Functions of Art

Functions of Art

Art has many functions. The 3 major categories identified as functions are personal, social, and physical. Physical function of art is the most obvious. This is the art that provides some type of service. A Japanese Raku bowl is art, it is also a Japanese Tea Ceremony. An example of functional art would be Ancient Greece. Because they are centuries old there are many architects unknown of the classical designs. Through time and nature most of these architectural structures are in ruins. These were public buildings, tombs, and temples made of stone, brick and marble. They were all man made. The remains of the structures still represent physical functional art in the past as well as the present. Social function of art is expressed as a political function as well. Through time artist were chosen to paint portraits to mark their political power and social status. Am example of social art would be Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”. Political art always carry a social function. Personal function of art can be in the form of expression. The artist may be trying to communicate a thought or point to the viewer, provide an aesthetic experience for his/her self and viewers, or entertain others. Sometimes a piece doesn’t have any meaning at all. Personal function is also therapeutic, and can be identified through your surroundings or nature. This could be in preparation of a meal, organizing your garage, color coordinating a closet, putting on make-up, dressing to go out or styling your hair a certain way.
The ability to identify sunsets, the sounds of water, birds singing, beautiful wild flowers blanketing a field, are all conceptions of defined personal function art.

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