Functions

• Telos


  Purpose (in Greek)
• For a thing to reach its purpose


  It has to also fulfill a function
• Function


  The use of the object whose function is in question
• An inquiry on the function of art is an inquiry on what art is for
• Art functions can be classified into

  • Motivated (functional)
  • Non-motivated (non-functional)
• Motivated (functional) art


  • Architecture, weaving, furniture-making
• Non-motivated (non-functional) art


  • Painting, sculpture, literature, music, and the theater arts
• 7 functions of arts

  • Aesthetic function
  • Utilitarian function
  • Cultural function
  • Social function
  • Political function
  • Educational function
  • Spiritual function
• Aesthetic function


  Art serves a purpose of beauty
• Utilitarian function


  Art's practical use in everyday life
• Cultural function


  Art reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions of a particular society
• Social function


  Art fosters connections and creates a sense of community
• Political function


  Art's ability to challenge and critique power structures and political ideologies
• Educational function


  Art's capacity to teach and communicate ideas
• Spiritual function


  Art's potential to evoke transcendental experiences and connect individuals with a higher power
• Art as an imitation

  According to Plato, artists are imitators and art is just an imitation
• Theory of forms/ideas


  Plato's argument that non-physical forms (or ideas) represent the most accurate reality
• Classical Greek art


  • Sculptures aimed to represent human figures in a realistic manner
• Art as a representation

  Aristotle considered art as an aid to Philosophy in revealing truth
• Art as a representation


  Art endeavors to provide a vision of what might be or myriad possibilities in reality
• Abstract paintings of Wassily Kandinsky

  • Aimed to convey emotions and spiritual experiences through color and form
• Art for art's sake


  Emphasizes the intrinsic value and beauty of art itself
• Art as an escape


  Art provides a means for individuals to transcend reality and immerse themselves in a different world
• Art as functional


  Art can serve a functional purpose, such as in design and architecture