Aesthetics
The definition of art
is controversial in contemporary philosophy. Art is such a thing that it can be
looked upon and defined as many different things and aspects by people. In order
to get a clear understanding of what art truly is people have tried to narrow
it down by defining the value of art based upon two principals, which is
formalism and romanticism. Formalism defines art by conveying to the people
that art is to structure reality and guide behavior through form and ideals. Romanticism
defines art by saying its purpose is to connect its viewers to a deeper thought
or understanding.
Formalism values a
piece of art based upon how pleasing it is, in other words it is valued for how
it looks or even sounds. As opposed to romanticism where it takes a piece of
art work on how it looks and values the thought and understanding it creates. Due
to this fact I would side with romanticism. Only valuing what is presented on top
is not valuing its worth, meaning we are ignoring everything else like thought
and understanding the piece of art has to offer. Formalism only has face value which
is not the correct way to examine a piece of art. Not looking into a piece of
art deeply does not give any understanding to the piece examined.
Explanatory Breadth- Romanticism
explains a variety of art forms as opposed to formalism. Romanticism has the ability to explicate all forms of art and
many of which that cannot be seen but yet are considered art, for example
music, poetry, and even forms of writing.
Explanatory Depth- Romanticism
explains art in more ways than formalism. Romantics not only take the beauty of
art into consideration like formalist, but also looks art for the thought that
the piece stimulates.
Simplicity- Formalism
is much simpler than romanticism because formalism only looks at a piece of art
for its beauty and does not go into depth with the thought behind it.
Conservatism- From my perspective
I believe formalism is a much more popular principal of art known by people. The
average person would look at a piece of art work merely for what it looks like
than what it actually means. Same thing with music, many people listen to forms
of music just because it sounds good but they do not take into consideration the
thought behind the lyrics.
1
11. Romanticism
and Formalism are the most plausible explanations for the principals of art.
22. Romanticism
has much more explanatory breadth and explanatory depth as opposed to formalism
which has more simplicity and conservatism.
33. Therefore,
Romanticism is the best explanation of the theory of art.
Nazma,
ReplyDeleteI think your explanation of why formalism is more conservative than romanticism is really interesting.I disagree however. I wonder if you considered any modern works. When going to an art gallery, it is extremely uncommon to find painting there for a strictly superficial meaning. I think you are not giving our generation enough credit. Maybe you could be more lenient in your answer, or find more ways to support it. Give an example of superficial music for example. Anyway enjoyed your blog!