CHAPTER 1: The Visual Arts and its Branches

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Art is a human conception made manifest by the skilful use of a medium. It signifies making, fashioning or putting together, and it usually implies that the thing is accomplished by human skill (Uzoagba 2000). Furthermore, it is a way of making and communicating meaning through imagery and performances. It is a unique symbolic domain and is a discipline with its particular demands and core of learning.
Art is a natural and enjoyable way of extending and enriching the child’s experience of the world (visual Arts curriculum, 2010).
The word 'arts' is an all-encompassing phenomenon and has numerous branches. Art or arts is subdivided into the visual arts and liberal arts. While visual art is further partitioned into Fine arts and design areas, liberal art is sub-categorized into performing and literary arts. However, our concern is the visual arts.