Meaning, Assumption &

Functions of Arts
Discussion Points: Topic 1
• Humanities and Art Appreciation
• Perceptions and Meanings of Arts
• Functions of Arts

Learning Outcomes:
• Expand understanding of art appreciation in relation to the
profession
• Explore several definitions, assumptions of arts, & purposes
of arts
• Exhibit appreciation of artworks
a self-portrait of artist Tom Deininger
 ?
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QUICK CHECK ?
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 Question 1:

Which function of arts is the celebration of festivals?

a. spiritual c. personal

b. social d. cultural
 Question 2:

Which of the following is not a traditional category

within the arts?

a. dance c. literature

b. architecture d. music
 Question 3:

Which of the following ideas does not support the

universality of art?

a. Art is everywhere.
b. Art has no limit.
c. Art is timeless.
d. Art develops.
 Question 4:

Which of the ideas about art below is not correct?

a. Art must be creative.

b. Art benefits man.
c. Art need not to be man-made.
d. Art involves experience.
 Question 5:

What purpose of arts is emphasized when arts are

used to raise awareness for a large variety of causes.

a. entertainment c. communication

b. social cause d. expression

• Branches of knowledge
that concern themselves
with human beings and
their culture or with analytic
and critical methods of
inquiry derived from an
appreciation of human
values and of the unique
ability of the human spirit to
express itself
-(Britannica Encyclopedia)
Scope of Humanistic Studies

Languages Literature Archaeology Anthropology

Anthropo-
Philosophy Religion Sociology
geography

Psychology History Technology Arts

 WHY
‘ART’
Nkisi, also referred to as MATTERS?
nkishi (pl. minkisi /
mankishi / zinkisi) is the
general name for an
object containing an
empowering spirit(s).
 is the ability to interpret or understand
man-made arts and enjoy them
either through actual and work-
experience with art tools and
materials or possession of these works
of art for one’s admiration and
satisfaction.
- Ariola (2008)
In this photo:
Athena Matib-Chan at
Bencab Museum, 2022
ART HISTORY

It is the study of objects or

works of art in their
historical development
stylistic contexts, i.e.
genre, design, format,
and style
1. The Moai of Easter Island

When: Between 1250 and 1500 AD

Where: Nearly half of the 887 moai are still in the

quarry at Rana Raraku. The rest were set on stone
platforms around the perimeter of the island.

Who: The Rapa Nui people, the eastern most

Polynesian people in the Pacific.

Why: Most scholars think that the moai were created

to honor ancestors, chiefs, or other important people.

How big? The tallest moai erected was almost 10

metres high and weighed 82 tons. It was called Paro.

Source: Wanderlust. https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/amazing-giant-

stone-heads-around-the-world
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0JNtwfhZuVfuzidg6 https://www.facebook.com/Tresuresofancientegypt/posts/pfbid02onksc9
Xp88so3mdNmsmvtsmvqmgP9wFVf131C9v1WFcEif17ofcADQl&id=1042643889799 dRCAgwt1zmtiPpQch2xCRpJQpotAhxyG9ZJfFosB6FhNxBNUHNuASCbjZYl
04
Reading Digest Why is Art Appreciation significant?

Art helps nursing, medical students

strengthen observation skills,
DePaul study finds
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/15033117580
8.htm
Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan
Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano
de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso
 13 th
(product)
Century
(branches/study)

• ar (Aryan) to join or put together.

(subjects of
study) • ars (Latin) and artis (Italian)
anything artificially made or
composed by man.
Activity (15 minutes)
 “Art is either a plagiarist or a “Art is the only serious thing in the world.
revolutionary.” And the artist is the only person who is
-Paul Gauguin (painter) never serious.”
- Oscar Wilde (poet & playwright)
“Art is the expression of the profoundest
thoughts in the simplest way.” “Art is an escape from
- Albert Einstein (physicist) reality.”
“Art is the activity by - Henri Matisse (artist)
which a person, having
experienced an emotion, “Art is the signature of
intentionally transmits it to civilizations.”
others” –-Plato (philosopher) -Jean Sibelius (composer)
“Art is a lie that makes Art is the queen of all
us realize truth.” sciences
- Pablo Picasso (painter) “Art is a discovery and communicating
“Art is a step in the development of elementary knowledge to all the
known toward principles of nature into beautiful generations of the
the unknown.” forms suitable for human use.” world.
- Kahlil Gibran (writer) - Frank Lloyd Wright (architect) - Leonardo da Vinci (artist)
Classical Definition of Art

“
Any kind of human activity when
directed to change or transform
under the patterns of right reasons
is called art.

’’
Technical definition…

The arts (fine arts) are modes of expression that

use skill or imagination in the creation of
aesthetic objects, environments, or
experiences that can be shared with others.
Kathleen Kuiper (?) The Encyclopedia Britannica
 Art is the human capacity to make things of
beauty and things that stir us

Art encompasses acts to create images

or memorable works
I magination
C reativity
E xpression

Art is the completed work

4 Common Essentials of Art
1. Art has to be man- 2. Art must be creative,
made. not imitative.

4. Art is expressed
3. Art must benefit through a
and satisfy man. certain medium
4 Common Essentials of Art

1. Art has to be man-made.

Self-made man
 4 Common Essentials of Art

2. Art must
be creative,
not imitative.

https://giphy.com/gifs/madela-fashion-3o7bu8e2mKLLt7Y0s8
 4 Common Essentials of Art

3. Art must
benefit
and
satisfy man.
 4 Common Essentials of Art

4. Art is expressed
through a
certain medium or
materials

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/64/ac/45/64ac45715182e9d1cb7e
ea76ad8c1ecc.jpg
Christian Faur
(Crayons)
David Foster (Nails)
 Michael Mapes
(collage of objects)
Pei-San Ng (matches)
Andrew Myers (screws)
Ran Hwang (buttons, beads, and pins)
25+ Works of Art Made
Using Unusually
Awesome Mediums
By My Modern Met
Team on What other art medium
October 16, 2017 or materials are being
used by artists
nowadays?

Unusually Awesome Art Mediums That Will

Astound You (mymodernmet.com)
ASSUMPTIONS OF ART
‘Art is Universal’
‘Art is Not Nature’
 Artist

Art involves Experience

Audience
Traditional Categories Decorative
Literature Arts
within the Arts
Performing
Visual Arts Arts

Graphic Arts Music

Plastic Arts Architecture

Kathleen Kuiper (?) The Encyclopedia Britannica

FUNCTIONS OF ART
 Social Aesthetic

Functions of
Arts
Personal Spiritual

Cultural
 FUNCTIONS OF ART
Stobosa,
1. Personal KM3 LT,
Benguet
It is being used to
provide comfort,
happiness, and
convenience to
Tam-awan
human beings.
 FUNCTIONS OF ART
It is being used for public display and celebration;
2. Social to affect collective behaviour; to bridge
connection among people; to convey sense of
family, community, and civilization
 FUNCTIONS OF ART
3. Cultural
Art helps preserve,
share, and transmit https://www.pinterest.com/

culture of people pin/252483122834023719/

from one generation

to another
http://www.traveltrilogy.com/
2017/03/panagbenga-
festival-know-your-north.html
Paper Flowers Origami
Wedding Bridal Bouquet Wi... -
Folksy
https://images.folksy.com/aXRlbXMvNTkxMTU
wLzIwMTcxMTI1LzE2NDg1NjI2NzExNg-Q-Q-
N/main/7078224-Paper-Flowers-Origami-
Wedding-Bridal-Bouquet-With-Roses-Lilies-
Daisies-0
 FUNCTIONS OF ART
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)

4. Aesthetic
https://followyouroad.com/
northern-blossom/

Art becomes influential for https://rappler

.com/life-and-
man to be aware of the style/travel/no
rthern-
beauty of nature. blossom-
flower-farm-
atok-benguet
 FUNCTIONS OF ART
5. Spiritual
Art reinforces the religious or
spiritual support of a culture

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066754
 Functions (Purposes) of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

..integral to Non- intentional,

being human, motivated Motivated conscious
transcend the
functions functions actions on
individual, or the part of
do not fulfill a the artists or
specific creator
external
purpose
Basic human instinct for Non-motivated Purposes of Arts
harmony, balance, rhythm by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art at this level is not an action or

an object, but an internal
appreciation of balance and
harmony (beauty), and therefore
an aspect of being human beyond
utility.

A Navajo rug made

circa 1880 https://courses.lumenlearning
.com/masteryart1/chapter/o
er-1-2/
Experience of the Non-motivated Purposes of Arts
mysterious by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art provides a way to

experience oneself in
relation to the universe.

Vincent van Gogh: The Starry Night

The Starry Night, oil on canvas by Vincent van
Gogh, 1889; in the Museum of Modern Art,
New York City.
History Archive/REX/Shutterstock.com
Expression of the Non-Motivated Purposes of Arts
imagination by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art provides a means to express the

imagination (things, places, ideas
that are unreal or unknowable) in
nongrammatical ways.

https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-
medium-large/imagination-home-kenal-louis.jpg
Ritualistic and Non-motivated Purposes of Arts
symbolic functions by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art is used in religion, spiritual

or magical rituals,
performances and dances
as a decoration or symbol of
a god or other divine quality.
Communication
Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Most forms of communication have

an intent or goal directed toward
other people. Art can express
political ideas, reinforce religion, or
convey deeply personal thoughts.

The Scream (1893) by

Edvard Munch
Entertainment
Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art may seek to bring about a

particular emotion or mood, for the
purpose of relaxing or entertaining
the viewer.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/relaxing-
music-20-songs-f_n_1988348
Political change
Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art has supported politics with a

platform to express, protest, and
satire

https://www.pinteres
t.ph/pin/5116512076
42192911/

https://opinion.inquirer.net
/127416/editorial-cartoon-
february-16-2020
Social cause
Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art can be used to raise awareness

for a large variety of causes.

Eugène Delacroix: Liberty Leading the People

Trashion oil on canvas, 1830; in the Louvre, Paris.
https://www.passerellesnumeriques.org/en/2018/05/philippines-green- Josse Christophel/Alamy
fashion-show/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Liberty-
Leading-the-People
Psychological and Motivated Purposes of Arts
healing by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Art is also used by art therapists,

psychotherapists and clinical psychologists as
art therapy

https://www.br
onsonhealth.co
m/services/chil https://www.indiebynature.com/201
dren/treatment 9/01/the-surprising-secret-that-can-
s/art-therapy/ make-you.html
Propaganda Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

• Propaganda, as defined, consists of Propaganda

“ideas or statements that are often false exhibit: at the
Lopez
or exaggerated and that are spread in Museum &;
Library:
order to help a cause, a political leader, La
Independenci
a government, and so on” (Weissman, a (owned by
Gen. Anotnio
2018) Luna) of 25

• Art is often utilized as a form of December

1898.
propaganda, and thus can be used to
subtly influence popular conceptions or https://naquem.blogspot.com/20
15/06/propaganda-in-quest-of-
mood (especially regarding political philippine.html

issues).
Commercialism Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

Commercial art is the art of

creative services, referring to art
created for commercial
purposes, primarily advertising
(Wikipedia)

Art manipulates the viewer into

a particular emotional or
psychological response toward
a particular idea or object. https://www.adsoftheworld.com/media/print/whirlpool_kit
chenaid_art_nouveau
Fitness indicator Motivated Purposes of Arts
by Claude Lévi-Strauss

The beauty of a work of art

reveals the artist's virtuosity.
The aesthetic features of art
make sense mainly as displays
of the artist's skill and creativity.

Loreal Prystaj. Surreal Portraits of the Human

Form Hiding Behind Reflections of Nature
https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-great-art/
 Wrap-up!

Key Takeaways!

• Art and its definition will

always be controversial.
• We allow arts to affect our
lives one way or another,
and the reasons why we
make art are many.
Thank you!
References

Kathleen Kuiper (?). The Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from

https://www.britannica.com/topic/the-arts

John McGlade (?). How imagination, creativity and expression relate to art.
Retrieved from
https://www.quora.com/How-do-creativity-imagination-and-expression-relate-to-art

Images:
Zen Garden. Retrieved from https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRxyy1akXRE/WERJHpctV-
I/AAAAAAAAGqE/q6z0NOGZN9cWZNEknWyelhAEb5JIGpMswCLcB/s1600/LanSu_Po
rtland_DSCN9924.jpg

Paper Flowers Origami Wedding Bridal Bouquet Wi... – Folksy. Retrieved from
https://images.folksy.com/aXRlbXMvNTkxMTUwLzIwMTcxMTI1LzE2NDg1NjI2NzExNg-Q-
Q-N/main/7078224-Paper-Flowers-Origami-Wedding-Bridal-Bouquet-With-Roses-
Lilies-Daisies-0
Andrea Buckland. (2014). What is art? 30 famous definitions. Retrieved from
http://the- creative-business.com/what-is-art-30-famous-definitions/

Purposes of Art | Introduction to Art Concepts, SAC, ART100. (?). Retrieved

from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sac-
artappreciation/chapter/oer-1-2/

Rathus, Lois-Fichner. (2013, 2010, 2007). Understanding art 10th Ed.

adsworth, Cengage Learning

McNee, Lori. (January 6, 2017). Retreived from Discover How To Turn

Imagination into Art. https://lorimcnee.com/discover-how-to-turn-
imagination-into-art/

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (?). Vincent van Gogh | Biography,

Art, & Facts. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vincent-van-Gogh
Adrichem, Caihua. (May 5, 2020). Why is art called a medium of
expression and communication? . Retrieved from
https://askinglot.com/why-is-art-called-a-medium-of-expression-and-
communication

Melilysa. (April 20, 2010.) Art as a means of Communication | musings of

a literati. Retrieved
fromhttps://melilysa.wordpress.com/2010/04/20/artistic-communication/

Livneva, Alina (June 20, 2018). 10 Best Political Art Pieces and Their
Creators. Retrieved from https://www.virtosuart.com/blog/10-best-
political-art-pieces-and-their-creators-you-must-know

Kendra, Cherry. (July 4, 2021). Art Therapy: Definition, Types, Techniques,

and Efficacy. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-
therapy-2795755
Weissman, Shawn. (June 3, 2018). How Has Art Been Used as
Propaganda?. Retrieved from https://owlcation.com/humanities/How-
has-art-been-used-as-propaganda

Naquem. (June 22, 2015). Propaganda in quest of Philippine

nationhood. Retrieved from
https://naquem.blogspot.com/2015/06/propaganda-in-quest-of-
philippine.html

Humbert, Mirko (?). Advertising inspired by famous painters. Retrieved

from https://www.designer-daily.com/advertising-inspired-by-famous-
painters-19619

Meme. (?). Art as an Evolutionary Fitness Indicator. Retrieved from

https://mxplx.com/meme/2826/#:~:text=Art%20as%20an%20Evolutionary
%20Fitness%20Indicator%20To%20be,suggests%20that%20beauty%20equa
Galang, Jelou (?). This virtual exhibit calls for freedom and a better pandemic response.
https://www.scoutmag.ph/featured/lem-atienza-galaw-galaw-interview-seen-on-scout-jeloug-
20210430
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Last edited on 8 May 2022
Literature – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature
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Last edited 10 May 2022
Religion – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
Last edited on 7 May 2022
Law – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law
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Human geography – Wikipedia
last edited on 13 March 2022
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Project Nightfall. Oct 19, 2021.
This is what they never told you about SQUID GAME!.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p81t6EQSetc.