Applied Arts: Definition, History, Functions, Types, Examples

Applied Arts: Definition, History, Functions, Types, Examples – In this discussion, we will explain about Applied Art. An explanation that includes the meaning of applied art, its history, functions, and also examples of applied art which will be explained in a complete and easy to understand manner.

Applied Arts: Definition, History, Functions, Types, Examples

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Definition of Applied Art

Applied art is a work of art used in everyday life which contains certain functional values ​​in addition to its artistic value. (Wikipedia)

History of Applied Art

Traced into the past, applied art has actually been familiar from the days of the ancestors of the Indonesian people in the past. History has proven, in prehistoric times, people in the past used various knick-knacks that had high artistic value in their daily lives. Some of them are stone axes, bones for hunting, dolmen, nekara, moko, vessels and so on.

Over time, applied art has been passed down from generation to generation in our society today. In various aspects of art such as decorative arts, architectural arts, illustration arts, graphic arts, applied arts have been merged.

Functions of Applied Arts

The function of applied art works can be divided into two functions, namely:

1. Aesthetic Function
   Aesthetic function is a function that is only intended as an ornamental object, for example, batik or weaving made specifically for wall decoration, handicrafts, masks, and flower vases.
2. Practical Function
   Practical function is a work of art whose main purpose is as a disposable object. Examples include household furniture, tables, chairs and textiles.

Types of Applied Fine Arts

Based on their form, works of applied art are divided into five categories, namely:

1. Custom home

A traditional house is a house made based on the customs of a tribe. Indonesia has a variety of traditional houses. If you look at the structure of traditional houses in Indonesia as a whole, it can be distinguished based on the building, namely based on the roof, the variety of decorations, the shape and the raw materials for making it. For example, houses with joglo roofs in Java, houses with gonjong roofs in Minangkabau, houses on stilts in Kalimantan and Lampung.

2. Traditional weapon

The function of weapons in the past was different from the use of traditional weapons today. Traditional weapons are now more often used as equipment for work. There are also those who use it as ritual equipment, traditional clothing equipment, traditional art performances, and as ornamental objects. Examples are Celurit from Madura, Pasa Timpo from Central Sulawesi, Kujang from West Java, Mandau from Kalimantan.

3. Traditional Transportation

Traditional transportation that maintains its traditional shape and characteristics can still be found in the Nusantar area. For example boats, horse-drawn carriages, carts and tricycles.

4. Craft Art

Craft art is very broad, but broadly it can be divided into 4 groups, among others.

• Sculpture: for example a carved chair, carved as a seat.
• Textile Arts: Weaving, songket cloth that can be used to cover the body and as a wall decoration.
• Woven Crafts: Woven hats that can be worn and used as wall decorations.
• Ceramic Crafts: Flower vases, jars, antique cups that can be used as decorations at home.

5. Building Architecture

The architecture of buildings in Indonesia is very diverse. Applied art can be seen from various building architectures in Indonesia. Like the temple which is one example of building architecture in Indonesia that applies applied art

Based on its form, applied art is divided into two types, namely:

• 2 Dimensional Applied Art: That is applied art that only has dimensions of length and width. Examples of batik, wayang kulit, and weaving.
• 3-Dimensional Applied Art: Namely applied art that has dimensions of length, width, and depth. Examples of statues, traditional weapons, traditional houses and so on.

Based on its origin, applied art is divided into 2 types, namely:

• Archipelago Applied Art: It is an applied art that originates from the archipelago and is passed down from generation to generation through culture. For example, traditional houses, traditional clothes, traditional weapons, traditional means of transportation and so on.
• Modern Applied Art: It is an applied art originating from today's modern culture. An example is modern painting with a certain flow of art and so on.

Examples of Applied Art

In everyday life we ​​can find various examples of applied art that are used. We still often encounter types of traditional houses, traditional clothes, and weapons which are inherited from our ancestors. And we also still find traditional means of transportation that are still used today.

For examples of modern applied art, there are so many paintings produced by great painters with different art styles. There are also types of chisels that are now famous such as Jepara carved teak, woven, ceramics, jars, flower vases and so on.

Thus it has been explained about Applied Arts: Definition, History, Functions, Types, Examples, hopefully can add to your insight and knowledge. Thank you for visiting.