Ms. Jessica A.

Malandac

1 GEC 6-Art Appreciation

 Lesson 2. Functions and Philosophical Perspective on Art

Introduction:
When someone speaks of function, one is practically talking about 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. When it comes to function, different art forms come with distinctive
functions. There is one-to-one correspondence between an art and its function. Some
art forms are more functional than others. Architecture, for example, as an art is highly
functional just like most applied arts. A building as a work of art is highly made for
specific purpose.

On the other end of the spectrum, one can only think of painting and literature as
forms of art that have the least to do with purely practical values. When one examines
and thinks of a painting or work of literature such as poem or novel, one looks at the
value of the art in itself and not because of what it can do and benefit us.

Roughly and broadly, the functions of art are classified into three: personal
(public display or expression), social (celebration or to affect collective behaviour), and
physical (utilitarian).

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss the different functions of art
2. Discuss the basic philosophical perspective on the art
3. Explain the relevance of art in the daily lives of student

Inculcating Concepts
Art can be generally classifying into two: Directly Functional and Indirectly Functional.
A. Directly Functional Art

Art that we use in our daily basis and serves as a literal or

tangible function in our lives such as tools, architectural
structures, roads, bridges, buildings, furniture, kitchen utensils,
coins, bills, dress, weapons, etc.

B. Indirectly Functional Art

Art that are “perceived through the senses “such as fine arts,
painting, music, sculpture, dance, literary piece, theatrical
performances and the like.

2 GEC 6-Art Appreciation

FUNCTIONS OF ART

Personal Function – depends on the viewer or the artist who created the art. The
personal functions of art are often the most difficult to explain. There are many types of
personal function, and they are subjective and will, therefore, vary from person to
person.

An artist may create out of a need for self-expression, or gratification. S/he might have
wanted to communicate a thought or point to the viewer. Perhaps the artist was trying to
provide an aesthetic experience, both for self and viewers. A piece might have been
meant to "merely" entertain others. Sometimes a piece isn't meant to have any meaning
at all.

Social Function – addresses a particular collective interest. Art has a social function
when it addresses aspects of (collective) life, as opposed to one person's point of view
or experience.

For example, public art in 1930s Germany had an

overwhelming symbolic theme. Did this art exert influence on
the German population? Decidedly so, as did political and
patriotic posters in Allied countries during the same time.

Political art (skewed to whatever message) always carries a

social function. The fur-covered Dada teacup, useless for
holding tea, carried a social function in that it protested World
War I (and nearly everything else in life).

Art that depicts social conditions performs social functions. The Realists figured this out
early in the 19th century. Dorothea Lange (and, indeed, many other photographers)
often photographed people in conditions we'd rather not think about.

Physical Function – art that fulfils and satisfy man’s need. The physical functions of
art are often the easiest to understand. Works of art that are created to perform some
service have physical functions.

A Japanese raku bowl is art that performs a physical function in

the tea ceremony. Conversely, a fur-covered teacup from the
Dada movement has no physical function.

Architecture, any of the crafts, and industrial design are all types
of art that have physical functions.

3 GEC 6-Art Appreciation

OTHER FUNCTIONS OF ART

Aesthetic Function

An artwork functions aesthetically when it becomes

instrumental for a man to be cognizant of the beauty of
nature and where the real feelings of joy and appreciation
to nature’s beauty are manifested through appreciation
and enjoyment when in contact with the artwork.

Artwork serve to beautify like painting: serve to decorate

houses and other buildings, sculptures: serve to decorate
churches and similar edifices. Tall buildings are sights to
behold. Set designs, as well as costumes and props, make Starry Night, 1889
dramas, dance performances, and song renditions not only
Vincent Van Gogh
realistic but also appealing to the audience.

Cultural Function

Art serves as an aperture towards skills, knowledge,

attitudes, customs, and traditions of different groups of
people. The Art helps, preserves, shares and transmits
culture of people from one generation to another.

Political Function – To reinforce and enhance a sense of

identity and ideological connection to specific political
views, parties, and/ or people.

Example: campaign art, politician promoting, and political

agenda.

Religious Function – almost all forms of art evolved from

religion.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling,

1508- 1512
Michelangelo
1889
Vincent Van Gogh

4 GEC 6-Art Appreciation

Economic Function – people believe it does not pay to be an artist.

Does art always have to be functional?

It has been shown that most arts are functional, still there are some which are not. The
value of a work of art does not depend on function but on the work itself. Not all
products of art have function. This should not disqualify them as art though.
Nevertheless, a functional object cannot be claimed to be beautiful unless it can perform
its function sufficiently.

PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ART

Art as an Imitation

According to Plato, artists are imitators and art is just mere imitations. The things in this
world are only copies of the original, the eternal and the true entities that can only be
found in the world of forms. The theory of Forms or theory of Ideas is Plato's argument
that non-physical forms (or ideas) represent the most accurate reality.

A Form is an objective "blueprint" of perfection. The Forms are perfect themselves

because they are unchanging. For example, say we have a triangle drawn on a
blackboard. A triangle is a polygon with 3 sides. The triangle as it is on the blackboard is
far from perfect.

However, it is only the intelligibility of the Form "triangle" that allows us to know the
drawing on the chalkboard is a triangle, and the Form "triangle" is perfect and
unchanging. It is exactly the same whenever anyone chooses to consider it. Plato was
deeply suspicious of arts and artist for 2 reasons:

1. They appeal to the emotions rather than to the rational faculty of men.

2. They imitate rather than lead one to reality.

Socrates just like Plato claimed that art is just an imitation of imitation. For Plato art is
dangerous because it provides a petty replacement for the real entities that can be only
attained through reason.

Art as a Representation

Aristotle, Plato’s most important student in philosophy, agreed with his teacher that art
is a form of imitation. However, in contrast to his mentor’s disgust, Aristotle conceived of
art as representing possible versions of reality.

For Aristotle, all kinds of art do not aim to represent reality as it is but to provide a vision
of what might be or the many possibilities in reality.

Art as a Disinterested Judgment

Immanuel Kant considered the judgment of beauty the cornerstone of art, as something
that can be universal despite its subjectivity: and therefore, art is innately autonomous
from specific interest.

For Kant, every human being, after perception and the free play of his faculties, should
recognize the beauty that is inherent in a work of art. This is the kind of universality th at
a judgment of beauty is assumed by Kant to have.

5 GEC 6-Art Appreciation

Art as a Communication of Emotion

According to Leo Tolstoy, art place a huge role in communication to its audience
emotions that the artist previously experienced. Tolstoy is fighting for the social
dimension of art. This means that art serves as a mechanism of cohesion for everyone.

Function refers to the intended effect of the artwork. That is, how it functions in the
world. However all works of art perform a social function, since they are created for an
audience. Likewise art performs a social function when it influences the shared
behaviour of people; or it is created to be seen or used primarily in public situations; and
it expresses or describes collective aspects of existence as opposed to individual and
personal kinds of experience.

Reference:

Caslib, B. N., Garing, D. C., & R., C. J. (2018). Art appreciation. Rex Book Store, Inc.
Mendoza, R. C. Q. J. J. M., (2013). Art appreciation: introductory reading on humanities focus
on Phlippine art scene. Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.
https://www.scribd.com

6 GEC 6-Art Appreciation