"Art subordinate to" refers to a concept wherein art or artistic expression is considered as being secondary or subservient to a particular purpose, goal, or ideology. It suggests that the primary intention behind the creation of art is to serve a higher purpose or be utilized as a means to achieve a specific objective, rather than being valued solely for its aesthetic or creative merits.
In this context, art is often seen as a tool or medium that is harnessed to convey a message, support a narrative, promote a certain belief system, or serve a particular agenda. The artistic expression is utilized as a vehicle to advance a social, political, philosophical, or pragmatic objective. The aesthetic value or subjective interpretation of the artwork might be overshadowed by the intended function or message it is supposed to communicate.
This concept can be observed in various forms, such as propaganda art, didactic art, or art created for commercial purposes. It implies that the artist's creative autonomy or self-expression takes a back seat to the predetermined purpose or objective that the artwork serves. The aesthetic choices, themes, and elements incorporated into the artwork are therefore carefully chosen and manipulated to align with and support the overarching goal or ideology.
While the notion of art subordinate to might limit the open-ended interpretation or appreciation of art, it acknowledges the power and potential of artistic expression as a means of persuasion, communication, or functional utility within a broader context.
