10/17/23, 9:37 PM
Art As Communication Essay
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Liberty University
Art as Communication
Taylor Hamlett
Professor Abbott
Arts 209 (001)
28 April 2022
10/17/23, 9:37 PM
Art As Communication Essay
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Throughout this course, we discussed topics as elements of art, visual observation and
analysis of preexisting artwork, the creative process, conceptual portraits and objects, gestalt
theory, and more. Although some units were more interesting than others, I personally enjoyed
the conceptual portrait project and the visual observation lecture the most.
One of the most valuable units was the visual observation and analysis critique. It
challenged us as students to take apart a specific artwork from the lighting to color palette to the
pose, foreground, background, etc. and ask ourselves what the artist’s motive was for creating
such a piece. This was also the most involved I feel we got as a class, coming together to dissect
a painting and putting together our ideas on what an artist could have had in mind. According to
Sara Callahan, author of, “Critique and Post-Critique in Contemporary Art History: Excessive
Attachment to Suspicion in Academia and Beyond,” she writes, “The second defines critical
thinking as a way of unveiling hidden meanings and biases in society, cultural products, or
educational practices” (46). One of my favorite things to do in this unit was finding the
motivations and inspiration for an artist the create a piece, whether it be historical or societal
changes or even the artist’s home life.
In general, I think this class was beneficial for me as an artist and student because not
only did it challenge me to create things I would normally never do (i.e., a Japanese kintsugi
bowl for my conceptual portrait), but it also taught me valuable information about a variety of
subjects. Knowing the creative process will help me better create a more cohesive and well-
planned artwork, meanwhile knowing about copyright and fair use will save me from getting in
potential trouble in the future. I believe that all art students should take this course for the benefit
of the lectures and a fun and open environment where they are free to discuss with the class.
10/17/23, 9:37 PM
Art As Communication Essay
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Works Cited
Callahan, Sara. “Critique and Post-Critique in Contemporary Art History: Excessive Attachment
to Suspicion in Academia and Beyond.” , vol. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education
20, no. 1, Feb. 2021, pp. 42–65, doi:10.1177/1474022219885785.
