Purpose of Art

Art, of any kind, is unique in it's own way. Because of it's originality, no piece of art, whether it be music, movies, paintings, or literature, can be defined as one purpose for everything. Instead, there are several reasons for why art is created. Not every division will apply to all art, but are more just generalities to cover everything. Art can be described as heaven; no person can fully imagine what heaven is down to it's simplest detail, but it is generally agreed upon that both art and heaven are pretty great things. Genres of art differentiate drastically, from capturing a particular emotion from the audience, to providing information for a certain cause, or even simply as to entertain the viewer and take them away from the real world, even if it is for only a few moments. An example of a piece trying to draw emotion from others is a song called Christmas Shoes by the group NewSong. It was told from the perspective of a narrator waiting in line at a department store. In front of him is a young boy buying a pair of women shoes for his mother. The boy wants his mother to look her best if she meets Jesus later that night because she is dying from cancer. However, the boy does not have enough money and the narrator decides to pick up his remaining tab. Sadness is thrust upon the viewer as it is a very heartbreaking work of art; grown men have been known to cry while listening to that song.  In 1776, the thirteen American colonies were tired of the reign of the British empire, so they decided to overthrow them. Thomas Paine, an angry colonist, distributed the pamphlet Common Sense throughout the colonies to explain why it was obvious that a revolution was badly needed. It is considered the most important piece of propaganda in the revolutionary era and a classic to historians. Entertainment is also a major source behind the production of many works of art. Some could be thrillers, mysteries, sagas, or comedies. My favorite example of art meant to entertain is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Produced in 1986, it is considered one of the best comedies of all time. Matthew Broderick, starring as Ferris Bueller, decides to skip school and enjoy his day out in the city of Chicago. He goes to a Cubs game, sings a song in the middle of a parade, and tricks everyone in his path, including his Dean of Students. This movie is one where everyone stops what they're doing just to sit and enjoy it. These examples only cover a slight amount of art genres in the world. Art is like a golden retriever; it can, and never will be, contained.