Romanticism or
Formalism
Aesthetics is the branch of
philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste. When
looking at the studies of the philosophical foundation of the arts two main
topics are discussed, Formalism and Romanticism. Formalism states that the purpose of art is to present formal beauty in a
figurative, abstract manner or painting. In other words it represents forms
that structure reality and guide behavior. Romanticism expresses the view that
art is more than just rational elements, its also non rational emotions.
Romanticism emphasizes inspiration, subjectivity, and the primacy of the
individual person.
As
part of the Explanatory breadth Romanticism explains more works of art because
it goes onwards to non rational emotions. As for Formalism, it is limited to
only rational elements. Beauty is too narrow aesthetic standard and should be
sublime. Limiting it to rational elements is undermining the use and meaning of
beauty. Expressing non rational emotions makes us as people aware of a
mysterious transcendent reality. Deeper than the one to which we typically
relate intuitive and rational knowledge.
For explanatory depth the Romanticism theory elucidates
it’s aspects in greater detail. There are many paintings in life which have a
greater reason beyond its simple features. An example would be expressions on a
person’s face inside of a painting. Famous pictures such as the ‘scream’,
leaves questions to why is his mouth open. Making viewers aware of a mysterious
transcendent reality that Formalism lacks to mention.
As
for a simplistic view, I do believe that Formalism has fewer parts than
Romanticism. It excludes the non rational emotions which makes it much simpler
to understand its theory. Gives an experience of a purely rational type of
pleasure and proper attitude is disinterested. The perspective seen in modern day conservatism
is Romanticism. It is seen more now than ever that Artists are leaving viewers
puzzled with their creations. Leaving the viewers to discuss the meaning behind
the creation as there is more than one meaning. Very mysterious meanings leave
people to come to conclusions that vary with each person. Artists want viewers
to think and process what is going on in their visuals, rather than it is
something very simple and easy to understand.
1. Romanticism
and Formalism are the most plausible explanations of the philosophical
foundation of the arts.
2. Romanticism
has much more explanatory breadth, explanatory depth, and conservatism, where
as Formalism has a little more simplicity.
3. Therefore,
Romanticism is the best explanation of the philosophical foundation of the
arts.
I like how you said that there are many paintings in life that have a greater meaning behind them. I definitely agree with that and that's why I sided with romanticism in my post as well. There are many examples such as: The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gough and the painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. Both of these paintings have a deeper meaning than what is being displayed, which is exactly what romanticism is all about.
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