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The relationship between art and aesthetics is eternal. In fact, one is incomplete without the other. For those who believe in the 'Art for art's sake tradition', art functions just to give aesthetic pleasure to man. It's not at all necessary for art to convey instruction, for it might result in the loss of beauty of the art piece. Every art tradition, be it classical or modern, serves the same purpose even though some artists might deny adhering to any particular school of thought.
The historical schools of art, too, have been following the precepts of any art scholar. However, it was in the late 19th century that the conflict between two particular schools of thought came out into the open. The patrons of the 'art for art's sake' tradition out rightly denied any role of instruction in the works of art. Later, there emerged a new school of thought, with patrons affirming their faith in instruction as the primary motive of a work of art. It was Gautier who first coined the phrase 'art for art's sake in the nineteenth century, thus sounding his protest against the principles of Ruskin and Communist advocates of socialist realism of their belief in the didactic purpose of art.
The twentieth century witnessed the conflict between the two schools of thought taking greater proportion, with more advocates standing in support for the didactic purpose of art. The renowned modern dramatist, George Bernard Shaw, confirmed his belief in the didactic purpose of art through his speeches and critical works. However, when it comes to modern times, things seem to be a little confused with regard to the various genres of art works around.
The various genres of art can be said to vary in its purpose. The world of art is unfathomable, including within its fold literature as well as paintings and craft. The primary purpose of literature cannot just be aesthetic pleasure, for it tickles the brain first rather than the senses. Things seem to be little different in case of paintings or works of fine art... for they appeal to the senses. In this case, it would be more appropriate to state that these art works serve mainly to give aesthetic pleasure to man. However, it's best to analyze the various art traditions around before coming to a conclusion regarding the chief purpose of art.
Modern art can roughly be divided into two art styles: the Oriental and the Western. Contemporary paintings of various countries are infused with mysterious motifs or symbols, thereby creating an emotional turmoil in the hearts of the onlookers. For many, modern paintings are beyond comprehension for they portray the human mind in multifarious moods and phases. With its rich history of classical art tradition, the French art, for instance, remains one of the most cherished traditions.
Talking about the Oriental grandeur, there is no dearth of the beautiful art works in all its manifestations. Be it the Chinese or the Vietnamese tradition, Oriental art works aims to provide aesthetic pleasure as well as serve to instruct. For instance, the Vietnamese history serves as a treasure house for new generation of artists to draw inspiration for their artworks. Vietnamese art not only portrays the beauty of nature and life but also conveys the inhumanities of American violence during the Vietnamese War of Independence. To conclude, it can only be stated that whatever be the purpose of art, it serves the purpose of man. For pleasure or instruction, art remains the one of the finest manifestations of man's aesthetic expression.
