THEOR
IES OF
ART
LESSON
OBJECTIV
ES
• Students will identify the four
theories of art: imitationalism,
formalism, emotionalism, and
instrumentalism.
• The reporter will differentiate
between the four theories of art by
explaining their unique
characteristics and focuses.
BEFORE WE
BEGIN, THINK
ABOUT THIS:
Why does art exist?
IMITATIONALIS
M THEORY :
- is an art theory that emphasizes judging artworks
based on how closely they resemble reality. It involves
imitating or recreating established art to enhance its
effectiveness and ensure it looks as real and accurate
as the original.
KEY POINTS:
• Imitationalism in art focuses on making things look real, like they do in the
world around us.
• The goal is to replicate objects and scenes as accurately as possible.
• Artists use the natural world as a guide for their creations, and their success is
measured by how realistically they can depict reality.
• Even imaginary subjects are made to seem believable in imitationalist art.
While some realistic-looking art focuses on emotions or other purposes,
imitationalism is all about accurate representation.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
• Imitationalism shows us how art can mirror the world we see every day. It's a
way to observe, document, and tell stories through art. However, artists also
use art to express themselves, so they might have different goals beyond just
copying reality.
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
• Think of Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." This painting is a classic example of
imitationalist art. It's known for its incredible realism, capturing the sitter's
expressions and clothing textures with precision. The enduring popularity of
the "Mona Lisa" shows how imitationalism can create art that truly captivates
viewers.
• Painted during the High Renaissance, the "Mona Lisa" reflects the values of its
era: a focus on careful observation, scientific curiosity, and appreciation of
human beauty and intelligence.
• Even today, the "Mona Lisa" continues to fascinate audiences with its lifelike
portrayal and mysterious smile. Its enduring appeal demonstrates the
timeless impact of imitationalism in creating art that transcends generations
and cultures.
by Leonardo da Vinci “Mona
lisa”
FORMALISM
THEORY:
• describes the critical position that the most important
aspect of a work of art is its form – the way it is made and
its purely visual aspects – rather than its narrative
content or its relationship to the visible world
KEY POINTS:
• Formalism is all about how art looks, focusing on the visual elements and how
they're arranged.
• It values visually interesting designs, regardless of whether the art is realistic
or abstract.
• A good formalist artwork is one that is visually appealing and well-composed.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
• Formalism reminds us that art can be appreciated for its visual beauty and how it's put
together. It encourages us to look closely at the elements and how they work together
to create a compelling composition.
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
• Kandinsky's "Composition VIII" is a great example of formalism. It uses vibrant
colors, dynamic lines, and intricate geometric shapes to create a visually
impactful abstract work.
• "Composition VIII" was created during the early years of
abstract art, a time when artists were experimenting with
pure form and color.
• "Composition VIII" continues to resonate with viewers
because of its visual impact and open interpretation. It's a
timeless work of art that continues to captivate audiences.
by andinsky's "Composition VIII"
EMOTIONALISM
THEORY
• is an aesthetic theory highlighting the expressive qualities in
an art. The important purpose of such an artistic work is to
intensely communicate to the spectator different feelings,
moods, and ideas. Emotionalist art works are also aimed at
creating strong emotions in the viewer
KEY POINTS:
• Emotionalism is all about making you feel something. It's art that wants to
grab your attention and make you think about a mood, feeling, or idea.
• Artists using this style often use dramatic or even shocking imagery to get
their point across.
• Whether it's a realistic painting or an abstract sculpture, the goal is to make
you feel something deeply.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
• Emotionalism reminds us that art isn't just about looking pretty. It can be a
powerful tool for exploring human experience, expressing emotions, and even
commenting on social issues.
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
• Think of Edvard Munch's "The Scream." It's not just a painting, it's a punch to
the gut. It makes you feel anxious and uneasy, and that's exactly what Munch
wanted.
• "The Scream" was painted in a time of great change and
uncertainty. People were dealing with rapid industrialization,
scientific breakthroughs, and a growing sense of existential
angst. Munch's painting captured that feeling of unease and
alienation.
• Even today, "The Scream" still makes us feel something. It
speaks to our universal fears and anxieties, reminding us that
we're not alone in our struggles.
by Edvard Munch's "The
INSTRUMENTALIST
THEORY:
• describes someone who believes that art should have a
purpose beyond just being beautiful or expressive. This
purpose could be to teach, persuade, inform, or even be used
functionally in everyday life.
KEY POINTS:
• Instrumentalism is about art that wants to make a difference.
It's not just about being pretty or expressing feelings; it's
about teaching, persuading, or making the world a better
place.
• It's about art that has a message, a goal, or a function.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
• Instrumentalism reminds us that art can be a powerful tool
for change. It can help us learn, inspire us to act, and even
improve our lives.
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
• The poster became so popular that it was everywhere! People
wore it on t-shirts, put it on their cars, and even painted it on
murals. It became a symbol of hope for many people.
• The poster emerged during a time when
people were looking for change in America.
The country was facing economic challenges
and people wanted a new direction.
• Even today, the "Hope" poster reminds us that
art can be a powerful force for change. It
reminds us that we can make a difference in
the world.
by Shepard Fairey:
“Hope"
THANK
YOU!
References:
Hepburn, Ronald W. “THEORIES OF ART.” THEORIES OF ART- RONALD W, 30 Nov. 1999, [Link]/~clowney//Aesthetics/theories_of_art.htm.
Spiegel, Laurie. “Theories of Art.” Retiary, 1998, [Link]/art_theories/theories_of_art.html.
[Link]
%2FMona_Lisa&h=AT0JuCaoSP5qnPmkKaYti37SV_VGl8cMGWimPGYYU48p8cX72b4RjTiNMHsJZCY9sPjUTsODqwM9H8S8WXGUyjTpr4P-A6APsdBpPT6e9HhBrR7uVurrAxusHnT-F4o5rjpON32UCBAVarw
[Link]
VAV8W6mc3rVmCebCv0mH2NbabvMcMfyac7hGW8y-gBcSR-qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
[Link]
VAV8W6mc3rVmCebCv0mH2NbabvMcMfyac7hGW8y-gBcSR-qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
[Link]
VAV8W6mc3rVmCebCv0mH2NbabvMcMfyac7hGW8y-gBcSR-qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
[Link]
qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
[Link]
VAV8W6mc3rVmCebCv0mH2NbabvMcMfyac7hGW8y-gBcSR-qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
[Link]
qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
[Link]
%2520message%2Cuse%2520in%2520our%2520daily%2520lives&h=AT3QDabQOY7ItdcspayA_9NsV8U-VAV8W6mc3rVmCebCv0mH2NbabvMcMfyac7hGW8y-gBcSR-
qoYm__t30oAt3dGYVP9Uo_7SDGRQIHD1M09uQY8gZ8LhtbWQLaa_TU4RyHKA
