Art with functions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art with functions - Essay Example Therefore, the clarification of function depends on the context. Since, one can look at a piece of art and be able to tell its origin and time of its creation. In other instances, one tries to identify the artist, as he or she is half of the contextual equation. That is, what was the artist thinking about when he/she created the piece and to the viewer what does the piece of art mean right now, living in the moment. These factors are put in consideration before the assignment of function (Berkus 78). The function of art falls usually falls within three categories. These are physical, social and personal functions. In most cases, these three categories overlap in any given piece of art (Giovannini 235). The physical aspects of the functions of art are easy ones to deal with this is because works of art are to perform some physical functions. For example, e if one sees the Fijian war club may assume its function. However, brilliant the artisanship may be the club’s task is to perform the physical utility of smashing skulls. Another example is the Japanese Raku bowl that performs the physical functions in the tea ceremony. On the contrary, a fur- covered Dada teacup has no physical function. Art has social functions when it addresses collective aspects of life, rather than one person’s point of view. Political art usually performs this task. The fur- covered Dada teacup, which is useless for holding tea, when carried to social functions it is a protest to World War 1. In addition, satire performs social functions. William Hogarth and Francisco Goya both went this route, with different levels of success at enacting social change. In other instances, a piece of art in a community can achieve the social function of uplifting the community’s status. A Calder stabile is an outstanding example of a community’ s point of pride and a valuable treasure. The personal utilities of art are the most complex to explain because they are many and