Introduction
Did you remember buying an expensive painting to decorate the wall of your house?
Do you take time writing stories or composing songs?
Why did you do them? For what purpose?
We create things for a purpose. However, in art, there are things that we created which do not have, literally, a particular function. Many regard art as impractical since it is not meant to meet the requirements of ordinary living. Just like painting, one can live without it. To a layman, its function is quite minimal, unlike handicrafts and architectural works. But why do we paint? Is it because we have a particular need for a painting?
Learn more on this topic. Proceed by clicking TASK.
Task
In our previous lesson, The Subjects of Art, we answer the question "What is it?" or "What does it show?" In this lesson, our initial question will be "Why do we create art?" This will lead us in exploring the topic "Functions of Art".
Click PROCESS to continue your exploration.
Process
Compared to architecture and practical arts like weaving, furniture-making which have obvious purposes, painting, music, literature, cinema, etc. seem to put in no other end except to decorate, entertain, and provide a relief from life's unpleasant experiences.
If painting, music, etc. have no other purpose but to decorate or entertain, why do we create them?
Click the links below and explore.
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-are-the-functions-of-art-182414
http://luckymanpress.com/teach/pages/ArtApp_1011/Social_Functions.php
Evaluation
Test yourself. Click the link below.