These events saddened me not because those art works were part of my Western culture, but because they reflect history that cannot be denied, ignored or forgotten. Whether history hurts or delights us, it is a fait accompli for the benefit of future generations. History prevents us from repeating mistakes which hampers growth; history enables us to create a better future.
In my state of unhappiness, I took another look at the purpose of art.
What is the purpose/function of art?
Art –
1. Rebalances us,
2. Helps us to appreciate stuff,
3. Keeps us hopeful,
4. Makes us feel less lonely,
5. Is propaganda for what really matters.
However, Wikipedia gives us a far more comprehensive idea of art and its function
Express an aesthetic truth or feeling,
Communicate ideas (about politics, spirituality, philosophical concepts, etc), and keep us informed about the good as well as the bad,
Convey a message, mood, or symbolism for the perceiver to interpret,
Stimulate an individual's thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or ideas through the senses,
Explore the nature of perception,
Create a sense of beauty (aesthetics),
Create an internal appreciation of balance and harmony,
Give pleasure,
Generate strong emotions,
Provide a way to experience one's self in relation to the universe,
Be used in rituals, performances and dances as a decoration or symbol. (Mankind’s need of symbols is another interesting topic of discussion!)
Entertain.
I am sure we can add a lot more...
All humans are artists
1. Production of works of art,
2. Criticism of art,
3. Study of the history of art,
4. Aesthetic dissemination of art.
Contemplate the following, and decide in which category or categories you belong!
Forms of Art
Fine Art is primarily for aesthetics or beauty. It expresses an artist's creativity and engages the audience's aesthetic sensibilities.
Examples of fine art:
Ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video, filmmaking, and
architecture.
Fine Art
Applied Art
NB: Some art followers have argued that the difference between fine art and applied art has more to do with value judgments made about the art than any clear definitional difference, as even fine art often has goals beyond pure creativity and self-expression.
Performing arts
Music, theatre, film, dance, literature (including mimesis and narrative [storytelling]), and other media such as interactive media, which are products and services on digital computer-based systems such as the presentation of text, moving image, animation, video, audio, and video games.
What kind of artist are you?
Fine Art
Ceramics
Drawing
Painting
Sculpture
Printmaking
Photography - Yes
Video
Filmmaking
Architecture
Applied Art (Crafts)
Commercial art - Yes
Industrial design - Yes
Graphic design - Yes
Fashion design - Yes
Interior design - Yes
Decorative art - Yes
Skilled work (Craftsmen / Artisan)
Software development
Paramedics
Police officers
Nurses
Soldiers
Physicians
Crane operators
Drafters
Painters
Plumbers
Cooks (Chefs) - Yes
Bookkeepers/Accountants - Yes
Add your own
Performing arts
Music - Yes
Theatre
Film
Dance
Literature (Writing) - Yes
Interactive media
Presentation of text - Yes
Moving image
Animation
Video - Yes (thanks to computer and smart phone applications)
Audio - Yes (Thanks to applications)
Video games
Copy this list and classify yourself in the comment section.