What’s the Subject of Art?
Subject matter is the core idea, topic, or theme of an artwork. It’s what the artwork is about. Subject matter gives a piece meaning and lets us connect with it on a deeper level.
An artist can draw inspiration from anywhere: a simple object, a complex abstract idea, personal experiences, mythology, history, or even current events. Understanding the subject matter is key to truly appreciating a piece of art and understanding the artist’s intentions.
Choosing the right art subject matters is crucial for self-expression. It allows the artist to share insights into their life and thoughts, establish context, and communicate powerful messages. By exploring the different types of subject matter, understanding its importance, and tracing its evolution, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the choices artists make and the stories they tell.
Types of Subject Matter in Art
Artwork can be divided into two basic types: concrete, which is easy to identify, and abstract, which is more open to interpretation.
Concrete Subject Matter
Concrete art has a definite subject that’s easy to recognize. Some of the most common concrete subjects are:
- Portraits: Portraits depict people, whether individually, in groups, or as self-portraits. Portraits can reflect the artist’s view of humanity, their emotions, and their relationship with the subject.
- Landscapes: Landscapes are representations of natural scenery. They can be realistic or idealized, and they often reflect the artist’s emotional state and appreciation for nature.
- Still life: Still life paintings and photographs show arrangements of inanimate objects. Artists use still life to express their appreciation for detail, to explore societal values, or to convey feelings of peace or even stagnation. Common elements include fruits, flowers, and household items.
Abstract Subject Matter
Abstract art represents emotions, philosophies, or concepts instead of easily identifiable objects. Abstract art uses geometric shapes, colors, and textures to evoke feelings or ideas.
Wassily Kandinsky’s watercolor paintings are a prime example of abstract art, and Picasso’s “Guernica” can be seen as having abstract subject matter, representing the terror of war.
Subject matter and artistic styles
The subject matter of a work of art is closely tied to the style the artist chooses. Here are some common artistic styles and how they relate to subject matter:
Realism
Realism aims to show the subject exactly as it appears, with as much detail and accuracy as possible. A realist artist avoids idealizing the subject.
Impressionism
Impressionism tries to capture a fleeting moment, emphasizing the way light and color play on a subject. Impressionist artists often focus on everyday scenes and landscapes, using loose brushstrokes to convey the impression of a scene.
Surrealism
Surrealism delves into the world of dreams and the subconscious mind. Surrealist art is often illogical and dreamlike, featuring imagery that you wouldn’t expect to see in reality.
Abstract art
Abstract art moves away from representing things as they appear in the real world. Instead, it focuses on form, color, and composition. Abstract art can range from semi-abstract, where you can still recognize elements of the real world, to completely non-representational, where the subject is purely abstract.
Why does the subject matter of art matter?
The subject matter of a work of art is often the primary way that an artist communicates with an audience. Here are a few reasons why it’s so important:
- Self-Expression: The subject matter can be a means for artists to express their own experiences, feelings, and ideas. For example, Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits are a reflection of her life and struggles.
- Cultural and Historical Context: Art serves as a language, telling stories and passing on cultural narratives. The subject matter of art can provide insights into the values of the artist and the society in which they lived.
- Communication and Message: Artists use subject matter to send messages and communicate ideas. For instance, Pablo Picasso’s Guernica powerfully conveys the horrors of war.
Evolution of subject matter: technology, globalization, and environmental concerns
As the world changes, so do the subjects artists choose to represent.
The role of technology
Technology has a huge influence on today’s artists, both in the subjects they choose to depict and the ways they express themselves.
For example, you’ll see plenty of pixelated images and glitch art that comment on the rise of digital media.
Digital art, VR, AR, and AI are becoming more and more common. These technologies allow artists to explore new subjects, such as digital consciousness or cybernetic environments.
Globalization
Globalization has widened artistic horizons, leading to more cross-cultural exchange. Artists are finding inspiration in diverse cultures and points of view.
Environmental and ecological concerns
Environmental and ecological issues are now some of the most common subjects in art. Artists are creating works that depict melting ice caps, marine life affected by oil spills, and smog-covered cities.
How to Interpret Subject Matter in Art
The way we interpret art is often colored by our own experiences. What speaks to one person might not resonate with another. It’s okay to have your own unique take on what a piece means!
However, to really understand art, it helps to consider its context. Think about the artist: What was their life like? What was happening in the world when they created the piece? What was the artist trying to communicate? By exploring these questions, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the subject matter and the artist’s intentions.
The Bottom Line
To recap, subject matter is one of the most basic aspects of art, providing meaning, context, and a way for artists to communicate with the people who view their work.
The things that artists choose to depict evolve over time, reflecting our changing world. Today, technology, globalization, and concerns about the environment are just some of the things that influence artistic expression.
By understanding and appreciating subject matter, we can gain a deeper understanding of art – and its role in reflecting and shaping the world around us.