Types and Functions of Art – Basic 1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

Art is made to be enjoyed through our eyes, ears and feelings. Art has two main types: visual art, which we see, and non-visual art, which we hear or feel. People use art for decoration, spiritual use, entertainment, education, cultural preservation and communication.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• name the two main types of art
• give examples of visual art and non-visual art
• say which part of the body we use to enjoy each type of art
• list the functions of art
• give examples of how art is used for each function

What are the types of art?

Art can be divided into two main types: visual art and non-visual art.

Visual art (things we can see)

• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture (carving statues)
• Pottery (making pots)
• Photography (taking pictures)
• Weaving

We use our eyes to enjoy visual art.

Non-visual art (things we cannot see but can hear or feel)

• Music (we hear it)
• Dance (we see movement, feel rhythm)
• Drama (we watch and listen)
• Poetry (we listen to words)
• Stories (we listen)

We use our ears and feelings to enjoy non-visual art.

What are the functions of art?

Art has six main uses.

1. Decoration

• Art makes things beautiful.
• Pictures on walls decorate homes.
• Carvings make furniture nice.

2. Spiritual use

• Art is used in churches and mosques.
• Religious songs and hymns.
• Sacred sculptures and paintings.

3. Entertainment

• Music makes us happy.
• Drama entertains us.
• Dance is fun to watch.

4. Education

• Art teaches us things.
• Stories teach us lessons.
• Pictures help us learn.

5. Cultural preservation

• Art keeps our culture alive.
• Traditional art shows our history.
• We remember our ancestors through art.

6. Communication

• Art tells stories.
• Pictures can show messages.
• Songs can pass information.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Visual art is art we can _____.
   • a) see
   • b) only smell
   • c) only taste
2. Music is a _____ art.
   • a) visual
   • b) non-visual
   • c) ugly
3. Painting is used for _____.
   • a) decoration
   • b) cooking
   • c) sleeping
4. Art used in churches is for _____ use.
   • a) bad
   • b) spiritual
   • c) dirty
5. Drama is used for _____.
   • a) entertainment
   • b) fighting
   • c) crying

Assignment

1. Name 2 visual arts and 2 non-visual arts.
2. Draw a picture to decorate your room.
3. Tell one function of art.
4. Find one artwork in your home and say what it is used for.