FUNCTIONS OF ART

What do you think is the message of the artist in this masterpiece?

Diego Rivera, Mexican, is a social activist through art.

All arts have function, for man, the maker, creates things because he has a particular need for them.

Must art communicate?

What is communicated by a church? A vase? A furniture?

Arts functions can be classified into :

1. Motivated (Functional)Examples: Architecture, weaving,

furniture-making

2. Non-motivated (Non-functional)Examples: Painting, sculpture, literature,

music, and the theater arts

Personal Function

Arts are vehicles for the artists’ expression of their feelings and ideas. The arts also serve as means of expression for us.

The therapeutic value of music cannot be ignored.

Works of art make us aware of other ways of thinking, feeling, and imagining that have never occurred to us before. (see Pina Bausch choreography)

Social FunctionsOne cannot conceive of a society without art, for art

is closely related to every aspect of social life.

Arts perform a social function when:1. Influences Social Behavior

It seeks or tends to influence the collective behavior of a people. (Guernica by Pablo Picasso)

2. Display and Celebration

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

One function of sculpture and painting is the commemoration of important personages in society. The statues of national heroes that grace our parks and plazas are commemorative works as are the commissioned paintings of leaders or rulers. Often they serve to record important historical events, or reveal the ideals of heroism and leadership that the community would want the young to emulate.

3. Social Description

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

Romana Carillo by Justiniano Asuncion (1875)

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.1. a spoon -2. a car-3. a building- 4. a community -5. a ceramic vase -6. a chair.-

tool

tool

container

container

container

container

1. Form and FunctionThe function of an object is

generally determines in the basic form that it takes. A chair is so designed as to allow the seated body to rest comfortably on it. The shapes, sizes , and different parts are harmoniously related to one another and integrated into an object that fulfills and tells about their particular purpose.

2. ArchitectureThe design of the building is determined

primarily by its operational function. What is the building for? Who are going to use it? How many are they?

The design that a building takes is also adapted to the climate of the region.

The architect must take the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of the family into account when he designs a house.

3. Community PlanningA community is more than just a group of

buildings. It is a group of individuals and families living in a particular locality because of common interest and needs.

Community planning involves the efficient organization of buildings, roads, and spaces so that they meet the physical and aesthetic needs of the community.

Community planning takes into consideration the assignment of areas for proper land use. These are:

1. Residential districtsSpecial areas are assigned for

residential purposes. The present trend is to get away from overcrowded downtown districts and the attendant problems and settle in areas where it is possible to blend the charms of rural living with the conveniences of urban living.

2. Industrial and commercial areas

These areas are usually located near the source of raw materials.

A commercial area can be a cluster of small neighborhood stores, a shopping complex in the suburbs, or a central downtown district. It is usually situated where it can be reached easily by car or public transport.

3. Civic centersA community governs itself; it

therefore provides structures where the functions of government can be efficiently carried out, and which would, in appearance, be symbolic of community dignity and pride.

4. Parks, plazas, and mallsThe need for a balance between

man-made structures and natural areas is answered in the design of plazas and malls. These may provide some relief from problems such as air and water pollution, inadequate facilities for recreation, and lack of parking space.

5. Streets and roadsTransportation must function with

reasonable ease and rapidity from one area to another.

Streets are large or small according to their function.

4. Function and BeautyMany things remain the same in shape

throughout the years because their functional requirements do not allow for greater variations in their form. Time has proved that their designs best enable them to accomplish their purpose.

A.Identify the social functions of the following artworks.1. a painting of children at play2. window chimes3. sculpture of Malakas and Maganda4. rattan chair5. weaved blanket

B. Tell whether the function of art in the following artworks is personal, physical, or social.1.building2.sculpture of a national hero3.handcrafted bag

Assignment List at least five (5) Filipino Modern Artists and two (2) of their works.