Functions of Arts

• • 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 it’s aim.
  • This telos, according to Aristotle is intricately linked with function.
  • For a thing to reach it’s purpose, it also has to fulfill it’s function.
• FUNCTIONS OF ART

  • An inquiry on the function of art is an inquiry on what art is for. Example: What is the Rizal monument for?
  • 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.
• Does it mean that paintings and literary works can never have any function?

  • Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
  • The novels accrued value and as a consequences function.
  • They are functional in so far as they are designed to accomplish some definite end.
• The Function of Art classified into three.

  1. Personal Function of art
  2. Social Function of art
  3. Physical Function of art
• 1. Personal Functions of Art

  • The personal functions of art are varied and highly subjective.
  • Functions depends on the artist who created the art.
  • An artist may create an art out of self-expression, entertainment, or therapeutic purpose.
• 2. 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.
  • Art may conveyed message of protest, contestation, or whatever message the artist intends his works to carry.
  • Political art is very common example of an art with a social function.
  • Art can also depict social conditions such as photographs (pictures of poverty).
  • Performance art like plays or satires can also rouse amotions and really people toward a particular end.
• 3. Physical Function of Art

  • The physical functions of art can be found in artworks that are crafted in order to serve some physical purpose.
  • Architecture, jewelry,-making, interior design, all serves physical functions
• Other Functions of Art

  • Music was principally used for dance and religion.
  • The ancient world saw music as an instrument to facilitate worship and invocation to gods.
  • Music was essential for synchronicity of dancers.
  • Music guarantees that warriors were simultaneous.
  • Today, music has expanded it’s functions and coverage.
  • There is a lot of music that has no connection to dance or religion. Example: Serenade – people compose hymns to express feelings and emotions.
  • Music is also used as accompaniment to stage plays and motion pictures.
• Other Functions of Art

  • Sculptures have been made by man most particularly for religion.
  • In the Roman Catholic World, the employment of sculptures for religious purposes has remained vital, relevant, and symbolic.
  • Rizal’s and Bonifacio’s monument and commemorative coins.
  • Architecture may be the most prominent functional art.
  • Unlike other forms of art, buildings take so much time to erect and destroy.
  • One cannot dismiss taking into consideration the function of a building before construction.
  • It is also in architecture where one can find intimate connection of function and form.
• Does art always have to be functional?

  • The value of a work of art does not depend on function but on the work itself the plays of Aeschylus and the poetry of Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe are still counted as examples of great works of art despite their not having unknown function.