior space was more important the arch was used. Whether it was in vaults (arches joined end to end) or in domes (concentric arches). The modernizations of architecture lead to walls being able to support themselves, the floors and roof.

Lastly I would like to touch on another form of art, music. Understanding music begins with genre identification simply because it helps to understand exactly what you are listening to. Knowing whether it is a symphony a large musical composition for orchestra or a mass a church setting of the Roman Catholic service. Aside from the larger more complex forms of music there are also concertos. A concerto is a composition for solo instrument with accompaniment giving a different experience to the listener.

Melody and form are other technical forms used in music. The melody is a succession of sounds with rhythmic and tonal organization. Any combinations of musical tones make a melody, but usually have more particular qualities than just sounds. Musical ideas come in melodies called themes; shorter versions are called motives or motifs. The form gives the musical compositions shape and organization. Composers use the form to arrange musical elements into successive events. There are two types of form, open and closed. Open form uses repetition of thematic materiel as a departure point for further development. Closed, on the other hand, directs your attention back into the composition by restating at the end of a thematic section the element formed the beginning.

All of these art forms have offered artists the ability to make different use of the different elements throughout history. In ancient times music was used to entertain and for religious purposes, architecture consisted of pyramid building and sculpture was the major art form. In Greece it was considered the archaic Greece, with the archaic Greece sculptures and Doric order architecture. Sadly none of the Greek music can be interpreted by the surviving records or even know what instruments they played.

During the classical period sculptures were idealized, vigorous, youthful bodies that make a positive statement about the joys of earthly life. Architecture evolved to Greek Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian as shown on page 92 in The Creative Impulse. The lyre and the avlos were the instruments basic to Greek music and each had a significant role in pre-classical ritual.

The Roman period a strong Hellenistic influence was apparent in their sculpture and architecture. Architecture included arcades and tunnels and groin vaults (pg.129). Music was very popular among the Romans. It was apparent at festivals, competition, and vituoso performances.

All of the art forms evolved and linked one form to another. Starting with the ancient world, Greek classicism, and the Roman period, the early Middle Ages, the high and late Middle Ages, and so on until the present. The forms of art started very vaguely and generally with time became more complex depending on the style for that period. Not saying that the arts of the past are not as great as the arts of the present. Some may argue that the styles and effort put into the earlier artwork is more worthy of praise. I believe all artwork is good, I may not enjoy some as much as others but I will always give credit to some one I believe has talent.

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