Why is Art Created

Various Forms of Art

Visual ArtUnique Expression of ideas, beliefs, experiences, and feelings presented in well designed visual forms

Fine Arts

• Fine Arts– Painting, sculpture, and architecture, arts which

have no practical function and are valued in terms of the visual pleasure they provide or their success in communicating ideas or feelings

Applied Arts

• The design or decoration of functional objects to make them pleasing to the eye.

Why is Art created?

5 reasons to create art

• Aesthetic• Morals/Ethics• Spirituality• History• Politics

Aesthetic

• Some cultures create art simply for its visual appeal and for the pleasure it brings to those who understand and appreciate the creative efforts of artists.

Vincent van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. 29 x 36.25”. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York.

Morals/Ethics

• In many cultures used to depict people and behaviors that are considered noble and good.

Hieronymus Bosch. Death and the Miser. C. 1485-1490. Oil on panel. 36 5/8” x 12 3/16”. National Gallery of Art, Washing, D.C. Board of Trustees, Samuel H. Kress Collection.

Spirituality

• Works of art are often created for religious purposes, enabling people to connect with the spirit world.

Titian. The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence. 1580. Oil on canvas. 14’6”x 9’10”. The Escorial, near Madrid, Spain.

History

• Many artworks provide valuable information about important people, places and events.

Hans Holbein, the Younger. Edward VI as a Child. C. 1538. oil on panel. 22 3/8 x 17 3/8”. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Board of Trustees. Andrew W. Mellon Collection.

Politics

• Art serves as a tool of persuasion or propaganda when it is used to convince people to adopt a certain point of view or to enhance the power of a ruler or political party. The power of art to inspire patriotism or cultural spirit is undeniable.