WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ART?
There are many who will say that art has no purpose other
than being art, even brushing aside aesthetics. You’ve all heard the
expression, “Art for Art’s Sake,” which Wikipedia describes as “… is the usual
English rendering of l’art pour l’art, a French slogan from the latter part of
the 19th century-it’s a phrase that expresses the philosophy that
the intrinsic value of art, and the only ‘true’ art, is divorced from any
didactic, moral, political, or utilitarian function.”
In this little blog article, I am not going to argue the ‘true’
nature of art. If you believe that purposeful art is not ‘true’ art, then by
all means, go right ahead. I do not follow that philosophy. I believe that to diminish
and discount great works of art that were created with a purpose is to separate
thought and art. With this in mind, I offer seven purposeful ways in which art
has played an important role throughout history and will continue to do so
until the end of time.
The purpose of art is:
1.
To Teach. Throughout history, from the
early cave paintings from thousands of years ago, to art created today, artists
have taught the world how to see. Think of the many ‘isms’ that have changed
the way the world sees things. Art, through religious paintings has taught us
values. In many cases, too numerous to mention, great paintings have taught us
how to be sympathetic, how to love, laugh, and cry. The examples go on and on.
2.
To Tell a Story. Down through the ages,
artists have told us stories of life, love, adventure, and mystery. Art has
given us portraits of historical figures that tell a story of how they lived,
where they lived, and in many cases, how they made a living, or spent their
time on earth.
3.
To Sell an Idea or Product. Since forever,
art has sold individuals, nations, and the world on religion, social and
economic ideas, the advantages of products, political ideals, and ways to live.
No greater example in art can the term, a picture says a thousand words, is
better used than in the selling of ideas or products.
4.
To Create an Enjoyable Environment. It
has been proven that art can increase productivity and reduce stress at home
and in the workplace. How many millions of people have gotten lost in thought
when staring at a beautiful landscape painting. They want to be in the
painting. The world goes by without notice.
5. To
Inspire. There are countless, magnificent works of art that were created to
inspire. Religious paintings, portraits, scenes of social injustice and reform.
The list goes on and on. Paintings have been known to inspire people, countries,
and the world. What painting(s) inspire you? What artist?
6. To Entertain. How fun was it the first
time you saw the famous, “Dogs Playing Poker” by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge? Have
you ever seen the mischievous dog paintings by the French artist Boris O’Klein?
And who hasn’t smiled at the heartwarming paintings of Norman Rockwell?
7. To Evoke Feelings of Awe and
Wonderment.
You want awe and wonderment? Stand in front of magnificent landscape paintings by
members of the Hudson River School. Stand before “The Horse Fair,” the splendid
painting by Rosa Bonheur in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sit and gaze at Monet’s
“Waterlilies,” or look up at the fabulous paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine
Chapel by Michelangelo. Gaze at “Starry Night” by Van Gogh. Visit the Louvre
and stand before the most famous painting in the world, “The Mona Lisa.
In
this little article, I’ve only given paintings as examples. What about all the
magnificent sculpture, metalwork, paper art, etc. that’s been produced throughout
history? I’ve also neglected to mention other ways art has a purpose, some of
which overlap with those above. I’m certain you can think of a few I’ve left out.
I’d
love to hear your comments on the pieces of art that inspire you and why.
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