Formalism

Definition

Formalism is an art theory that emphasizes the visual elements and formal qualities of a work of art, such as line, shape, color, texture, and composition. It focuses on the aesthetic experience and does not consider the historical or social context.

Related terms

Abstraction: Abstraction refers to artwork that simplifies or distorts reality by emphasizing shapes, colors, lines, and forms rather than representing recognizable objects.

Minimalism: Minimalism is an art movement characterized by simplicity and reduction of form. It often uses basic geometric shapes and neutral colors to create a sense of order and clarity.

Non-objective Art: Non-objective art is artwork that does not represent any recognizable object from the physical world. It focuses solely on abstract forms, colors, lines, and textures to evoke emotions or sensations.