What is Formalism? | Philosophy Today | Formalism, art history| Definition of Formalism

|What is Formalism? |
The first thing that comes to mind when looking at the word formalism is: Form.
So, strictly described, formalism is an approach to study and interpret artworks by focusing exclusively on their form. By form, we mean the way the artwork is made and what it looks like.
In principle, a formalist appreciation of an artwork will be made by analyzing the compositional elements of that artwork.
Assuming you have a painting on hand, let’s say Blue Poles by Jackson Pollack for example. If you want to evaluate such painting based on the formalism approach, you shall look at colors, shape, and lines, and perhaps brushwork, composition, and texture.
Two names you should always remember when talking about formalism are: Clive Bell and Roger Fry.

Want to know more about formalism!
Check out our video on Clive Bell, namely the Aesthetic Hypothesis and please remember to subscribe!

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[dalesouthall]

what is the difference between formalism and aesthetics?

[jameesonposey]

Most people tend to explain formalism in terms of what formalism isn't, and that usually cause ambiguity. I like the fact that yours is direct and straight to the point.

[PhilosophyToday]

Thank you! You will definitely see a lot more.

[bhumikabhattacharya]

Hey! Can you please help me, tomorrow's my exam. What is the difference between Formalism and Behaviourism?

[mardygeorges]

Does formalism apply to contemporary arts or paintings considering many minimalist have created white, literally blank, paintings?

[desenreda_PR]

Simple and to the point! Loved this video (:

[Rhalyon]

Very concise, and on point. Hope to see more!