What Is the Purpose of Art? – Exploring Why Humans Create Art

We are surrounded by art in our everyday lives, and we all enjoy art on some level, but what is the purpose of art? What does art do to our minds and emotions, and how has it impacted society over time? Many of our articles answer questions regarding how art is made, who makes the art, and when the various art styles emerged. Today, we will find out why art is made by exploring the purpose and function of art.

What Is the Purpose of Art?

At its most basic level, art is produced to move us in some way. Sometimes it is a personal expression created only to move the person who produced it, other times it is created for a larger audience. Art can affect us in many ways, including mentally, emotionally, spiritually, politically, and culturally. The purpose and function of art have changed over the millennia, yet it has always been a pervasive part of our lives, even when we were still living in caves. From the moment art first emerged and over the following centuries, it served to impart information, express ideas, convey feelings, entertain, and reflect culture, religion, and politics.

Farmhouse in Provence (1888) by Vincent van Gogh; Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Changing Purpose and Function of Art Over Time

One of the incredible things about art is that it perfectly encapsulates the era in which it was produced. Very often, remnants of ancient architecture and art are the only things that remain from the past that can impart information regarding the lifestyle and culture of that period. Artists have always sought to express the historical, religious, political, technological, and cultural changes that occurred during their lifetime, as well as their reactions to them. This provides us with valuable insight into the zeitgeist of the era, allowing us to observe these events through the eyes of those who lived through them. As culture and technology advanced, so did art, with new technologies allowing artists to explore novel mediums with which to express themselves.

From the ancient pigments made from crushing organic materials to the emergence of photography and the digital age, art, and technology have always been intrinsically connected.

Cave Art

Cave artworks are among the oldest surviving examples of human artistic expression, dating back to the Paleolithic epoch (about 2.6 million years ago). Early humans produced these cave paintings with materials like ochre and charcoal. Numerous cave paintings portray animals such as bison, horses, and deer, which were presumably significant sources of sustenance and resources for clothing and shelter for these early humans. Some cave paintings also contain abstract or geometric designs that may have held symbolic significance for the people who created them. These symbols would have been used to convey information such as cultural and spiritual belief systems. Some scholars believe that the paintings not only depicted the animals they hunted but were also created by Paleolithic shamans in an attempt to evoke the animals’ spirits and ensure a successful hunt.

Hands at the Cuevas de las Manos upon Río Pinturas (13,000-9000 BCE); Unknown artistUnknown artistsMariano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Religious and Mythical Art

Art was utilized to convey certain mythological and religious beliefs long before the written word even emerged. In the early centuries of recorded history, depictions of religious deities and mythological beings were abundant, for example, the Egyptian tomb pictographs and Greco-Roman mosaic paintings from antiquity.

From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, art was utilized as a means to disseminate church doctrines in Western civilization.

Even though many people could read and write in these later periods, a large proportion of the church-going populace was still illiterate, and therefore, art was regarded as an important medium through which to portray the messages in the scriptures visually so that it could be understood by all. One of the reasons that religion remained such a dominant topic is that many artists made a living by receiving commissions from various patrons. For a long time, the church was one of the major patrons of art, therefore, many artists produced religious art as it was profitable. 

Historical Art

Art was not just used to depict the realms of religion and mythology, it was also crucial in documenting human and natural history. Historical art is another type of art that artists found could be particularly profitable. Artists were often commissioned by their states, monarchs, or private aristocratic individuals to create works that commemorate a particular historical event or person. This has served to provide scholars with a wealth of information regarding certain historical events and the era they occurred in.

Liberty Leading the People (1830) by Eugène Delacroix; Eugène Delacroix, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From these artworks, we can observe what the individuals looked like in the pre-photography era, we can see what kind of clothing they wore, we can even see the architecture of the time featured in the artworks’ backgrounds. Historical art was also a large proponent of academic art, and many students aspired to become renowned historical artists. Of course, we cannot see these works as accurate records of these events, as they would have been produced with a certain bias depending on who commissioned the piece and what message they wanted it to convey.

Political Art

Art also has a political function and is connected to historical art in many ways. Both seek to use art as a tool of propaganda, influencing the way we view historical or contemporary events by framing them in a certain context and light. Art plays a role on both sides of the political fence, though. While politicians, monarchs, and rulers might use art as a way to push a particular agenda, the masses also use art as a way of expressing their opposition to that same political propaganda. Political art has been used to communicate views that opposed the status quo, such as political cartoons and parodies that can be seen in newspapers and periodicals. Many artists use art to express the political hardships they face in their countries, using art as a means of communicating their struggles with the outside world.

One such modern example is the artist Ai Weiwei, who took photos of the various flowers he placed in a bicycle basket outside his home, uploading one photo every day that the government held his passport.

Self-Expressive Art

As we move into the 19th century, we notice that new art styles and movements start to arise which are less concerned with historical themes and focused more on the artists’ perception of the world around them. These movements, such as Impressionism, Expressionism, and Romanticism were more focused on the emotional impact of a scene than its accurate portrayal. This was a time when artists felt more freedom to express themselves artistically.

The Scream (1893) by Edvard Munch; Multiple Authors, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

They often painted for themselves and were not limited by the restraints of a formal church or governmental commission. Ordinary citizens who had surplus income began to buy art too, which meant that artists no longer relied on portraying the stuffy and boring themes favored by the elite. As artists became more renowned, they were also able to experiment more, as they did not rely on commissions, but instead produced the kind of art they wanted to create and sold it to whoever wished to buy it. Artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas began to explore the emotional impact of light and movement.

Abstract Art

In the 20th century, art started to play a new role – the expression of the inner world. For much of art history, the function of art was to replicate the world around us in a realistic manner. The 19th century introduced emotion and the artist’s experience of the world. However, in the early years of the 20th century, artists began to dismantle their subjects, to alter them, and reassemble them in novel ways. The function of art was now to express the inner world of the artist or to represent the world in ways that made them feel alien and unrecognizable.

With less focus on realistic representation, artists used color, texture, and patterns to create engaging artworks.

The Changing Role of the Artist

To put it basically, artists depict their environment and themselves. This might be realistic, or it could be fantastical, metaphorical, or expressive. One could say that the function of artists is to depict life in part, but also to focus on areas that might otherwise be overlooked. As the various art movements arose over time, the prevailing style changed, often consequently changing the role of the artist as well.

Self-portrait (1787) by Angelica Kauffmann; Angelica Kauffmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Early Days of Anonymity

The classical artist in the ancient world was seen as an artisan laborer. Artists were classified as craftsmen, and they would acquire the skill from their father, demonstrating that choosing an artistic career was not a personal decision, but rather entering a family trade.  Although there was little formal training and creative expression was discouraged, artisans pursued technical proficiency.

Israel Triumphant From the Crusader Bible (1240s); Parisian artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Artists would then acquire their skills through the apprenticeship system throughout the Middle Ages. The majority of art was regarded as made by craftsmen instead of artists and was not credited to any particular individual. The art profession experienced the greatest progress during this time. Master artisans were seen as respected and honorable members of society in medieval Europe.

Recognition During the Renaissance

The Renaissance marked the end of anonymous production and the beginning of artists being recognized for their contributions. Giorgio Vasari’s writings helped artists earn a little more respect and acclaim. Merchants first started showing off their affluence and authority by acquiring art. Art was regarded as a luxury and an indulgence at the time. Poets, philosophers, academics, and mathematicians were seen as intellectuals who were far superior to painters.

Artists were eager to be treated with the same reverence as these esteemed members of society.

They began to incorporate increasingly complex topics into their works, including subtleties that the uneducated or unsophisticated eye might miss. Platonic principles, scientific ideas, and astrological features began to appear in Renaissance paintings, substantially altering the function of the artist and laying the way for the arts as they are viewed today, as a vehicle of intellectual, emotional, and even political expression.

The Temptation of Saint Anthony (c. 1487 – 1488) by Michelangelo; Attributed to Michelangelo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Age of Influence

The Baroque court painter was appointed to give a kingdom a personality. It was also utilized to influence how individuals dressed and conducted themselves. It was the first type of marketing art in this sense. The court artist’s function was one of marketing and promoting. Society artists were producing very flattering portraits of affluence, beauty, and impeccable taste by the beginning of the 20th century. The artist’s objective in each artwork was to refine the subject, making them look more appealing, slimmer, younger, and more appealing.

These artists made society appear more desirable and beautified people in the same way that Hollywood and the media do now.

Artists As Revolutionaries

When art was created by people regarded as artisans it was viewed as a profession with little space for creativity or originality. Artisans had limited flexibility, and their roles were dictated by those in authority. The earliest seeds of revolutionary art were first evident when the Renaissance established the concept of utilizing art as an expression of distinct ideas. Throughout history, artists have recognized the importance of art in helping to shape history. They have abandoned the concept of representational art in search of a deeper meaning. Revolutionary artists saw the potential of art as a means of social transformation.

Inquisition Scene (1808) by Francisco Goya; Francisco Goya, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Revolutionary painters like Kathe Kollwitz and Diego Rivera illustrated revolutionary philosophies with their works. Painters like Daumier, Goya, and Munch simply depicted life in such grim and unsettling ways that it compelled people to contemplate societal reform. Some artists have been regarded as revolutionary because of their ability to consider alternatives and experiment with new, daring approaches and evocative styles. Their art isn’t inherently social or political criticism, but it does provide a glimpse into the era.

The Idea of Art for Art’s Sake

Bohemian painters led countercultural lives, rejecting hierarchy and tradition in favor of art. The Romantics’ ideas attracted the Bohemians as well. They felt that feelings are the ultimate truth, that there is no separation between life and art, and that they should emphasize individual expression and creative instinct. Bohemians and Romantics engaged in art for the sake of art; it was central to their lives, and it was as significant and crucial to some individuals as religion. Bohemian artists can be seen as social radicals, just as revolutionary artists can be seen as political radicals. They specialize in influencing people’s thoughts by delving into their emotions. Their artwork has a profound and important emotional impact.

The Bohemian artist’s stance usually includes scorn for the middle classes and the idea that an artist needs to suffer for their art.

The Role of the Artist in Modern Society

The contemporary artist can play any of these roles, or possibly a combination of them all. Many artists’ professional lives feature parts of the artisan or society painter of the past, making artistic commissions based on the instructions of people who pay them. They could also communicate their own social or emotional thoughts through art. Nowadays, it is usual for artists to take on many roles in order to fulfill various aspects of their daily lives. Art to generate money, art to garner acclaim, art to convey a message, art as a kind of therapy, or even painting as an emotional release. graphic designers, Illustrators, and industrial designers have taken on the roles of the artisans of yesteryear.

Good Intentions (2016) by Kaws; Cintha van Heeswijck, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What Does Art Do?

Producing art, expressing aspirations, and ideals, and opposing conventional wisdom is a very personal thing, yet it is common across all mediums. We would not have voices opposing the status quo and societal development if it were not for art. Art can serve as an agent of change, and there are numerous historical instances of how art has evolved into a revolutionary instrument that artists must employ wisely.

Art, however, does not have a singular role and performs many functions depending on how it is applied and used. Here are a few of the functions of art.

Escape from Reality

One function of art is to elevate the viewer from their normal surroundings to a far more pleasant one. Art functions as an escape from reality for both the person creating it and the people observing it. For many people, art allows them to access feelings and observe visuals that they would not normally experience in their everyday lives. This is especially true when we consider the ages before the internet, television, or even books!

The Virgin (1980) by Gustave Klimt; Gustav Klimt, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Art was a way for people to learn about and get lost in the mythological stories and fictional tales of the past. It was a way for people to create something beautiful when the world around them was in turmoil. Therefore, it also serves as a kind of therapy for many people, allowing them not only to escape from reality but learn how to heal themselves through expression and reintegrate back into reality.

Creating a Sense of Community

Art brings people together through their shared vision, outlook, and experiences. Throughout the history of art, many art movements have arisen comprising individuals who all shared the same artistic and philosophical goals and aspirations. These collectives all felt a sense of community, and by working and collaborating together, they advanced their respective styles and influenced the world around them.

Art has served as a way for various distinct tribes and cultures to express their distinct character, incorporating their designs into everything from their clothing to their buildings.

Furthermore, art provides a channel for oppressed minorities to express themselves and advocate for their freedoms. Art can be utilized to challenge prejudices, foster empathy, and connect disparate communities. Art can also help people engage with other people who share their passions and hobbies. Art courses, seminars, and organizations, for instance, bring together people who appreciate painting, sketching, or other types of art, promoting a feeling of community and shared purpose.

A Mirror for Contemplation and Self-Reflection

It is often said that a picture speaks a thousand words, and perhaps that is the greatest power of art. There are many thoughts, ideas, and emotions that are very hard to vocalize or put into the written word, yet art has the ability to impart deep messages that require a moment of contemplation on the viewer’s behalf. Perhaps it is the sudden realization that another person has been able to capture and express the fleeting emotions that one has always regarded as extremely personal and felt only by oneself. We are able to see that all human struggles and successes are shared experiences and that we are not really alone in the way we perceive the world.

Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (1817) by Caspar David Friedrich; Caspar David Friedrich, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Art Educates

Art can teach us about history by depicting historical events and ancient societies visually. Art of the past portrays historical events, significant people, and traditional practices, therefore helping us in comprehending past events as well as their effect on the present. Art also educates people about social and political issues by increasing awareness and advocating for reform. Street art, graffiti, and posters are utilized to draw attention to significant societal and political concerns and urge individuals to take steps to address these problems.

Art teaches us about protecting the environment by emphasizing the majesty and fragility of the natural environment and increasing awareness about the influence of human activities on the world around us.

Environmental artworks, like sculptures constructed from recycled materials, can increase awareness about issues like pollution and climate change while also inspiring individuals to make changes to preserve the natural world. Art also educates individuals by questioning traditional assumptions and stimulating critical thinking, providing different viewpoints, and encouraging audiences to think deeply and rationally about their surroundings.

Art Inspires

One of the greatest powers of art is its capacity to inspire those who view it. Of course, art can reflect the world as it is, but it can also depict the world as we would like it to be. Even when portraying the world around us, artists have found distinct techniques that allow them to portray the world in novel ways that elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. Artists have the ability to view the world around them with an eye that is attuned to beauty and fine details, and they are able to produce on canvas what they see through their eyes.

The Swing (1767) by Jean-Honoré Fragonard; Ajc994, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Art can inspire personal change as well as political change and can serve as a vehicle for both. Enjoying art can often inspire others to start their own journey into art creation too, encouraging the further development of all the various forms and iterations that art can manifest as. Perhaps, if everyone expressed themselves through art, there would be fewer pent-up and unexpressed feelings, and people would be less prone to outbursts when the feelings inside eventually boil over.

Art is a great release, and that is perhaps one of its most important functions.

Art can stimulate the imagination and present ideas and worlds that are yet to be. Life often imitates art, and so many ideas and concepts started off as novelties in artworks, books, and films that subsequently inspired people to create them in real life. Conceptual artworks push ideas to the extreme, imagining buildings and cars that defy anything we see today. Yet, often those ideas start to trickle down into the design of products, even if to a less exaggerated degree.

The Preservation of Culture

Art has also served as a means for expressing their cultural identities and for passing down tribal knowledge and customs down the generations. Art can help to preserve culture by providing visual documentation of cultural activities and customs. Sculptures, paintings, and other kinds of visual art, for instance, can reflect historical events, traditional ceremonies, and daily life, offering future generations a glimpse into the past. Art can also help preserve culture by reinforcing cultural identity and beliefs by providing contemporary people with historical context about their heritage. Art can support and deepen cultural diversity by highlighting ethnic traditions and encouraging intercultural exchange.

Art can preserve cultural heritage by encouraging future generations to educate themselves about their cultural roots.

Art Promotes Expression

This one might seem obvious, but it is also very necessary. While art has always played some role in human society, it was not always something that was used as a form of self-expression. For many centuries, producing art was something that was performed either for religious or ceremonial purposes. Then, after that, it was used for religion or as a tool used by the rulers, whether governmental or royal. Creating art is not a cheap undertaking and many artists relied on commissions to make a living out of their artistic ability. It is only in more recent centuries that artists have begun to produce art for their own self-expression.

The Olive Trees (1889) by Vincent van Gogh; Van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Since then, though, countless various movements have arisen that all offer artists new and exciting ways in which to perceive and portray both the inner and outer worlds. There are even those that do not abide by any particular movement, creating what is referred to as “outsider art”. There is literally no limit to what subject matter can be portrayed or what materials can be used to portray them. Art ultimately promotes freedom of expression to modern artists and audiences alike. While artists can create their own symbols and language, there is also a visual language that has been developed over time, allowing artists to incorporate ideas that can be shared and understood by other artists.

That wraps up our look at the purpose and function of art. It is amazing how influential art has been in so many spheres of life throughout history. From religion to governance, and realistic depiction to abstract expression, art has changed and adapted over time to fulfill various roles within society – sometimes acting as a form of visual propaganda and other times acting as a vehicle for freedom of expression. Whatever its function, it will always serve as a way for our thoughts and ideas to be seen and potentially felt by others. Art teaches us that there is no one way to do something, and that there is room in this world for individual expression, creative diversity, and multiple points of view. But enough talking about it, isn’t it time you started making your own art?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Purpose of Art?

There is no one singular purpose of art, as it has served a multitude of different roles throughout human history. At a basic level, it can be defined as a visual way to represent a specific place, person, or object, yet in modern art, these are not even necessary. Not only does art portray something, but it also conveys something deeper to the viewer. This could be an underlying message, a feeling, or a concept that the artist wishes to impart, or it can be created for purely aesthetic reasons. For many centuries, the concepts conveyed in art were religious in nature and became more personal over time. Today, the purpose of art is to allow individuals self-expression and a form of communication that goes beyond words, and can be experienced with raw visceral emotion.

What Does Art Do?

When we look at art, we feel and think differently – even if just for the duration of observation. It momentarily disengages us from the world around us and allows us to view it from the perspective of the person who created it. Art has the power to make us think new thoughts and feel things that urge us to re-examine how we perceive the world around us. It can connect people and communities through an awareness of a shared identity and history, instilling a sense of pride and belonging in cultures across the globe. Art allows us to pause and reflect in a way that is often denied to us in this modern world of constant overstimulation. It makes us realize that many of the feelings we assumed were only experienced within ourselves are truly universal insights experienced by all. This can help remind us all that we are not that different and share many of the same desires, goals, and aspirations.

Jordan Anthony( Content Editor, Art Writer, Photographer )

Jordan Anthony is a Cape Town-based film photographer, curator, and arts writer. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where she explored themes like healing, identity, dreams, and intuitive creation in her Contemporary art practice. Jordan has collaborated with various local art institutions, including the KZNSA Gallery in Durban, the Turbine Art Fair, and the Wits Art Museum. Her photography focuses on abstract color manipulations, portraiture, candid shots, and urban landscapes. She’s intrigued by philosophy, memory, and esotericism, drawing inspiration from Surrealism, Fluxus, and ancient civilizations, as well as childhood influences and found objects. Jordan is working for artfilemagazine since 2022 and writes blog posts about art history and photography.

Learn more about Jordan Anthony and about us.