1. Purposes of Art
An Overview

2. Purposes of Art
The purpose of art is the reason a particular work of art is created.
There are four main purposes that art is created. They are:
Artistic Expression
Ceremonial
Functional
Narrative

3. Artistic Expression
Art created for artistic expression is created show feelings, emotions, or ideas.
When artists decorate objects to make them more beautiful, this is also considered artistic expression.

4. Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist) (detail)
Artistic Expression
Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist) (detail)
Jackson Pollock
The Scream
Edvard Munch

5. Ceremonial
Ceremonial art is art created for ceremonies, particularly religious ceremonies and worship.
Religious paintings are also considered ceremonial.

6. Native American Ceremonial Mask West African Ceremonial Mask

7. Functional Functional art is artistic objects used in everyday life.
Functional art is typically three-dimensional.
Some examples of functional art are baskets, quilts, and silver serving pieces.

8. Native American Coiled Basket
Functional
Quilt
Native American Coiled Basket

9. Narrative
Narrative art is art used to tell stories, keep historical records, and/or communicate ideas and information.
Since Native American totem poles tell the story of a tribe, they are considered narrative art.
Portraits of historical figures, such as George Washington, created before photography, are considered narrative because they are important historical records.

10. Narrative Native American Totem Poles Washington Crossing the Delaware
By Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze