Functions of Art

Art can be generally classified into two: the directly functional and indirectly functional
art.
Functional art refers to art that we use in our daily lives such as tool, architectural
structures, roads, bridges, buildings, furniture, kitchen utensils, coins, bills, dress, weapons, etc.
On the other hand, indirectly functional are refers to the arts that are “perceived through
the senses” such as fine arts, paintings, music, sculpture, dance, literary pieces, theatrical
performances, music and the like. We do not use these arts literally to live and survive, but they
accompany us in expressing ourselves. We have utilized indirectly functional art not just to
communicate but to advance our society, to preserve and document relevant events and details of
our culture. This art is basically used to inform, educate and entertain people. It is there to
transforms us into better human beings.
Both directly functional art and indirectly functional art cross each path and tend to
change roles or fuses purposes. There are also functional artworks that the sole purpose is to
function, either decorative or for a specific purpose, but the designs incorporated made the
decorative art transcends from its basic form to a highly artistic form of art.
The chair, for example, illustrate how the directly functional and indirectly-functional
arts cross boundaries. A chair was used by the artist as a canvass. The artist transforms the
function of a chair into a symbolic object, a representation of something which eventually
becomes a medium to symbolize seat of power, knowledge, education, statuses, etc.
A collection of different kinds of chair can be utilized as a representation of a concept. A
chair can be an artifact or a historical documentation and a societal presentation of people in a
particular time or era. It can even be elevated to comment for political issues aside from its basic
form which is to seat upon, a place where one can rest, reflect and re-collect. A comfortable and
durable chair could be a witness of our dreams and history.
Another example are the bottles that are transformed from their basic function to a
significant one. A bottle is one of the important inventions of man to store foods or any stuff to
preserve and sustain its freshness for better use. However, the bottles here are used as
alternatives for creating musical sound-designed to be used as wind instrument or percussion.
What made Art relevant is its grasp towards the needs of the human kind. Art “serves
basic human needs”. To fully understand this, we will look into the purpose of Art. According to
Ariola artistic functions can be classified into four: aesthetic, utilitarian, social and cultural.
3.1Aesthetic function
An artwork functions aesthetically when it becomes instrumental for man to be cognizant
of the beauty of nature and where the real feelings of joy and appreciation to nature’s beauty are
manifested through appreciation and enjoyment when in contact with the artwork.
3.2 Utilitarian function
Art is serving this function when it is utilized to give comfort, convenience, and
happiness to human beings. It is used to serve basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing,
medicine, comfortable environment, transportation, entertainment, communication, and
expression, and other important things that can make man live with happiness and ease.
3.3 Social function
When the bridges connection among people, it serves a social function. Art here
encourages good relationship-unity and cooperation are being facilitated and established. With
this, people become more understanding and sympathetic that would somehow create a better
society.
3.4 Cultural function
Art serves as an aperture towards skills, knowledge, attitudes, customs, and traditions of
different groups of people. The Art helps, preserves, share, and transmit culture of people from
one generation to another.