Formalism

Compilation of information about Formalism informing the development of my work over recent weeks:

I chose to research Formalism understanding that it is based around the way artwork is made rather than the value/concept of the work. This theory applies to my work as I am exploring the surfaces of an image and the texture created in the application of paint, in contrast to finding a higher level of significance within the works.

This approach to art began during the 19th and 20th centuries (however the idea of formalism dates back to the time of Aristotle and Plate), although initially instigated by the Romantics and their search for the significance of Art, Symbolists and Post-Impressionist highlighted the importance of form to inform the intent of the artist.

Formalism is the term used to characterise the divide between the significance of the artwork and its production. It is involves an examination into the formal elements of art, line, colour, texture and composition, all the qualities which form balance and rhythm in an artwork; therefore the accomplishment of compositional elements must be achieved prior to an accomplishment of representation.

I feel that viewing artwork concerning formalism can be refreshing and more simplistic. We often tend to follow human nature and attach meanings to what we see, or decipher the significance of an item of art. Exploring formalism has taught me to examine the finer qualities of an artwork.

Considering a formalist judgement allows an exploration into the visual and technical qualities of a medium that give it a particular appearance; without materials we cannot create art, it is the medium which we should primarily respond to and value in art.

My understanding of formalism informs the production of my artwork and develops my critical judgement of mine and the work of others.

Reference Material:

Newall. D & Pooke.G (2008), Art History the basics, Routledge.  
ISBN: 0-415-30908-5

Harris.J (2006),  Art History The Key Concepts, Routledge. 
ISBN: 0-415-31977-3