Formalism in Art

Formalism in art emphasizes the importance of a work's visual elements—such as color, shape, and composition—over its subject matter or narrative. It contrasts with representation and mimesis, which focus on depicting reality. Formalists argue that the beauty of art lies in its form and structure, rather than its ability to imitate life. In the context of aesthetic realism, which values realistic representation, formalism can be seen as anti-realist, prioritizing the intrinsic qualities of the artwork itself rather than how it relates to the real world. This perspective invites viewers to appreciate art for its own sake.