Purpose and Function of Art

Summary

This lecture explores the purpose and functions of art, examining why artists create and the societal roles art fulfills. It delves into aesthetics, beauty in classical art, and how art documents historical and social events, such as Goya's 'Disasters of War.' The lecture covers religious and spiritual art, commemoration through monuments like the Taj Mahal, and questions of power, identity, and self-expression. It also highlights non-objective art, with a focus on how art expresses emotions, concluding with a reflection on a stop-motion video and its artistic purpose.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Artists create art for a variety of purposes, including personal expression, documenting events, and reflecting social commentary.
• 🖼️ The classical definition of beauty often stems from Greek, Roman, or Renaissance art, which portrays beauty in idealized forms.
• 🌻 Famous works like Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' and Klimt's 'The Lovers' are examples of art that evoke emotions such as beauty, love, and calmness.
• 📱 Art can also serve as a way of documenting daily life, similar to how people today use social media or journaling.
• ⚔️ Francisco Goya’s 'Disasters of War' series is an example of art being used to document and observe historical events, capturing fear and movement during war.
• 💭 Artists often explore deep philosophical and existential questions, such as life, death, and the origins of the universe, through their art.
• ⛪ Religious art, like the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral, seeks to inspire spiritual reflection and connect viewers to the divine.
• 👑 Art commemorates significant events and figures in history, such as the construction of the Taj Mahal and memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
• 💡 Political and social power are often depicted in art, with examples like Emperor Constantine’s colossal statue symbolizing authority and control.
• 🖌️ As societies progress, art evolves into a form of self-expression, with artists like Kandinsky focusing on translating personal emotions rather than representing concrete images.

Q & A

What are the main topics covered in this week's lecture?

The lecture covers the purpose and functions of art, why artists create art, and the different roles art plays in society. It also explores the documentation of events, social commentary, religious and spiritual art, commemoration, and self-expression.

How does the lecture define 'beauty' in art?

The lecture defines beauty in the classical sense, referring to Greek, Roman, and Renaissance art. Examples include a beautiful woman in a boat and Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers,' which are recognized for their simplicity, skill, and clear vision of beauty.

What role does art play in documenting events?

Art often documents social events or serves as a form of social commentary. For example, Francisco Goya’s prints from the 'Disasters of War' series provide a visual account of war, capturing the fear and fleeing of individuals during conflict.

What types of personal and existential questions do artists explore in their work?

Artists frequently explore questions such as 'What happens when we die?', 'Who created the universe?', and 'How did life begin?' These deeply personal questions are often reflected in religious and spiritual art.

What is the significance of the 'Tree of Jesse' stained glass from Chartres Cathedral?

The 'Tree of Jesse' stained glass illustrates the genealogy of Christ, and the illuminated interior of the Gothic cathedral is meant to inspire contemplation of the heavens and spiritual matters.

How is art used in shamanistic practices, according to the lecture?

In the lecture, Eskimo masks from Southwest Alaska are discussed as objects used in religious ceremonies to induce a trance and connect the wearer to the spirit world, particularly in the context of shamanism.

What is the role of commemoration in art?

Commemoration in art serves to remember and honor significant events or individuals, such as battles, deaths, or patriotic actions. Examples include the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

What question does the colossal head of Emperor Constantine raise about power?

The colossal head of Emperor Constantine raises questions about how authority and power are displayed and maintained. The 8-foot-tall head was meant to symbolize Constantine’s massive political and energetic power after moving the capital from Rome.

How does the lecture describe art as self-expression?

Art as self-expression involves creating works that convey personal feelings, identity, or worldview. Examples include a self-portrait reflecting Jewish identity during WWII and a woman’s connection to her Korean family history.

What is the function of non-objective art, according to the lecture?

Non-objective art, like Kandinsky’s work, does not depict specific images but instead expresses moods or emotions. It allows the artist to translate inner feelings into visual form without representing concrete objects.