We can make a distinction between the purposes of art (that is: what art aims to accomplish) and art's functions (what art achieves).

There are five broad functions of art:

A) Aesthetic, Expressive, Social, Ritual, Political
B) Decorative, Commercial, Personal, Spiritual, Historical
C) Symbolic, Therapeutic, Educational, Reflective, Entertainment
D) Abstract, Realistic, Surreal, Minimalist, Impressionist