Formalistic Approach to Art
Criticism
What is Formalism?
Formalism is the study of art based solely on an analysis of
its form – the way it is made and what it looks like.
This approach focuses on form. The analysis stresses items
like symbols, images, and structure and how one part of the
work relates to other parts and to the whole.
Formalistic critics believe that all information essential to the
interpretation of a work must be found within the work itself;
there is no need to bring in outside information about the
history, politics, or society of the time, or about the artist's
life.
“Formalist artworks may have no recognizable objects. If
it does have recognizable objects, they are often distorted
or portrayed in an abstract way. ”
“ They are not intended to look realistic. A formalist
artwork is considered to be successful if the artist has
created a visually interesting design."
Form and style emphasis
The formalistic approach directs that art be analyzed by reviewing
form and style.
Elements like color, shapes, textures, and line are emphasized, while
the context of the work is de-emphasized, and made a secondary
characteristic—at times taken completely out of consequence.
The assessment of a piece of artwork is based purely on the artist’s
skill and not on the choice of subject matter, with the value based
primarily on the use of elements with little regard for the viewer’s
perception of the context.
L ’ART POUR L ‘ART (ART FOR ART’S
SAKE)
This term truly epitomizes the formalist way of thinking, and
Abstract artists defended their work, maintaining that they should
be judged and valued based on their basic attributes.
They asserted that, following the ideals of formalism, art should be
valued outside of its’ ability to tell a story, recall an experience,
provide a statement, or inspire feelings in the viewer.
This allows for growth in Abstract art creation, where artists no
longer felt the pressure to explain their works based on any set
standards or sensibilities.
FORMALISM IN OTHER ARTS
Formalism was not confined to evaluating art; it was also
used liberally in both music and literature.
In music, the theory was used to explain that music is
judged based on the basic composition of the notes, and
only intellectual understanding is of value when assessing
musical pieces. The listener’s emotional reaction provides
no additional value to the music’s worth.
In painting therefore, a
formalist critic would
focus exclusively on the
qualities of
color, brushwork, form,
line and composition.
In architecture, a
formalistic approach
would focus on number,
geometry, proportion,
hierarchy, orientation.
In narrative art, the focus would be on plot, metaphor,
simile, recurring themes.
In film the focus would be on the lighting, scoring, sound
and set design, use of color, shot composition, and editing.
Questions on Formalism:
How do various elements of the work reinforce its
meaning?
What recurring patterns can you find? What is the effect
of these patterns or motifs?
How does repetition reinforce the theme(s)?
How does the artist’s composition reveal or reflect the
work’s meaning?
What metaphors or symbolisms are used?
What is the effect of the qualities of color, and what parts
specifically produce that effect?
Questions on Formalism:
Note the artist’s use of color, brushwork, form, line
and composition. What effects are produced? Do any of
these relate to one another or to the theme?
What tone and mood are created at various parts of the
work?
How does the artist create tone and mood?
How do the various elements interact to create a unified
whole?
Wassily Kandinsky Cossacks 1910-1
Edward Munch The Sick Child 1907
Karl Schmidt- Rotluff Woman with a Bag 1915
Mark Rothko Red on Maroon 1959
Clyfford Still 1953 1953
Jackson Pollock Number 23 1948
Group Exercise: Form Groups of 4
15 minutes to discuss and prepare,
five minutes to present
Choose one between the two art forms below
and make a formalistic analysis:
MUSIC Specific Genres:
Choose three song lyrics of a Ballad
specific genre and determine Pop
how they are structured and
describe the rhythm as well. RnB
Discuss and determine the Rock
recurring patterns (the lyrical Rap
and thematic) in the work and
the effect of these patterns or Folk
motifs?
Discuss and determine how
the structure and recurring
pattern reinforce the theme(s)?
Film
Choose three films from a Specific Genre
specific genre and determine War
how they are structured.
Adventure
How do various elements of
Fantasy
the work reinforce its
meaning? (Consider plot, Love
lighting, scoring, sound and Crime
set design, use of color, shot Romantic Comedy
composition, and editing.)
What effects are produced? Comedy
Do any of these relate to one Dystopian
another or to the theme? Sci-fi
