Kenji P.

Balitao Art Appreciation

BSBA MM 3-3N February 01, 2021

Assessment #4

Share your insights on the following topic:

1. Functionalism Theory of Art

In Functionalism Theory, art is defined by purpose that makes it valuable. According to
the text, pure arts are produced with the sole purpose of providing aesthetic experience while in
architecture and design, objects are created not just only to satisfy the aesthetic criteria but also
to provide utility and function. The theory gives rise to debatable issues like how the two types
of value are related with each other. This was became a central issue in the functionalist
movement in architecture and design but later on, was addressed by their own assertion “art’s
form follows function”.
If we properly look and dug deep in this theory, it will give us ideas such as art is not only
done with the purpose of providing aesthetic experiences but it is all about its function that
what makes it beautiful. The most common misconception today is that arts is created to please
our eyes or to become a decorative item and to occupy a space. But we are all wrong. This
theory proves that art is a necessity; we are creating arts because we need a certain item to
fulfill certain need. By satisfying our needs, it helps our brain in concluding that certain art is
beautiful (in addition on how beautiful its structures and forms).
Functionalism theory also depicts the different function of arts into our lives. It could
either provide a personal function or social function on our lives. Personal functions may vary
from one person to another. Some people create artworks to give them pleasure, express their
thoughts and a way to escape reality. Social function of art addresses aspect of collective life as
opposed to one person’s view point or experience. Art is used to depict the socio-political
condition of a certain era or time. One example is the abstract expressionism which emerged in a
climate of Cold War politics, social and cultural conservatism. They believed that abstract
expressionism is a way to express freedom against political repressions.
All I can say is that art is an amazing tool that helps us cope with the different situations
in our lives. Its functions serve as a candle for us in a dark room. Art is not just about its beautiful
appearance but it is all about how it became part of our lives and I think that what makes art
beautiful.

2. What do you think makes an artwork less or more expensive?

Everybody says that beauty is in the eye of the beholder; so as the value of art. For me,
what makes an artwork less or more expensive will depend on how its bidder or a person will
perceived its value. For example, if a bidder thinks that an artwork is one of a kind they might
bid higher money just to purchase that artwork.
Another factor that can identify the value of artwork is the supply and demand. In the
art world, it is more expensive if the artwork is limited and created by a famous artist. One
example would be the artworks of Picasso which is a great investment for collectors. Investing
with these kinds of artwork is a win-win situation for them because as the time goes by, it
becomes more and more expensive.

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 Kenji P. Balitao Art Appreciation
BSBA MM 3-3N February 01, 2021

Lastly, factors like size, genres, and where the artwork is exhibited (famous art fairs like
Frieze in London) will also determine its price and value.

3. Abstract Expressionism
Abstract expressionism is the term applied to new forms of abstract art developed by
American painters such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and William de Kooning in 1940’s and
1950’s. It is often characterized by gestural brush-strokes or mark-making, and the impression of
spontaneity. Action painting and sand painting are examples of abstract expressionism.
When doing abstract expressionism, an artist doesn’t need to create realistic scenes and
recognizable forms in their artwork. It means that they are solely relying on their emotions and
those emotions will become the driving force to create the artwork. In simple words, only the
artist itself will understand the true meaning of his or her artwork (abstract expressionism). For
me, abstract expressionism is a great way to express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions
without thinking what others might say. Basically because of the reason that they don’t know
what is the true meaning of your artwork, you’re the only one who can interpret or explain its
true essence. Another one, abstract expressionism for me is also a great way to express your
concern over socio-political events just like what the Americans did back in the World War 2.
Lastly, I just wanted to add the quoted statement of Rosenberg in the module in which
he says that “new artists used the canvas as an arena to act rather than as place to produce an
object; what was to go on a canvas was not a picture but an event”. For me, he simply wants to
tell us that the act of painting is inseparable from the artists biography. We can escape reality
when we are doing this kind s of stuffs and most importantly our artworks reflects who we are as
a person (our personalities, experiences, and imaginations).

4. Institutional Theory of Art: Is art only confined through the Institution or convention of society
The institutional theory of art is a theory about the nature of art that says that an object
can only become art in the context of the institution known as “the artworld”. The artworld
determines whether a thing is a work of art or not. The question here is that if art is only
confined through the institution or convention of society, does it mean that artworks like graffiti
or artworks that are produced by ordinary people that are not exhibited through conventions
are not considered as an art?
In my opinion, it is biased if we view art based on how “the artworld” views it. First, art
doesn’t have an exact definition. The way “the artworld” define art is bias and unequal because
they are confining art based on the standard of institutions or convention. Everyone can be an
artist and can produce artworks. The standard of “the artworld” is hindering the chance of every
people to be recognized and fulfill their dreams to be called an artist. I believe that creating
artwork is for everyone and it is all about being creative and expressing one’s self. In addition, I
strongly agree with Catherine Lord’s argument that art is all about freedom, creativity, originality
and spontaneity. It should not be placed or enclosed in a box wherein only few people can enjoy
it.

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 Kenji P. Balitao Art Appreciation
BSBA MM 3-3N February 01, 2021

Show your talent!

Do/create an action painting. Use watercolor and an Oslo paper.

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