The Purpose of Art

Earlier in the semester we were contemplating what art actually is.  It seems that to define the purpose of art is to contemplate the same question, almost.  Yet for some reason, this one does not seem as complicated.  However, if we can adequately identify what the purpose of art is, we could apply that answer to the actual identity, and perhaps move in the direction of finding a definition for art.  In his article "What is Art For?", Mr. Waldemar Januszczak declares that the purpose of art is to "get us out of here", to transport one from his comfortable, habitual state of being.  To ask a question that may not change his outlook on life, but may indeed force him to reconsider his stance on that outlook, thus making him more sure of himself.  I like this definition, however, I would also include what I mentioned in the above entry: that art is a force working through the individual that manifests itself in a tangible subject.  This subject or object, no matter how abstract, asks the viewer a question, tells a story, does something very unexpected, and in doing so "gets us out of here."