8th GRADE
FUNCTIONS
OF ART IN
AMERICA
What purpose does art serve?
FUNCTIONS
OF ART
LIST AS MANY AS POSSIBLE
There are many purposes or
function of art…
THE FOLLOWING
ARE 3 GENERAL
FUNCTIONS
What Are the Functions of Art in America?
By Daniel Ketchum, eHow Contributor
updated: August 23, 2010
aesthetically pleasing
commercially profitable
culturally enlightening
What Are the Functions of Art in America?
By Daniel Ketchum, eHow Contributor
updated: August 23, 2010
• Art is aesthetically pleasing, giving simple
enjoyment to many people.
• Art is commercially profitable, providing a way
for businesses to relate to their customers and
market their goods.
• Art is culturally enlightening, reflecting the
times of the people who created it.
Aesthetic Value
• Pure aesthetic value is one of the most significant
functions of art in American society.
• Artists like Gilbert Stuart, Ansel Adams, Andy Warhol
and Jackson Pollock created works that have brought
pleasure to millions.
• Art can profoundly affect people, with each person
bringing his own experiences and point of view.
• Art makes people think, considering concepts they
may not have thought about before. Art can cause
the viewer to ask questions about all kinds of things
– life, death, love, etc.
Crack the Whip, Winslow Homer 1800s - REALISM
Lord, Heal the
Child,
Thomas Hart
Benton (1934)
REGIONALISM
Andy Warhol
POP ART
Reflecting Culture
• Art in America has often been a reflection of the
times in which the artists lived.
• Great American art is often born out of the struggles
of Americans during times of transition, as well as
the crises and social changes of society.
• Specifically, artistic influences in the United States
can be seen through the movements that were born
out of uniquely American experiences.
– The horrors of the Civil War as reflected in the work of Mathew Brady
was one of the first attempts to use the photographic arts to influence
public opinion.
– The artists of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration
created art across America designed to bring hope to the masses.
American Civil War, 1860-1865
Work of Mathew Brady was one of
the first attempts to use the
photographic arts to influence
public opinion
Dorothea Lange
Migrant Mother;
Nipomo, California
1936
Commercial and Political Art
Art has been used in political and commercial campaigns
• Consider the Uncle Sam artwork used in
propaganda in WWI, or the WWII work
of Norman Rockwell encouraging
Americans to buy war bonds.
• There was also the iconic image of Rosy
the Riveter that showcased the
changing roles of women during WWII.
• In commercial applications, artwork has
been used to sell products or promote
services.
• Even people who don't visit art galleries
or museums often are exposed to
American masters and movements
through commercial campaigns.
Functions of Art in America
• Aesthetically pleasing, giving simple
enjoyment to many people.
• Commercially profitable, providing a way
for businesses to relate to their
customers and market their goods.
• Culturally enlightening, reflecting the
times of the people who created it.
Blizzard Bag #3
Quiz & Reflection
On a piece of paper (lined or blank) do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
List the 3 general functions of art in America
Define each function of art
Give an example of each function
Write a short response (at least 2 sentences) to
these questions: Why do I make art? What
purpose does art serve in my life?