The Purpose of Art
WHAT’S THE POINT?
“All art is quite useless.”
—Oscar Wilde, A Picture of Dorian Gray, Preface
Why do people create art? They may want to imitate an experience, express a personal passion, or just make a few bucks. But why should people make art? Are some motives more virtuous than others?
One popular contemporary view, concisely summarized in Wilde’s quote, is that art should not attempt to achieve anything at all. In other words, the noblest art, perhaps the only true art, is “art for art’s sake.” Under this view, the only valid reason for making art is to make art. Any other motive, such as the communication of meaning or the paying of bills, devalues the art or disqualifies it altogether.
Opponents of the “art for art’s sake” mindset are not satisfied with unemployed art; they want results! Some philosophers go so far as to demand that art perform a specific function, such as reflect truth, work to unify society, or at least decorate a room.
Many of us probably reside somewhere in between the two extremes, recognizing virtue in the mere creation of art but having greater respect for that which seeks to better humanity or improve the lives of individuals. So then, if altruistic intent is more admirable than selfish or indifferent motives, should all art aim to produce an overall good in the world? Or is the simple desire to make art as good a reason as any? —CKG
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
• Should all art strive to fulfill a certain purpose? If so, what should be its goal?
• Is the creation of art, per se, a noble ambition?