An Analysis on the Functionality and Design Artistic of Art - Essay Example

?An Analysis on the Functionality and Design Artistic of Art Paper Introduction The Esthetic theory of Randdefined arts as “a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist’s metaphysical value-judgments” (Binswanger, 1982, p. 2). This implies that the creation of artworks depends on the artist’s philosophical evaluative criticism of the things she/he observes in reality. The designs are also impacted by the artist's thoughts and feelings. Conversely, some argued that art is design artistic in nature which requires artist creativity. According to Hansson (2005), artworks such as paintings, poems, plays, etc. are created exclusively for the intention of providing aesthetic experiences. Nevertheless, the field of architecture and industrial design, objects are made not only made with the purpose of fulfilling the aesthetic criterion, but also mainly of service and function. This concept gives rise to functional arts, which refers to art that has a purpose such as furniture, pottery etc. The combination of these two characteristics led to the evaluation of how these two characteristics of arts relate to each other. Furthermore, this paper aims to discuss if art can both be functional and design artistic. Visual Arts Visual arts refer to art forms that are fundamentally visual in nature. Examples of these are painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, design, filmmaking, video and architecture, ceramics, printmaking, and crafts (Sutton, 2000). However, such definition encompasses other artistic disciplines such as conceptual arts, performing arts, and textile arts as well as applied arts, which include industrial design, fashion design, graphic design, and decorative arts (Leaman, 2004). In addition, this concept of visual arts cannot always be the case applied in modern art. The distinction of its usage, however, was accentuated by the artists in whose interests in vernacular art forms were valued in as much of excellent forms of art during the Arts and Crafts Movement. During this period in the 20th century, an individual can only be considered as an artist if he works under the discipline of fine arts, which includes painting or sculpture. An individual is known otherwise if he works on handicrafts alone which founded a strong contrast between fine arts and crafts because the latter was not considered to be a form of a visual art at this era (Barone & Eisner, 2012). Also, the practice of visual arts may be attributed to historical aspects that prompted traditional artists to probe into the changing dynamics embedded into the visual culture as manifested in the application of knowledge in the arts. Among all other forms of visual arts, painting is regarded as the highest form of visual art in Western and Eastern regions because of its complexity and aesthetic effects. In China, scholar painting is considered to be the highest technique of painting (Sullivan, 2010, p. 3). Functional and Design Artistic In a general sense, a form of art is constrained in its function. Instead of using art as the artist’s way of expressing his or her inner thoughts, feelings, or emotions, the visual nature of an art can have a greater value when its graphic form or appeal has a functional characteristic. This type of artwork is referred to as functional arts, which do not only bring an aesthetic attribute to the design, but a function that serves it purpose to mankind. The creation of this design centers on the fusion of environmental elements complementing each environmental characteristic and striking a balance of nature and design (Cairo, 2012). Significantly, such characteristic contributes to a better appreciation in gaining a valuable insight or understanding the relationship between the art form and its function. For instance, most objects of the Indian art form are normally used in performing a service like using certain objects as a container, or providing other means of worship (Dockstadder, 2013). Another example of functional arts is the furniture at homes. Furniture have good artistic designs and at the same time has important functions like it provide as a space for work and dining (Urmann, 2013). On the contrary, the design artistic nature of an art form may pertain to creating a plan for constructing a system or an object such in outlining designs for architecture, illustrations for engineering, sewing patterns, and circuit diagrams. This map out the art forms’ design characteristics and components, and how it will be created, which is similar to pottery making and graphical designs. In some occasions, designers focus on the aesthetic and functional characteristics of an object which provides an appeal to the audience. Other than its functional attribute, another significant factor of art selection is the design which differentiates an object from the rest when all of them serve the same purpose (Doe, 2013). While there may be several connotations that can refer to the design artistic nature of an art form, there are some cases to be considered where design is construed as a unique approach for satisfying the essential requirements of any form of art. Arguments Art as both functional and design artistic Given the essential nature and characteristics of art, it can be considered both functional and design artistic in that both artists and designers create their own compositions of art through their own expression of personal knowledge and insights. In most cases perhaps, people are most likely to believe or perceive that the functional characteristics and design artistic of an art form are those that portray an inner connection from the artist toward its audience. Also, in some other instances, art is created for a particular function and design but the difference lies in the perspective of an artist’s audience with regard to how they would interpret the message being conveyed in an art form. In such case, they are similar in these given characteristics considering that art is one of the best medium of connecting to people or a diverse group of audiences in relaying significant forms of expressions despite having different interpretations. Relatively, each individual has a different interpretation on an art form due to various art backgrounds and perceptions. Differentiating these two characteristics, however, is only a matter of opinion to some extent, although, in most cases, it can be perceived that the great works of art are the attributes of an artist’s natural ability. In other words, the real measure of creating a great masterpiece is largely dependent on the talent of the artist in creating value to a certain piece of art. As artists hone their skills continuously, they are also equipped with the necessary potential in creating artistic works that evoke strong connection from the audience in reacting to the theme or message conveyed in an artwork. In addition, the aesthetic value of an artwork is much appreciated when its functionality and design are used not only for self-expression but also of creativity in maximizing the quality application of an artist’s natural talent. When these two attributes are fulfilled by an object, then it can be considered as a successful piece of art. With regard to film as another form of art, for example, artists used it as a medium to incorporate music, picture, dance, and literature, which may, but not necessarily, be used to create artistic results (Arnheim 1971, p.8). From this point, films can, therefore, be considered as either artistically designed or not. It must be noted that its functionality may depend on the nature of the production. Moreover, a film can be considered as an art when movie makers cultivate the unique possibilities of cinematographic strategy and utilise them upon the formation of artistic productions (Arnheim 1971, p.35). Art as functional but not design artistic Although some scholars believe that art is both functional and design artistic, others argue that art is only functional and cannot be design artistic. In fact, the underlying argument stems from the notion that design is a functional aspect of art, and not of the art itself. This particularly pertains to graphic design, which performs a number of functions within the context of communication such as conveying a message, persuading, or stimulating reaction from the audience (Barnard, 2005, p.172). From an artist’s perspective, however, one may argue that the functions of art are often ignored or disregarded despite the several functions it intends to perform. Some scholars have also argued that what separates art and design are their function (Taylor 2004, cited in Barnard, 2005, p.173). This is in relation to the traditional concept of perceiving art as non-functional. Non-functional art, as opposed to functional art, are created solely for viewing and contemplation rather than function. For instance, artworks like paintings and sculptures are created based on the artist’s feelings and emotions as well as creativity. However, Even though the audience understands the message being conveyed by the artist, the designs and styles of these artworks are just utilised solely for viewing and contemplation and nothing more. This does not provide any function that provides convenience to the everyday tasks of people (Sutter 2011). In this manner, some scholars contend that art is characterized by reflection or with aesthetic value while the design is more relevant to executing the functions of an art (Rand and Rand 1999, cited in Barnard, 2005, p.173). The art and design of a piece of furniture may be a concrete example for this argument. Furniture cannot be considered as a product or work of art if it is not functional. In other words, this implies that art goes hand in hand with the function and design of an artwork considering that the functional aspect of a piece of tart may not be created while it is still in the process of conceptualization. Hence, the aesthetic components of an artwork may not have an artistic design, but it is still construed as an art when it performs its functional characteristics. In other aspects, for example, art is very significant, especially in geometry, in respect to mathematical figures that describe shape, size, and relative positions, and other properties of space. This artistic way of using figures to describe certain facets of matter can directly deem art as functional. However, given the purpose of art in such an approach, the geometric figure itself is not an artistic design. In effect, art can be functional, even if it is not artistically designed (Dimock, 1912, p.72). Art as non-functional but design artistic Works of art may also be characterized as non-functional but not design artistic. They can be nonfunctional if it is purely made for decorative or ritual purposes. Significant objects, such as those used by primitive people in their rituals as well as their utensils and clothing, which are artistically designed are exemplaries of nonfunctional arts. Although they are created artistically with a design and fashion, they provide no other convenient function rather than decorative or ritual purposes (Ucko & Dimbleby 2009, p.260). It can also be seen in various forms of media, such as the art of mosaic design, which uses glasses, stone, and marbles only for decorative purposes. Other scholars are also likely to perceive that several artists make nonfunctional pieces of art as their means of creating a form of art with a significant meaning (Locktov & Clagett 1998, p.148). Conclusion A piece of art is based on the evaluation of the artist of the reality which is also impacted by the artist’s feelings and emotions. While some argued that arts is design artistic in nature as it requires creativity of the artists; however, an art is not solely artistic in nature, but rather, it also functional in the sense that it is created with a purpose. This gives rise to the concepts of functional arts which is famous in the field of architecture and industrial designs. Artworks such as furniture and potteries not only possess good designs, but it has also an important function at homes. While some scholars agreed that arts are both functional and design artistic, others argued arts are only design artistic but non-functional. In this case, the characteristic of arts as solely design artistic or combination of the two relies mainly on the artist intent in creating artworks. References Arnheim, R., 1971. Film as art. California: University of California Press. Barnard, M., 2005. Graphic design as communication. Oxford: Routledge. Barone, T., & Eisner, E., 2012. Arts based research. London: Sage Publications. Binswanger, H 1982, Ayn Rand’s philosophical achievement, New American Library, New York. Cairo, A., 2012. The functional art: an introduction to information graphics and visualization. Berkeley, CA: New Riders. Dimock, J. A., 1912. Outdoor Photography. New York: Outing Publishing Company. Dockstadder, F., 2013. Native American art. [Online] Available at: http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/405948/Native-American-art/77647/The-function-of-art [Accessed 29 November 2013]. Doe, J., 2013. Good design is good business. [Online] Available at: http://themes.justgoodthemes.com/heron/good-design-is-good-business/ [Accessed 29 November 2013]. Hansson, SO 2005, Aesthetic functionalism, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. Leaman, O., 2004. Islamic aesthetics: an introduction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh, UP. Locktov, J., & Clagett, l. P., 1998. The art of mosaic design: a collection of contemporary artists. United States of America: Quarry Books. Sullivan, G., 2010. Art practice as research: an inquiry in visual arts. California: Sage Publications, Inc. Sutter, J., 2011, Contemporary craft: non-functional or dysfunctional? Quarry Books, USA. Sutton, T., 2000. The classification of visual art: a philosophical myth and its history. Cambridge: Cambridge UP. Ucko, p. J., & Dimbleby, G. W., eds. 2009. The domestication and exploitation of plants and animals. New Brunswick, New jersey: Transaction Publishers. Urmann, D 2013, The basic functions of furnitures, Spark Publishing, USA. Read More