The Purpose of Art.

Differences Between the Left and Conservatives Part II

The Purpose of Art.

For the left, the purpose of art is often to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and provoke thought by breaking new frontiers or simply being different for its own sake. Artworks such as the banana taped to a wall or installations made from everyday trash have become prominent symbols of postmodern art—pieces that much of the public finds confusing or inaccessible. However, these works are frequently accompanied by political statements or ideas intended to disrupt modern conventions and spark dialogue about societal norms. Postmodern art, often reflective of left-wing ideology, has even included the sale of art that does not physically exist, such as the case of "Io Sono" by Italian artist Salvatore Garau—an immaterial sculpture that sold for $18,300.

For conservatives, the purpose of art is to elevate, inspire, and strive for beauty or transcendence. They reject the idea that novelty alone makes something art. Instead conservatives value works rooted in tradition—such as religious Renaissance pieces or masterpieces created to endure and speak to universal human experiences.