Course Code GEE 373
Course Description Reading Visual Arts
Module No. and Title Module 2: The Importance of Visual Arts
THE IMPORTANCE OF VISUAL ARTS
Visual art is a fundamental component of the human experience reflecting the world and the time in
which we live. Art can help us understand our history, our culture, our lives, and the experience of others in a
manner that cannot be achieved through other means. It can also be a source of inspiration, reflection, and
joy.
Visual Art is everywhere. You may not know it but visual art is the means we communicate, it is in the
food you eat, the clothes you wear, the road you pass on, the car you ride on, the website you navigate, the
store you buy from, and practically anywhere you set your eyes on.
Why so? Visual Art is an art form primarily perceived by the eye. Usually seen in painting,
photography, printmaking, and even filmmaking. Many people have different definitions of the visual arts. But
to put it simpler, visual art takes nature and the man’s ability to capture the moment on a piece of paper so
that other people may take time appreciating the captured image.
Visual art has gone a long way. These days, we use visual art in many ways. Landscapers use visual art
in most of their work, Website Designers use visual art a lot in putting together content and eye-catching
websites, dress makers use visual art to create a beautifully sewn gown for a particular occasion. Visual art is
also used in designing posters, book covers, food packages, clothing, apparel, jewelry, and a whole lot more.
Imagine a world without art. No music, no movies, no paintings, no drawings, no designs, and
etc. The world will be a very dull place to live in. Perhaps the only thing you would be seeing is black and
white. No laughter, no smiles, practically no emotions at all.
Visual art is life in itself. The way we perceive the world and how we appreciate it. That is art and
we actually live with it everyday. Art is an outlet of our inner self. A bridge that brings together gaps in our
society, it is a bridge between man and nature, between countries, and continents.
Historical Background
Early human beings, after mastering the technique of communication through oral language, started
depicting events and activities using symbols and visual representations on the walls of caves. The use of
visual representation in the form of paintings and sculptures for articulating and communicating stories,
ideas, and philosophies laid the foundation of visual art in the modern world. This was the genesis of visual
art, which has since then metamorphosed into a powerful visual tool of articulation and expression;
influencing individuals, cultures, and society at large.
Significance of Visual Arts in Society
Visual arts are perhaps among the most critical and influential forms of art that really matter in the
development of a society. The impact of visual arts is actually immense in this world, and it's a form of art that
arouses the creativity and imagination among the common people to a new peace of understanding and
realization. However, besides its influence on human perceptions and understanding, visual arts has its
respective significance on the development of a society.
The importance of visual arts extends far beyond simply creating aesthetically pleasing objects; it
plays a crucial role in shaping our world and influencing our thoughts, cultures, societies, and individual
experiences. Visual arts have been an integral part of human history and continue to hold significant value in
contemporary life. Here’s a detailed exploration of why visual arts are important:
1. Cultural and Historical Preservation/Expression of Identity and Culture
Visual arts serve as a window into the past, preserving the culture, traditions, and values of different
societies across time. Through art, we can explore:
● Historical Events: Many artworks capture pivotal moments in history. Paintings, sculptures,
and photographs can document wars, social movements, or significant cultural shifts,
providing an emotional and visual record of these events.
"Spoliarium" is one of the most significant and iconic paintings in Philippine art history. Created by Juan
Luna, it won the first gold medal at the 1884 Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Spain, a
prestigious event that showcased the works of artists from Spain and its colonies. The painting’s victory
brought attention to Filipino artists in the global art scene and became a symbol of national pride,
resistance, and the struggle for freedom under Spanish colonial rule.
● Cultural Identity: Art reflects and shapes cultural identity. Indigenous art, folk art, and
regional styles often express unique aspects of a community’s way of life, beliefs, and customs.
Visual arts play a vital role in the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage from one
generation to the next.
The T'boli people of Mindanao are known for their intricate T'nalak weaving, a textile art made from
abaca fibers. The patterns of the T'nalak are believed to be inspired by dreams, a spiritual practice
central to the T'boli way of life. The woven cloth represents not only their creative skills but also their
connection to the spiritual realm and their cultural beliefs.
● Social Commentary: Artists often create work that challenges or critiques societal norms,
politics, or inequalities. For example, the works of artists like Picasso during the Spanish Civil
War or Goya’s depictions of the horrors of war have served as powerful critiques of political
and social systems.
One powerful example of visual art that critiques societal norms and politics is Guernica (1937) by Pablo
Picasso. Created in response to the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War,
this monumental painting powerfully conveys the suffering and chaos caused by war and political violence.
2. Emotional Impact and Empathy
Visual art has the power to evoke deep emotional responses. Whether it’s a portrait that captures
human vulnerability or a large-scale installation that immerses the viewer in a sensory experience,
art can make us feel things in ways that words sometimes cannot. It has the ability to create empathy
by allowing viewers to see the world through the eyes of others, often deepening our understanding
of emotions like grief, joy, fear, or love.
A powerful example of visual art that evokes deep emotional responses and creates empathy is "The Falling Man"
(2001) by photographer Richard Drew. This iconic image captures a man falling from the North Tower of the World
Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, his body frozen in mid-air as he plummets toward the ground.
3. Aesthetic Value and Beauty
The visual arts contribute to the creation of beauty in the world. Whether in the form of a painting,
sculpture, or urban public art, works of art can enhance our environments and bring joy to our lives.
Aesthetic experiences—whether through vibrant colors, intricate patterns, or masterful
techniques—can uplift the spirit and add meaning to our daily existence. Beauty in art often invites us
to reflect on life, nature, and the universe.
One of the most iconic street art pieces that has contributed significantly to tourism is Banksy’s "Girl with a
Balloon". While this work is not a single mural but an image that has appeared in multiple locations around the
world, it is one of the most famous examples of how street art can become a global symbol, attracting visitors and
boosting tourism to the areas where it appears.
4. Psychological and Therapeutic Value
The process of creating art can be deeply therapeutic. Art
therapy is widely used as a form of self-expression and
emotional healing. It helps individuals to process trauma,
stress, or mental health challenges in a non-verbal way.
Additionally, the act of viewing or creating art has been
shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase overall
well-being. Art’s ability to engage with the subconscious
makes it a powerful tool for personal growth.
"The Starry Night" (1889) by Vincent van Gogh is one of the most
iconic and celebrated paintings in the history of art. It depicts a night
sky filled with swirling stars, a glowing crescent moon, and a tranquil village beneath, all enveloped in a dynamic,
expressive atmosphere. The painting is often interpreted not only as a beautiful landscape but also as a window
into van Gogh's emotional and psychological state at the time of its creation.
5. Fostering Creativity and Innovation
The visual arts encourage creativity, imagination, and innovation. By experimenting with different
materials, techniques, and perspectives, artists constantly push the boundaries of what is possible.
This spirit of innovation has wide-reaching implications for other fields, including science, technology,
design, and architecture, where creative thinking can lead to new solutions and breakthroughs.
A compelling example of how the visual arts have encouraged creativity, innovation, and new solutions is the work
of Leonardo da Vinci's "Flying Machine" Designs (c. 1485) —particularly his drawings and inventions. Da Vinci
was not just an artist, but also an engineer, scientist, and inventor. His ability to blend artistic creativity with
scientific inquiry led to innovations that had wide-reaching implications across multiple fields, from anatomy and
engineering to flight and architecture.
6. Challenging Perceptions and Shifting Mindsets
Art can challenge conventional perceptions and provoke critical thinking. Artists often use their work
to question norms, confront prejudices, and challenge societal structures. A powerful example of this
is the work of artists like Ai Weiwei, whose art critiques human rights violations and governmental
oppression. Art, by its nature, invites viewers to think critically about their surroundings and question
the status quo.
A powerful example of art that challenges conventional perceptions and provokes critical thinking is Ai Weiwei’s
"Sunflower Seeds" (2010). This installation, created for the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London, consists of
millions of individually hand-painted porcelain sunflower seeds, spread across the vast floor of the gallery. On the
surface, the work appears to be a celebration of Chinese craftsmanship and the aesthetic beauty of porcelain, a
material that has long been a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage. However, as with many of Ai Weiwei’s works,
there is a much deeper, more critical message about mass production, individualism, and political oppression.
7. Community and Connection
Art can unite people, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Public art, galleries,
museums, and art festivals create spaces where people can gather, interact, and engage in
conversations about the work. Visual art can create common ground in a fragmented society, offering
a shared point of reflection or conversation on the universal human condition.
A compelling example of how art can unite people and foster a sense of community is The Berlin Wall's East Side
Gallery in Germany. This open-air gallery is a section of the Berlin Wall, which was once a symbol of division
between East and West Germany during the Cold War. After the wall was torn down in 1989, the remaining
segment was transformed into a canvas for artists from around the world, creating a powerful symbol of
reconciliation, freedom, and the shared human experience of overcoming separation.
Prepared by: Reviewed by: Recommending Approved:
Approval:
Joselito F. Palomar, Jr. Marlyn Quiming Ariel Y. Leonin Virgo C. Lopez
Faculty Dean - RPSEA Director for Curriculum VP for Academics
& Instruction
