2.2: Purposes and Functions of Art
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Art is more than just something nice to look at; it is a powerful way for artists to express themselves and share their ideas and views of the world. We will discuss six main purposes that are the reasons why people create art.
Self-Expression
Drawing provides a direct and intimate way for artists to express personal feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Through the use of line, texture, and form, drawings can serve as a visual diary, capturing the artist's innermost emotions and ideas. For example, a series of personal sketches can serve as a visual diary, reflecting the artist's inner world. Historical artists and artworks include:
Vincent Van Gogh's : "Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear” expresses his personal struggles with mental health issues which is quite different from his earlier self-portraits.
Frida Kahlo : She is known for her deeply personal self-portraits ,often portraying her physical and emotional pain.
Jackson Pollock :Famous for his abstract expressionist works, his drip paintings express his inner turmoil and artistic freedom.
"Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear" (1889) by Vincent van Gogh is in the Public Domain.
Delight
Drawings have the unique ability to evoke joy, wonder, and delight. This function of art is about creating works that please the senses, stir the imagination, and bring aesthetic pleasure to the viewer. From whimsical doodles to intricately detailed sketches, the purpose is to provide visual enjoyment and uplift the spirit.
Claude Monet: Known for his Impressionist style, characterized by loose brushwork and a focus on light and atmosphere.
Georgia O'Keeffe: Recognized for her large-scale, close-up paintings of flowers, presenting them in a new and unique way.
Mary Blair: Recognized for her storyboard illustrations and colorful stylization of characters, Alice in Wonderland, Small World, Peter Pan, and other artwork designs for Disney.
"Peter Pan" by Mary Blair is included on the basis of fair use as described in the Code of Best Practice in fair Use of Open Education
Commentary
Artists use drawing as a social and political commentary tool. They can critique and comment on societal issues, current events, or cultural norms with pencil, charcoal, or ink, often conveying powerful messages through visual metaphors and symbols. Editorial cartoons are classic examples of artists using humor and satire to comment on current events. 27
Banksy: A street artist whose work often addresses political issues, capitalism, and human rights.
Kara Walker: Known for her provocative silhouettes that comment on race, gender, and the history of slavery in America.
Ai Weiwei: His installations and sculptures frequently serve as social commentary, particularly on the Chinese government and human rights issues.
"Flower Thrower" by Banksy is included on the basis of fair use as described in the Code of Best Practice in Fair Use for Open Education
Ritual/Worship
Drawings are significant in various religious and spiritual contexts. They can be integral to religious texts, ceremonies, or spaces, visually representing spiritual narratives and beliefs. This can range from intricate mandalas used as a focus for meditation to religious iconography depicting sacred figures and stories.
Michelangelo: His frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are integral to the religious experience of space.
Islamic Calligraphy: Often used in mosques and religious texts, it is a form of worship and a way to convey spiritual messages.
Tibetan Buddhist Thangka Paintings: These paintings, often depicting deities or spiritual concepts, are used in meditation and religious ceremonies.
" Al- Fatiha Prayer" ( Calligraphy), Safavid Period, by Mir Emad Hassani, is in the public domain via WikiArt.org
Commemoration
Drawing has a long history of commemorating essential figures, events, or ideas. It can be used to create portraits that honor individuals or sketches that capture and
Shepard Fairey: His "HOPE" poster, created during Barack Obama's presidential campaign, is a prime example of persuasive art.
Norman Rockwell: His paintings, like "Rosie the Riveter," boosted morale and supported the war effort during World War II.
Barbara Kruger: Her bold, text-based works often challenge viewers to question societal norms and politics.
These six functions demonstrate the medium's versatility and impact in relation to drawing. Drawing is a powerful and expressive art form that can capture the complexity of human emotions, critique society, preservememories, influence perspectives, enrich spiritual practices, or bring joy.28
Persuasion
In drawing, persuasion is often achieved through compelling imagery. This is evident in areas like advertising, where illustrative drawings influence consumer choices, or in political cartoons, where the goal is to sway public opinion.
Shepard Fairey: His "HOPE" poster, created during Barack Obama's presidential campaign, is a prime example of persuasive art.
Norman Rockwell: His paintings, like "Rosie the Riveter," boosted morale and supported the war effort during World War II.
Barbara Kruger: Her bold, text-based works often challenge viewers to question societal norms and politics.
These six functions demonstrate the medium's versatility and impact in relation to drawing. Drawing is a powerful and expressive art form that can capture the complexity of
human emotions, critique society, preserve memories, influence perspectives, enrich spiritual practices, or bring joy.29
https://www.wikiart.org/en/norman-rockwell/the-golden-rule " Painting, 1961, by Norman Rockwell, is included on the basis of fair use as described in the