Section outline

  • Unit 3: How Art Speaks – Finding Meaning

    Art asks us questions and conveys meaning. It expresses ideas, uncovers truths, manifests what is beautiful, and tells stories. In this unit, we begin to explore the meaning behind particular works of art within the context of various styles and cultures. We introduce the conceptual tools professional art critics use to interpret art. During this activity, you will provide your own interpretation of a piece of art. You should return to this activity after you have completed this course and review your response.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • identify the four levels of meaning in works of art: formal, subject, context, and iconography;
      • define the term context and discuss its essential role in finding meaning in art;
      • describe the six critical perspectives: structural, deconstructive, formalist, ideological, psychoanalytical, and feminist; and
      • explain the meaning of form and content.