What Is Subject Matter In Art?
Art is personal – it can be about relationships, people or the beauty of a place – but what actually constitutes the subject matter in art? From images and symbols to the way an artist chooses to use the elements of art, understanding subject matter in art is key to appreciating the various techniques used by a variety of artists.
Subject Matter in Visual Art
Drawing and writing have been around almost as long as humanity itself, used to depict animals, gods, and explain events. Since then, we’ve seen a huge variety of subject matter used in a vast array of visual art, ranging from landscapes to self-portraits. So, what actually constitutes subject matter?
The simplest definition of subject matter is what an artwork is about. Basically, a piece of artwork’s subject matter is the visual content of an artwork, the main focus, including symbols, people, objects, or events. Think about a painting of a family sitting down for lunch – the subject matter is a family that’s sitting down for lunch.
Subject matter may also be symbolic. For example, a piece of artwork about coronavirus might feature symbols such as rainbows and/or medical masks to represent peace and safety, both of which could be treated as symbols that convey the subject of the artwork. It’s essential to be aware that people may interpret symbols differently and that culture has a lot to do with the interpretation of subject matter.
Types of Subject Matter
Often, subject matter can be identified by the artist’s intention or purpose. There is no single way to classify subject matter, but there are a few common types that tend to be used in visual art, including:
• Natural: Natural subject matter usually refers to anything related to nature, including landscapes, animals and plants, or related phenomena such as sunsets and weather.
• Figurative: These are images or figures that are intended to represent people, objects, or events.
• Object: Object subject matter consists of the representation of physical objects, such as furniture, jewelry, and tools.
• Abstract: Abstract art tends to emphasize form, shape, color, and composition rather than representational subject matter.
• Symbolic: Symbolic artwork may feature symbols such as rainbows, hearts, or arrows, as well as other symbols that evoke certain feelings or emotions.
Ways Subject Matter Has Been Interpreted
Artists have always sought to express their feelings and experiences by capturing subject matter in their work. In the art world, much has been written and discussed about how subject matter has been interpreted.
In the late 19th century, Jean-Paul Sartre, a French philosopher, famously wrote that the subject matter of art is “the external world”. This meant to say that subjects in artwork can be anything ranging from objects in a still life painting to a political issue or a portrait of a place. He went on to explain that content should be seen as an interpretation of the world, not a representation of it.
During the twentieth century, Russian formalist critic Viktor Shklovsky argued that subject matter is both the “formal aspect” in art and its “inner essence”. He argued that form can be seen as the subject matter of an artwork, because the structure of a work will give the viewer an idea of what the artist’s intent might be.
Finally, the German philosopher Theodor Adorno asserted that subject matter has become less important in contemporary art and has been replaced by other elements, such as how artwork communicates its message to the viewer.
The Role Of Subject Matter In Art
Subject matter is an important element of art, as it can help to convey the underlying message of a particular piece of artwork. It can give viewers an insight into the various aspects of the piece, such as the artist’s historic context, culture, and time period.
Subject matter also has an impact on the composition of a work. It can inform the traditions or conventions the artist uses, and it can also shape the technique and style of their work. For example, an artist depicting a sun-drenched beach might do so in a realistic style, while an abstract artist might depict the same beach in an expressionistic manner.
Subject matter can also affect how an artwork is interpreted by the viewer, making it essential for artists to fully consider their chosen subject and use it to its full potential.
When looking at a piece of artwork, understanding the subject matter is key to appreciating the various elements of the work. From natural to abstract, or figurative to symbolic, subject matter can convey the artist’s message and shape the composition of their work. Ultimately, understanding subject matter in art can help viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the techniques used by inspirational artists across the centuries.
