The goals for this module are to be able (1) to differentiate the various factors that affect the

creation of art, and (2) to demonstrate understanding of how art functions.

The first activity for this module is the group reporting. Seven topics were distributed to each
group. The topic assigned to our group is Base and Superstructure. We slightly had a hard time
understanding it, but we still managed to report it in the class. We understood that the base
refers to the social relations between men, which create and produce materials that are
eventually put up for the exchange. At the same time, the superstructure describes all other
aspects of society. Also, the superstructure often influences the base, the influence of the base,
however, predominates.

We also had the fishball conversations. It was fun hearing different opinions about a particular
topic being discussed in the inner circle. The topics were random issues and were not related to
each other. I chose the last item, which talks about whether all artworks are a
protest/propaganda art or not. I stand that all artwork is a protest art because even if it is
abstract, every work conveys a message. After discussing all the topics for the fishball
conversation, we proceeded with the synthesis of each topic. Our group synthesized the
discussion about "high brow" and "low brow" art.

The discussion started with showing different books and checking whether it is a "high brow" or
a "low brow" and it focused on whether there should be a line between "high brow" and "low
brow". The class representatives of the topic were split evenly. Three approves of having a line
(there should be high and low classifications) while the other three don't support it. The "anti"
group said that there should be no discrimination among arts. On the other hand, the "pro"
group said that it is only a classification of art, there's no discrimination involved. Throughout
the discussion, the classification of "low brow" and "high brow" became apparent. "High brow"
being for intellectual examples would be books that need at least a high school diploma to
understand while "low brow" would be those that are for entertainment or easy readings. Due
to this, questions were raised about whether Nick Joaquin is a National Artist with the debate
that he is only an artist for selected people but not for the masses. The two sides debated it. In
the discussion, however, it is said that an art that is understood by the masses and art that is
followed by intellectuals are both great art. Finally, the discussion ended in a surprise in which
even after all the discussion, the participants still sided with their original stands.

For the last activity, we were tasked to create a protest art. There are a lot of note-worthy
issues occurring in our society even before the pandemic happened. However, the
incompetency of our government and the injustice happening, not just in our country, today
have become worse and more conspicuous. My idea is to create a simple artwork showing the
animated face of the Philippine eagle, which is crying and in shock while being strangled by a
large metal collar. The Philippine eagle, the country's national bird, represents the millions of
Filipino people who are oppressed and being treated unjustly today. The eagle should have
been flying freely, but because of the large metal collar that is choking it, the eagle becomes a
mere powerless foreigner on its territory. The large metal collar strangling the bird symbolizes
the politicians who are withholding the needs of the people and depriving them of their rights.
The eagle which is supposed to be free cannot be free unless the (useless) large metal collar will
be removed.