Purpose of Art

What is the purpose of art?

Art has had a great number of different functions throughout its history, making its purpose difficult to abstract or quantify to any single concept. This does not imply that the purpose of Art is "vague", but that it has had many unique, different, reasons for being created.

The different purposes of art may be grouped according to those which are non-motivated, and those which are motivated (Levi-Strauss). Here is a list of what is considered non-motivated and motivated functions of art. Read more indepth here.

The non-motivated functions of art include:

1. Basic human instinct for harmony, balance, rhythm

2. Experience of the mysterious

3. Expression of the imagination

4. Universal communication

5. Ritualistic and symbolic functions


The motivated functions of art include:

1. Communication

2. Art as entertainment

3. The Avante-Garde; Art for political change

4. Art for psychological and healing purposes

5. Art for social inquiry, subversion and/or anarchy

6. Art for propaganda, or commercialism


Why do YOU create art?