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Chapter 2: Functions of Art: Arts Appreciation
Chapter 2: Functions of Art: Arts Appreciation
Objectives:
a.) Explain the basic philosophical foundations of art.
b.) Realize the functions of some art forms in daily life.
c.) Apply theories and concepts on beauty and aesthetics in real life
scenario
d.) Differentiate representational art and non-representational art;
e.) Discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its content;
Within art, there exist purposes referred to as functions for which a piece of art
may be designed, but no art can be "assigned" a function either in scholarly studies or
casual conversation outside of the proper context. Art forms exist within very specific
contexts that must be considered when classifying them. Whether a particular piece of
art has existed for centuries or has yet to be created, it is functional in some way all art
exists for a reason and these reasons make up the functions of art.
Physical
The physical functions of art are often the easiest to
understand. Works of art that are created to perform some
service have physical functions. If you see a Fijian war
club, you may assume that, however wonderful the
craftsmanship may be, it was created to perform the
physical function of smashing skulls.
A Japanese raku bowl is a piece of art that
performs a physical function in a tea ceremony.
Conversely, a fur-covered teacup from the Dada
movement has no physical function. Architecture, crafts such as welding and
woodworking, interior design, and industrial design are all types of art that serve
physical functions.
Social
Art has a social function when it
addresses aspects of (collective) life as
opposed to one person's point of view or
experience. Viewers can often relate in
some way to social art and are sometimes
even influenced by it.
Art that depicts social conditions
performs social functions and often this art comes in the form of photography. The
Realists figured this out early in the 19th century.
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Personal
The personal functions of art are often the most difficult
to explain. There are many types of personal functions and
these are highly subjective. Personal functions of art are not
likely to be the same from person to person.
An artist may create a piece out of a need for self-
expression or gratification. They might also or instead want to
communicate a thought or point to the viewer. Sometimes an
artist is only trying to provide an aesthetic experience, both for
self and viewers. A piece might be meant to entertain, provoke
thought, or even have no particular effect at all.
For further discussion please refer to the link provided: Functions of Art
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh2hTXycunU
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Art is an Imitation
• In Plato’s The Republic, paints a picture of artists as imitators and art as mere
imitation.
• In his description of the ideal republic, Plato advises against the inclusion of art
as a subject in the curriculum and the banning of artists in the Republic.
• Plato was convinced that artists merely reinforce the belief in copies and
discourage men to reach for the real entities in the World of Forms.
• Plato was deeply suspicious of arts and artists for two reasons:
• They appeal to the emotion rather to the rational faculty of men
• They imitate rather than lead one to reality
• Poetry rouses emotions and feelings and thus, clouds rationality of people.
• Art is just an imitation of imitation. A painting is just an imitation of nature, which
is also just an imitation of reality in the World of Forms.
• Art then is to be banished, alongside the practitioners, so that the attitudes and
actions of the members of the Republic will not be corrupted by the influence of
the arts.
• For Plato, art is dangerous because it provides a petty replacement for the real
entities than can only be attained through reason.
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Art as a Representation
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For further discussion please refer to the link provided: Philosophical Perspective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh2hTXycunU
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1. Representational Art
These types of art have subjects that refer to objects or events occurring in the
real world. It is also known as “figurative art”.
A painting or sculpture that is clearly recognizable for what it claims to be.
Examples:
a. b. c.
2. Non-representational Art
Art forms that do not make reference to the real world, whether it is a person,
place, thing, or even a particular event.
It is stripped down only to visual elements to translate a particular emotion and
concept.
Best example of a non-representational art is an abstract art.
Note: Abstract art can be a representational art since even with the abstraction of an
artwork, it can still form a real image through visual elements.
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SUBJECT OF ART
The visual focus or the image that may be extracted from examining the artwork; the
“what”
Six (6) main kinds of subject:
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
CONTENT OF ART
The meaning that is expressed and communicated by the artist or the artwork; the “why”
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For further discussion please refer to the link provided: How to analyze the subject
matter of a work of art: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIvzDTsaEPg
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/what-is-art/
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-are-the-functions-of-art-182414
https://www.unboundvisualarts.org/what-is-visual-art/
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-sac-artappreciation/chapter/oer-1-9/
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