AOK: the Arts Information taken from TOK Guide at www.ibo.org Scope and Applications       A collective term for a variety of creative productions (e.g. visual arts, performing arts, literary arts) A way to shape our beliefs Society plays a role in determining what is art An essential element of culture; local culture defines value in the arts Art forms are based on sense perception May promote social change and create a bridge between shared and personal knowledge Concepts and Language Language of an art form is often non-verbal  Language may be used to describe an art form  Certain art forms have specific terminology (eg. color/tone in painting, certain dance movements, musical notation) and conventions (i.e. the accepted way of painting or writing to create the art form)  Methodology Creating in the arts often involves personal knowledge using imagination and creativity  Creativity requires imagination taking place within a framework (i.e. with a purpose), often using reason  Often requires an interaction with an audience (often emotional)  New technologies lead to new art forms (eg. film/video, computer generated music)  Historical Development Conventions and values in the arts change over time  The historical development of an art form helps us make sense of its present form  Links to Personal Knowledge The relationship between the artwork and the artist is often emotional  Art can contribute to a view of oneself  Art can shape an individual’s view of the world  Activity 1: Discussion (p228, Dombrowski, Rotenberg, Beck, 2013) Which arts use language as their medium of expression?  To what extent can the arts be considered to be “language” themselves, metaphorically speaking?  Are there concepts, named in language, that you think are extremely important- perhaps even essential – in discussing and evaluating the arts? Are there terms that are essential in teaching and learning within the arts?  Activity 2  Look at/watch: ◦ Dragon illusion (watch the video on the site):  http://www.grandillusions.com/opticalillusions/dragon_illusion/ ◦ Lionel’s disappearing train  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lxSxWn-Hqc  Discuss the following:  A KQ to consider and discuss: ◦ Which WOKs are being applied with this artwork? ◦ Do you consider illusions a form of art? Justify your response. ◦ Does art enlarge what it is possible to think? Activity 3  Watch the TED talk:  http://www.ted.com/talks/luke_syson_how_i_learned_to_st op_worrying_and_love_useless_art  Respond to the following: ◦ Is it ethical/fair to judge the usefulness of art without knowing the story behind its creation (i.e. the work involved to produce, the artists intent of the work)? ◦ How or to what extent does our culture and experience (personal and shared knowledge) influence our opinion of artwork? Activity 4: AOK connections - Art, Human Sciences, Mathematics  Watch the TED talk: ◦ Turning powerful stats into art http://www.ted.com/talks/chris_jordan_pictures_ some_shocking_stats.html  Discuss: ◦ Should art be used as a vehicle for social critique?  Develop other KQs related to this talk and the connection between the arts, human sciences, and math Activity 5: AOK connection – Art Natural Sciences, Human Sciences  Read the article about how the brain appreciates art:  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-neuroscienceof-beauty/  Discussion: ◦ Is it possible that aesthetic value is in reality a universal fact about human beings? ◦ Discuss the significance or implications of this article on culture/society, appreciation of art. Use TOK terms…i.e. try to link art, natural sciences and human sciences and bring in some WOKs. KQs for additional discussion What is the relationship between the artist and the artwork?  Is the aesthetic value of an artwork purely a subjective matter?  What is the importance of form in artwork?  Topics/ideas for additional activities Artwork used to affect the beliefs of individuals and groups (for example, advertising, film, literature, folksongs)  Art forms that are strongly rooted in a particular culture or tradition.  http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_shermer _the_pattern_behind_self_deception.html (an auditory illusion from the song Stairway to Heaven) 