Overview
This lecture covers the main functions of art—personal, social, and physical—as well as key philosophical perspectives on the nature of art, its value, and its subject matter.
Functions of Art
- Art fulfills physical functions like architecture, decorative design, and creation of functional objects.
- Personal functions include self-expression, relaxation, and exploration of identity through art.
- Social functions involve raising awareness of issues, celebrating events, promoting values, and influencing opinions.
- Art can be therapeutic, entertaining, and serve as a means of communication or persuasion.
Personal Function
- Art allows for the expression of emotions, thoughts, and personal experiences.
- Provides opportunities for self-discovery and understanding individual identity.
- Used in social and political commentary to critique or promote agendas.
- Celebrates culture through rituals, festivals, and community events.
Social Function
- Art reinforces group, individual, and community identities.
- Used to communicate messages, inspire action, and bring people together.
- Political and forum theater art address and raise awareness of social concerns.
Physical Function
- Art enhances architecture, furniture, tools, and everyday objects by merging functionality with aesthetics.
- Ritual and ceremonial objects are often artistic to enhance significance and meaning.
Philosophical Perspectives in Art
- Art as Mimesis: Plato saw art as imitation of reality or ideals.
- Art as Representation: Aristotle emphasized representing both appearance and deeper meaning or possibilities.
- Art as Expression: Focuses on conveying the artist’s emotions and inner world to the audience.
- Formalism: Emphasizes visual composition, color, line, and form over subject matter or context.
- Art’s Social Function: Recognizes art as a means to impact society, preserve culture, or inspire change.
- Art as Functional Object: Blends utility and aesthetics, such as in architecture or designed objects.
- Art for Art's Sake: Kant argued art should be valued for beauty and self-expression, not utility or moral purpose.
Subject and Content in Art
- The subject is the main focus or theme of an artwork ("what is the work about?").
- Subjects vary: abstract, animals, cityscapes, floral, genre scenes, historical, landscapes, mythological, nude, portraits, religious, seascapes, surreal.
- Representational (figurative) art depicts real objects or scenes.
- Non-representational (non-objective) art does not depict recognizable subjects.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mimesis — Imitation of reality in art.
- Formalism — Appreciation of art through its formal elements, not context.
- Representational Art — Artwork that depicts real-world objects or scenes.
- Non-representational Art — Art without recognizable subjects or objects.
- Art for art’s sake — Valuing art solely for its aesthetic and expressive qualities.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of art that fit each philosophical perspective.
- Identify and analyze artworks with different functions for homework or discussion.