The term called ”paleoanthropsychobiological” was coined by writer, Ellen Dissanayake, of the article, “What is Art For?”. She depicts that this term has multiple meanings. The first meaning is that all human history is included in art. The second meaning is that all human societies are involved, and thirdly she suggests that art is a psychological/emotional need and provides psychological and/or emotional effects. These three meanings have developed and grown over the years into our complex human nature. Art can dwell an emotional attachment within us and give rise to our own spiritual or physical meanings.
The 14th century, also known as the medieval times, where “…art were in the service of religion” (16). Art was similar during the progression era however, more man-centered representations were accepted as art and people viewed art as truth beauty and excellence.
A second theory that Ellen describes is Modernism, which occured during the 18th century. People turned to the subject ‘aesthetics’, which envelopes the “taste and beauty that govern all the arts…” (17). People did not find attraction to this method because art was becoming a focal point. Thinkers and theorists felt the need to explain the means and ends revealing the core nature in art.
Postmodernism is another theory, where art was recognized as ‘high art’. This era occurred in the mid-20th century. People believed their art was meant for the well educated and wealth of their culture. They felt art was the truth to all meaning (19).
