Discussion 1

Discussion There are quite a few definitions and interpretations pertaining to the real definition and meaning of form and content in the visual arts. Although these two words have very different meanings, there are times when the unschooled tend to interchange the definitions.
Usually the form of visual art is based upon the rendering of the artists techniques and decisions pertaining to his vision of the piece. Therefore, the form come to being once the correct interaction between subject matter, medium, ground, and other components of visual art are met by the artist. These are the components that make up the content of art piece. Therefore, content can then be defined as the significance of the art components in a visual rendering. Clear examples of these definitions can be seen in the Catalonia painting collection of Rebecca Crowell which clearly depicts the strong formation of the painting and the content that comes to the fore once the brain has had time to absorb the lines, drawings, and scratches that make up the content of her colorful art work. The relationship between the content and form of the painting is what our eyes see as art. These two components combine to create a thought process in our minds pertaining to the overall effect of the visual qualities as seen in the painting. The two cannot be separated because the form of the painting is what we see while the content is the meaning of what we see as interpreted by our minds.
Although the message of a painting in terms of content and form are believed to be timeless, the interpretation of the viewer tends to change over the years. This can be attributed to the fact that people learn more about the background and influences of the artist and his state of mind at the time the painting was created, thus changing any interpretation or understanding that future generations may have about the art work. However the original interpretation shall always stand the test of time as the baseline interpretation of an artists work.
Student A:
Your definition pertaining to content and form is certainly succinct. It is a clear definition that can easily be understood by any lay reader. However, I beg to differ with you in terms of your view that whenever form changes, content changes as well. There have been other painters such as the Kleophon Painter who painted the same content in various forms throughout time. He painted many Red Figure Attic vases while sticking to specific genres. These themes included, Greek mythology, domestic themes, and paintings of warriors. Although he painted them in various forms, the content of the painting remained the same. Therefore, the theme or content does not necessarily change for a painting changes form. At least that is my opinion on the matter.
Student B:
You certainly made very plain definitions of the words content and form. So much so that it actually seemed a bit haphazard to me due to the lack of expounding descriptions that could better help me visualize the explanation as you put it across. But no matter, it was by far a good definition for each term anyway. I totally agree with your statement that the beauty of an artwork and its definition is determined by the viewer. However, in terms of satisfaction from art work, I believe that people always get satisfaction from viewing it regardless of the time and place. But, the satisfaction that they will get from it will come from being able to have debates about the artists content and form.