Week 2

I. Functions of Art
GEC 4 | Art Appreciation
Instructor: Ms. Ritchel S. Dillano, LPT
 Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

§ Distinguish between directly functional and indirectly functional art;
§ Explain the basic philosophical perspective on art;
§ Analyze the function of some art forms in daily life;
§ Apply concepts and theories on beauty and aesthetics in real life
scenarios.
 Introduction: Telos and Purpose

Artistole claimed that every

particular substance in the world has
an end
(or telos in Greek, which translates
into “ ”).

Aristotle
Greek Philosopher
Introduction: Telos and Purpose
Introduction: Telos and Purpose
Introduction: Telos and Purpose
Introduction: Telos and Function

telos
a.k.a purpose
function
For a thing to reach its purpose, it also has
to fulfill its function.
Introduction: Telos and Function

telos function

eudamonia rationality
(life of fulfillment (sensibility and ability to make
and happiness) decisions based on intelligent
thinking)
Introduction: Telos, Function and Identity

The telos and the function of a thing are

both related to that thing's identity.
Introduction: Telos, Function and Identity

What makes a human

being a human being? It's
his capacity for thinking,
his supposed function.
Without this function, the
human being ceases to
be a human being.
 Introduction: Telos, Function and Identity

When an artist create a work of art,

Does art necessarily does he have an end in mind?
have an end?

What function does an

Does the function make an artwork perform?
object a work of art?
Does it have any purpose?
Does it all artworks have a function?
Functions of Art
Functions of Art

An inquiry on the function of art is an inquiry on what art is for.

“what is it for?”

What is the Rizal monument for?

Functions of Art

When it comes to function, different art forms come with

distinctive function. Some art are more functional than others.

The Taj Mahal was

constructed in memory of the
favorite wife of Shah Jahan.

Taj Mahal | Mausoleum in Agra, India

Functions of Art

When it comes to function, different art forms come with

distinctive function. Some art are more functional than others.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

Functions of Art

Functions
of Art
 Functions of Art

1. Personal
It is being used to provide comfort,
happiness, and convenience to human
beings. The artist tries to express his
personal feeling through the artwork.

An art may also be therapeutic.

 Functions of Art

2. Social
Art is considered to have social
function if and when it addresses a
particular collective interest as
opposed to a personal interest. It is
used for public display and
bridges connection among people.
 Functions of Art

3. Cultural
Art helps preserve, share, and transmit
culture of people from one generation to
another.

Page 3 | Meaning of Humanities

 Functions of Art

4. Aesthetic
Art becomes influential for man to be
aware of the beauty of nature. Aesthetic
is when there is the real feelings of
appreciation to nature's beauty and are
manifested through appreciation and
enjoyment when in contact with the
artwork.
 Functions of Art

5. Spiritual
An artist may create a work of art to
reinforce the religious or spiritual
support of a culture.

Pieta by Michaelangelo