• Aristotle claimed that every particular substance in the world has an end or telos in Greek, which translates into “purpose.”

• Every substance, defined as formed matter, moves according to a fixed path towards its aim.

• This telos, according to Aristotle, is intricately linked with function.

• For a thing to reach its purpose, it also has to fulfill its function.

Functions of Art

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

• Example: What is the Rizal monument for?

• When it comes to function, different art forms come with distinctive functions.

• Some art forms are more functional than others.

Architecture and Applied Arts

• The value of the art in question lies in the practical benefits one gains from it.

• Obviously made for a specific purpose.

Painting and Literature

• One can look at the value of the product of art in and for itself.

Does it mean that paintings and literary works can never have any function?

• Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

• The novels accrued value and as a consequence, function.

• They are functional in so far as they are designed to accomplish some definite end.

Personal Functions of Art

• The personal functions of art are varied and highly subjective.

• A function depends on the artist who created the art.

• An artist may create an art out of self-expression, entertainment, or therapeutic purpose.

Social Functions of Art

• Art is considered to have a social function if and when it addresses a particular collective interest as opposed to a personal interest.

• Art may convey message of protest, contestation, or whatever message the artist intends his work to carry.

• Political art is a very common example of an art with a social function.

• Art can also depict social conditions such as photography (pictures of poverty).

• Performance art like plays or satires can also rouse emotions and rally people toward a particular end.

Physical Functions of Art

• The physical functions of art can be found in artworks that are crafted in order to serve some physical purpose.

• Architecture, jewelry-making, interior design all serves physical functions.

Other Functions of Art

• Music was principally used for dance and religion.

• The ancient world saw music as an instrument to facilitate worship and invocation to gods.

• Music was essential for synchronicity of dancers.

• Music guarantees that warriors were simultaneous.

• Today, music has expanded its functions and coverage.

• There is a lot of music that has no connection to dance or religion.

• Example: Serenade – People compose hymns to express feelings and emotions.

• Music is also used as accompaniment to stage plays and motion pictures.

• Sculptures have been made by man most particularly for religion.

• In the Roman Catholic world, the employment of sculptures for religious purposes has remained vital, relevant, and symbolic.

• Rizal and Bonifacio’s monument and commemorative coins (Pope Francis).

• Architecture may be the most prominent functional art.

• Unlike other forms of art, buildings take so much time to erect and destroy.

• One cannot dismiss taking into consideration the function of a building before construction.

• It is also in architecture where one can find the intimate connection of function and form.