The Function of Art in the Culture Ancient Art is to serve gods or God in settings, rituals or in the generation of votive objects. Theism is the dominant philosophy. Humanism and theism may be said to coincide. Humanism is the dominant philosophy. Art is seen as a measure of human achievement or the product of a divinely-inspired individual.
Art is about the manipulation of formal properties.
Materialism and existentialism dominate. Minimalism Post-Modernism Art exists to serve or repudiate art. Art is a vehicle of social change. Nihilism is the dominant philosophy.