Functions of Art

Arts functions can be classified into :

1. Motivated (Functional)
Examples: Architecture,
weaving, furniture-making

Functional - of or having a special activity, purpose, or task; relating to the way in which
something works or operates.
Arts functions can be classified into :

2. Non-motivated (Non-
functional) Examples:
Painting, sculpture,
literature, music, and the
theater arts.
The Physical Functions of Art

Works of art that are created to perform some service

have physical functions.

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 art that
performs a physical function in the
tea ceremony

Architecture, any of the crafts, and industrial design

are all types of art that have physical functions
Tools and containers are objects which function to
make our lives physically comfortable.

Functional works of art may be classified as either

tools or containers.
Tell whether the following is a tool or container:

Tool Tool
Container
Container
The Social Functions of Art

Art has a social function when it addresses aspects

of (collective) life, as opposed to one person's
point of view or experience.

One cannot conceive of a society without art, for art is

closely related to every aspect of social life.
Arts perform a Social Function when:

Influences Social Behavior

It seeks or tends to influence the collective behavior of a people.

Guernica by Pablo Picasso

This monumental black-
and-white canvas has
become an international
symbol of genocide
committed during wartime.
Arts perform a social function when:
Display and Celebration
It is created to be seen or used primarily in public situation.

The Oblation is a concrete statue

by Filipino artist Guillermo E.
Tolentino which serves as the
iconic symbol of the University
of the Philippines. It depicts a
man facing upward with arms
outstretched, symbolizing
selfless offering of oneself to his
union.
Arts perform a social function when:

Display and Celebration

It is created to be seen or used primarily in public situation.

Arts perform a social function when:

Social Description
It expresses or describes social or collective aspects of existence as
opposed to individual and personal kind of experiences.

Advertisement Satire

Political and Ideological Expression

Graphic Communication
 Satire

The use of humor, irony,

exaggeration, or ridicule to
expose and criticize
people's stupidity or vices,
particularly in the context
of contemporary politics
and other topical issues.
Graphic Communication

Art can also be and inexpensive public

language. Cheaply reproduced visual
images communicate with amazing
persuasiveness, and, combined with
words, their meaning is clear and
unmistakable.
The Personal Functions of Art

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.
Assignment for Posting
Choose one category and find an example in the web,
and post image with your reason for choosing the
image in our FB page. Deadline will be on February 2
midnight.
Thank You!