Aesthetics

Emily Estanislau
Blog Post 4
12/2/2014

What is art?  It is the expression of human creative skill and imagination. The two aesthetic theories are formalism and romanticism. Formalism is when art is analyzed by its visual aspects. There is no need to really think and comprehend art using the formalism theory because all you need to know if just by seeing the art. Romanticism on the other hand is when art is fully contemplated and sparks an emotion towards the piece of art.

 I believe romanticism is more plausible than formalism because it isn’t limited to just visual beauty. There is much more to it than formalism.
             Romanticism has much more explanatory breadth because there is much more that goes into appreciating and understanding the artwork than the formalist theory. Many artists have created deeper meanings and messages in their artwork, not all art is just based on the visual beauty.

Romanticism also has more explanatory depth than formalism.  Romanticism controls the emotions and the artwork gives the ability to contemplate the piece of art and question what its trying to portray.

Formalism is more simplistic than romanticism because it is judged solely on the visual beauty and the aesthetic sense or emotion.

I believe romanticism is more conservative.  When people look at art they are always trying to find a deeper meaning and to fully understand the hidden message in the artwork. People look at art because it expresses emotions unlike formalism, which is just visual beauty.

1.     Romanticism and formalism are the most plausible explanations of art.

2.     Romanticism has much more explanatory breadth and depth, while formalism is more simplistic.

3.     Therefore, romanticism is the best explanation for art.