Humanities Unit 1

WHAT IS AN IDEA? 5 The humanities are disciplines that honor and respect differences of opinion and ideas. Artists and performing artists create their art and ideas from their own vantage points and their own personal experiences. They are usually very creative individu- als and often considered creative thinkers as well. Paul Baker defi nes an idea as “a space wherein lies the awakening of your own creative self.”

When people go to a museum, art gallery, recital, musical event, poetry read- ing, dance recital, theatrical event, or lecture, they should try to keep in mind Paul Baker’s defi nition of an idea. This will open their eyes and allow them to experience the event with a new mindset. Being able to open ones’ mind to view an event from another vantage point creates a more enjoyable experience.

But some individuals fi nd it diffi cult or challenging to view art from a different point of view because they have preconceived ideas of what art or performances should be like or look like. For those individuals, some works fall short of their expectations, and they become disappointed. They are often heard saying “That is not art” or “What a bad performance.” Their experience depends on their ability to “walk in the other person’s shoes,” so to speak. Their appreciation and enjoyment will depend on whether the individual has the ability to be open minded and not make rash judgments. Being able to keep calm and just look and listen before form- ing an opinion makes an individual a better judge.

It is important to try to understand the intentions of the artist or performer if the viewer wants to fully comprehend the scope of an artwork or performing art.

QUESTIONS

Questions to Contemplate

How does the artist project his or her ideas to the world in order to be understood?

Do you feel it is necessary for art critics to understand a painter’s artwork for it to be considered art?

Are some types of art appreciated in some areas of the world and not appreciated in other areas of the world today? Why or why not?

Do you believe that an artist needs to be able to refl ect and project the sur- rounding world to be remembered from his or her own time and to be consid- ered a great creative and innovative artist? Why or why not?