Lesson 3: Functions of Art
never something you want to do.
Objective:
 Distinguish between directly functional and indirectly
functional art;
 Realize the function of some art forms in daily life;
 Express the oneself through art in the society.
When one speaks of function, one is practically talking about the uyse
of the object whose function is in question. An inquiry on the function of
art is an inquiry on what art is for. Alternatively, the answer to the
question “what is it for” is the function of whatever “it” in the question
refers to. Suppose one asks, what is the Rizal monument for? Why
was it erected in Rizal Park or what then was called Luneta or
Bagumbayan? Is it for pure sentimental value? Is it for its aesthetic
value? Or does it sends a message to those who witness it? In this
string of question, the inquirer is hoping to get function of the piece of
art in Rizal Park.
Within art, there exist purposes referred to as functions for which a
piece of art may be designed, but no art can be "assigned" a function
—either in scholarly studies or casual conversation—outside of the
proper context. Art forms exist within very specific contexts that must
be considered when classifying them. Whether a particular piece of art
has existed for centuries or has yet to be created, it is functional in
some way—all art exists for a reason and these reasons make up the
functions of art.
Ideally, one can look at a piece of art and guess with some accuracy
where it came from and when. This best-case scenario also includes
identifying the artist because they are in no small way part of the
contextual equation. You might wonder, "What was the artist thinking
when they created this?" when you see a piece of art. You, the viewer,
are the other half of this equation; you might ask yourself how that
same piece of art makes you feel as you look at it.
These—in addition to the time period, location of creation, cultural
influences, etc.—are all factors that should be considered before trying
to assign functions to art. Taking anything out of context can lead to
St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc. 2nd Semester – A.Y. 2020-2021 –
misunderstanding art and misinterpreting an artist's intentions, which is
The functions of art normally fall into three categories: physical, social,
and personal.
Personal Functions of Art
The personal functions of art are often the most difficult to explain.
There are many types of personal functions and these are highly
subjective. Personal functions of art are not likely to be the same from
person to person.
An artist may create a piece out of a need for self-expression or
gratification. They might also or instead want to communicate a
thought or point to the viewer. Sometimes an artist is only trying to
provide an aesthetic experience, both for self and viewers. A piece
might be meant to entertain, provoke thought, or even have no
particular effect at all.
Personal function is vague for a reason. From artist to artist and viewer
to viewer, one's experience with art is different. Knowing the
background and behaviors of an artist helps when interpreting the
personal function of their pieces.
Art may also serve the personal function of controlling its viewers,
much like social art. It can also perform religious service or
acknowledgment. Art has been used to attempt to exert magical
control, change the seasons, and even acquire food. Some art brings
order and peace, some creates chaos. There is virtually no limit to how
art can be used.
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. Viewers can
often relate in some way to social art and are sometimes even
influenced by it.
Art that depicts social conditions performs social functions and often
this art comes in the form of photography. Photography as an art form,
delivers this kind of function by taking photos of subjects in conditions
that people do not normally take a look at or give attention to. Pictures
Art Appreciation: Lesson 3
of poverty may carry emotional overtones that may solicit action or
awareness from their audience.
Physical Functions of Art
The physical functions of art are the easiest to spot and understand.
The physical functions of art can be found in artworks that are crafted
in order to serve some physical purpose. A Japanese raku bowl that
serves a physical function in a tea ceremony is an example.
Architecture, jewelry making, and even interior design are all forms of
arts that have physical function.
Other Functions of Art
Music as an art is also interesting to talk about in relation to function.
Music in its original form was principally functional. Music was used for
dance and religion. Unlike today, when one can just listen to music for
the sake of music’s sake, the ancient world saw music only as an
instrument to facilitate worship and invocation to Gods. Music also was
essential to dance because music assures synchronity among
dancers.
Today music was expanded it function and coverage. Music is listened
to and made by people for reasons that were foreign to early
civilizations. There is now a lot of music that has no connection
whatsoever to dance and religion. Serenade is one example. People
compose hymns of love to express feelings and emotions. Music is
also used as a wonderful accompaniment to stage plays and motion
pictures. Interestingly, a piece of music can mean a multitude of
meanings to different people, a proof that as an art, music has gone a
long way.
Sculpture, on the other hand, is another functional art form that has
long existed for various purposes. Just like music, form early days of
humanity, sculptures have been made by man most particularly for
religion. People erect statues for the divine. In the Roman Catholic
world, the employment of sculptures for religious purposes has
remaned vital, relevant and symbolic.
Sculptures were also made in order to commemorate important figures
in history. Jose Rizal’s monument in Rizal Park and Andres Bonifacio’s
St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc. 2nd Semester – A.Y. 2020-2021 –
Monumento in Caloocan are common examples. In the University of
the Philippines, the iconic statue Oblation by Guillermo Tolentino has
remained a pillar of the university and constant reminder of the need to
offer oneself up selflessly for the country. Coins are also
manifestations of sculpting function.
Determining the Function of Art
The functions of art apply not only to the artist that created a piece but
to you as the viewer. Your whole experience and understanding of a
piece should contribute to the function you assign it, as well as
everything you know about its context. Next time you are trying to
understand a piece of art, try to remember these four points: (1)
context and (2) personal, (3) social, and (4) physical functions.
Remember that some art serves only one function and some all three
(perhaps even more).
Summary
Art has remained relevant in our daily lives because most of it has
played some form of function for man. Since the dawn of the
civilization, art has been at the forefront of giving color to man’s
existence. The different functions of art may be classified as either
personal, social or physical. An art’s function is personal if it depends
on the artist himself or sometimes still, the audience of the art. There is
social function in art of and when it has particular social function,
when it addresses a collective need of a group of people. Physical
function, finally has something to do with direct, tangible uses of art.
Activities
Activity 3.1
Answer the following questions as precisely yet as thoroughly as
possible.
1. What art form/ artwork has changed something in your life? Why?
Account for the experience.
2. If an artwork ceased to have a function, will it remain an art? Why?
Art Appreciation: Lesson 3
Activity 3.2
Look around your house and identify a product of art. Take a picture of
the product of art and paste it in this activity. Trace the beginnings of
that item and identify what functions it has played in history.

St. John College of Buug Foundation, Inc. 2nd Semester – A.Y. 2020-2021 – Art Appreciation: Lesson 3