Functions of Art

Art Appreciation
Chapter 6
Functions of Art
Functional and Non-Functional
Arts
Chapter 4
FUNCTIONS OF ART
FUNCTIONAL AND NON-FUNCTIONAL ARTS
Introduction
T he definition of art remains controversial and multifarious, but the diverse functions of art get
better once you allow your conscience to absorb and understand diverse perspectives that art offers.
The purposes, motivations, intentions, and inspirations behind the art are endless.
Being one of the most creative ways of expressing human experience, we have used art as a means
of telling stories. May it be the story of a single person, of a community, or of a nation, art has in
many ways contributed to the beautiful way these stories are told.
Specific Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
• Discuss the different functions of art

• Distinguish between functional and non-functional art
• Realize the function of some art forms in daily life
Duration
Chapter 5: Functions of Art = 6 hours

Functional and Non-Functional Arts (4 hours discussion; 2 hours
assessment)
LESSON PROPER
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.
The functions of art normally fall into three categories: physical, social, and personal. These
categories can and often do overlap in any given piece of art. When you're ready to start thinking
about these functions, here's how.
❖ FUNCTIONS OF ART
Art plays an important role in the society. There is difficulty in quantifying the
functions of arts in the history of mankind being because almost all creations of man had its
own unique purpose. Different art forms have its unique functions and different reasons for
being created.
1. Personal or Individual Function. Artists have their personal reason as they try to
express themselves. An artist may create out of a need for self-expression, or
gratification. The artist might have wanted to communicate a thought or point to the
viewer.
Ex. Fernando Amorsolo, painted “Mango Pickers, 1936” (and others to showcase
the life and real experience of Filipinos working in the field and for some audience to
appreciate the beauty of nature.
Ex. Some OPM singers render concerts for free because of their passion for
music and because of their generosity.
2. Social Function. As a social being, man associates with those around him. Art is an
avenue to extend his sense of belongingness and connection with people. Through art,
man learns to love and help each other. Art gathers man as one family and community,
through celebration like festivals, choral singing or group dancing in religious rituals.
Architectural structure like houses is built to unite families.
Sinulog Festival- Cebu
3. Economic Function. Any art production will definitely involve money. Reproduction
of any artworks that would still become the highest-paid, or even the reproduction of
songs by great singers like Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston will
gain millions of dollars. Film industries that spent millions of pesos for the production.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the best-selling Harry Potter series, became one of the most
highly paid women in British history.
4. Political Function. Political aspect of one particular country plays a very distinctive
role nowadays. Arts became the political medium to promote their political programs
and political status.
5. Cultural Function. Tangible representations of one culture such as architectural

structures like buildings, sculpture like furniture and intangible representations like
music, dance, and language or literary piece form part of a nation’s culture. These
cultural representations through art forms serve as a channel to share and transmit from
one generation to another generation.
6. Religious Function. Art forms like architecture, music, dance, and sculpture play an
important role in one cultural spirituality. People from the past worshipped their gods
through sculptures with music and dance. Nowadays, people are gathered in an
architectural structure like churches, arenas and other venues to worship and they
incorporate music and dance.
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família also known as the Sagrada Família

A synagogue is a Jewish or Samaritan house of worship.
7. Physical Function. Our health is our first priority, architectural structure like hospitals,
physical therapy center and laboratories are there to assist us for health care. Music and
dance perform an important role when our bodies need to rejuvenate and revitalize, one
example is Zumba dance and reflective music for yoga. Painting therapy was proven
as therapeutic by some cancer patient.
Zumba Dance Yoga
8. Aesthetic Function. Beautification adds appeal and excitement like displays of

paintings in an empty area on a wall. Fashion always aims for beauty that is appealing
to the eye. Film industries, Opera’s and Theater provide extravagant and beautiful
props and costumes for its realistic impact and appeal.
The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American musical drama film
Mural
❖ FUNCTIONAL AND NON-FUNCTIONAL ARTS

Escalona (1992) classified arts into functional and non-functional
1. Functional arts – These are the arts which have practical usage. Functional art refers
to art forms that are produced to perform specific or several purposes. An example of
this classification is a chair. It is not only the form of the chair that is presented. Its
functional purpose is also highly appreciated too.
Ex. A potter who creates tea sets is making functional art.
Other example: (tables, chairs, lamps, vases, and etc.)
2. Non-Functional Arts- These are the arts which have no other purpose except that of
giving pleasure or life enhancement.
Ex. Paintings and such pieces of art that are created to view and contemplate.
Other example: (paintings, sculpture, literature, music, and etc.
References/Additional Resources/Readings
• https://www.slideshare.net/dennismarkdelacruz/functions-of-art
• http://mvhsibart.weebly.com/functions-of-art.html
• https://www.thoughtco.com/what-are-the-functions-of-art-182414
• Ariola, Mariano M. (2018) Art Appreciation. Intramuros, Manila: Unlimited Books
Library Services & Publishing Inc.
• Capili, M. F. et.al. (2010) HUMANITIES: Art Apprecaition. Plaridel Bulacan: TCS-
Publishing House.

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Art Appreciation

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

• Discuss the different functions of art

Chapter 5: Functions of Art = 6 hours

Sinulog Festival- Cebu

5. Cultural Function. Tangible representations of one culture such as architectural

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família also known as the Sagrada Família

Zumba Dance Yoga

8. Aesthetic Function. Beautification adds appeal and excitement like displays of

❖ FUNCTIONAL AND NON-FUNCTIONAL ARTS

Other example: (paintings, sculpture, literature, music, and etc.

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