Aristotle claimed that every particular substance in the world has an end, or telos in Greek, which
translates into “purpose.”
Every substance, defined as formed matter, moves according to a fixed path towards its aim.
This telos, according to Aristotle, is intricately linked with function.
For a thing to reach its purpose, it also has to fulfill its function.
FUNCTIONS OF ART
Art can be generally classified into two:
Directly functional
Art that we use in a daily basis and serves a literal or tangible function in our lives. ( e. Clothes,
Architectural and Engineering, Structures, Money, Furniture)
2. Indirectly functional
- refers to the art that are ‘’perceived through the senses’’ such as fine arts, painting, music, sculpture,
dance, literally piece and theatrical performances.
What is functional Arts?
- It refers to art that we use in our daily lives such as tools, architectural, structures, roads, bridges
building, furniture, coins, bills, dress and etc.
When it comes to function, different art forms come with distinctive functions.
Some art forms are more functional than others.
Architecture and Applied Arts
The value of the art in question lies in the practical benefits one gains from it
Obviously made for a specific purpose
Painting and Literature
One can look at the value of the product of art in and for itself
AESTHETIC FUNCTIONS OF ART
An art work function
Instrumental for man to be cognizant of the beauty of nature and where the real feeling of joy and
appreciation and enjoyment when in contact with the art work.
UTILITARIAN FUNCTIONS OF ART
Art is serving this function when it is utilized to give comfort, convenience and happiness to human
beings.
It is used to serve basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medicine transportation and etc., and
other important thing to make man live with happiness and ease.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF ART
Art is considered to have a social function if and when it addresses a particular collective interest as
opposed to a personal interest.
When the art bridges communication among people, it serves social function.
CULTURAL FUNCTION OF ART
Art serve as an aperture towards skills, knowledge attitudes costumes, and traditions of different groups
of people. The art helps, preserves share and transmit culture of people from one generation to
another,
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ART
ART AS AN IMITATION
( Immitationalism)
In Plato’s The Republic, paints a picture of artists as imitators and art as mere imitation.
ART AS A FORMAL
(Formalism)
is the study of art by analyzing and comparing form and style. Its discussion also includes the way
objects are made and their purely visual or material aspects.
ART AS A COMMUNICATION OF
EMOTION (Emmotionalism)
An aesthetic and critical theory of art which places emphasis on the expressive qualities. According to
this theory, the most important thing about a work of art is the vivid communication of moods, feelings,
and ideas..
7 Functions of Art That Make Us Empathetic Human Being
1. Memory – art focuses in on the essence of the scene rather than the whole of it.
2. Self-Understanding – art helps us to complete our own uniformed thoughts and ideas.
3. Sorrow – art doesn’t just increase our capacity for joy, it validates our sorrow.
4. Hope – Art can move us to tear. Beautiful art can bring tear of joy.
5. Art Promotes Self-Growth – When we see a picture of something we haven’t personally experienced
or of an emotion that we don’t have a personal context for, we can take time to think about it, react to
it and empathize with.
6. Re-Balancing – Our day-to-day lives influences the balance of our emotional makeup.
7. Conclusion – Recognizing an remembering these seven functions of art as therapeutic for personal
growth the next time that you encounter art will hopefully enhance your experience of the image you
are looking at.
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