FUNCTIONS
OF ART
Michelle Joy M. Velasco, LPT,
MAEd

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the unit, students should be able:
• To distinguish between functional and non
functional art
• To realize the function of some art forms in
daily life
• To apply concepts and theories on beauty
and aesthetics in real life scenarios

"FUNCTIONS
OF ART"

"FUNCTIONS OF ART"
When it comes to function, different art forms
come with distinctive functions. There is no one-
to-one correspondence between an art and its
function. Some art forms are more functional
than others.
Architecture, for example, as an art is highly
functional just like most applied arts. A building
as a work of art is obviously made for a specific
purpose.

Social Functions
One cannot conceive of a society without art, for
art is closely related to every aspect of social
life.

Arts perform a social function when:
1. Influences Social Behavior
It seeks or tends to influence the collective
behaviorof a people. (Guernica by Pablo Picasso)

2. Displayand Celebration
It is created to be seen or
used primarily in public
situation.

One function of sculptureand painting is the commemoration of
important personages in society. The statuesof national heroes that
grace ourparks and plazas are commemorativeworksas are the
commissioned paintings of leaders or rulers. Often they serve to
record important historical events, or reveal the ideals of heroism
and leadership that the communitywould want theyoung to
emulate.

3. Social Description
It expresses or
describes social or
collective aspects of
existence as opposed to
individual and personal
kind of experiences.
Romana Carillo by Justiniano Asuncion (1875)

Physical Functions
Tools and containers are objects which function to make our lives
physically comfortable. Functional works of art may be classified
as either tools or containers.
Tell whether the following is a tool orcontainer.
1. aspoon -
2. acar-
4. acommunity -
5. aceramicvase -
6. achair.-
tool
tool
3. a building- container
container container
container

1. Form and Function
The function of an object is generally
determines in the basic form that it
takes. A chair is sodesigned as toallow
the seated body to rest comfortablyon it.
The shapes, sizes , and different parts
are harmoniously related toone another
and integrated intoan object that fulfills
and tells about their particular
purpose.

2. Architecture
The design of the building is determined
primarily by its operational function. What is
the building for? Who aregoing to use it? How
manyare they?
The design thata building takes is alsoadapted
to the climateof the region.
Thearchitect must take the physical,
psychological, and spiritual needs of the family
intoaccountwhen he designs a house.

3. Community Planning
A community is more than just a group of
buildings. It is a group of individuals and
families living in a particular locality because
of common interest and needs.
Community planning involves the efficient
organization of buildings, roads, and spaces so
that they meet the physical and aesthetic
needs of the community.

Community planning takes into consideration the
assignment of areas for proper land use. These are:
1. Residential districts
Special areas areassigned for
residential purposes.
The present trend is togetaway from
overcrowded downtown districts and
the attendant problems and settle in
areas where it is possible to blend the
charms of rural living with the
conveniences of urban living.

2. Industrial and commercial areas
Theseareas are usually located
near the sourceof raw materials.
A commercial areacan be a
clusterof small neighborhood
stores, a shopping complex in the
suburbs, ora central downtown
district. It is usually situated where
itcan be reached easily by caror
public transport.

3. Civiccenters
A community governs itself; it therefore provides
structureswhere the functionsof government can be efficiently
carried out, and which would, in appearance, be symbolicof
communitydignity and pride.

4. Parks, plazas, and malls
The need for a balance between man-made structures and
natural areas is answered in the design of plazas and malls. These may
provide some relief from problems such as air and water pollution,
inadequate facilities forrecreation, and lack of parking space.

5. Streetsand roads
Transportation must function with reasonableeaseand rapidity
from onearea toanother.
Streetsare largeorsmall according to their function.

Function and Beauty
Many things remain the same in shape
throughout the years because their
functional requirements do not allow
forgreatervariations in their form. Time
has proved that theirdesigns best
enable them to accomplish their
purpose.

"FUNCTIONAL OR
NON-
FUNCTIONAL?"