Some Theories of Criticism

Seminar in Aesthetics and Criticism

Kevin Purrone, Ph.D.

Basic Theories of Artistic Productivity

Imitationalism

The artist believes the most important thing about a work of art is the accurate depiction of subject matter. A work is successful if it looks like and reminds us of what we experience in the real world. The artist places less emphasis on formal organization and on the conveyance of emotions, moods, feelings or ideas

Formalism

The artist believes the most important thing about a work of art is the organization of its elements and principles, its structure and organization. The artist places less emphasis on the work's imitative qualities and on the conveyance of emotions, moods, feelings or ideas.

Emotionalism

The artist believes that the most important thing about a work of art is the vivid communication of moods, feelings and ideas to the viewer. The artist places less emphasis on the work's imitative qualities and on its formal organization.

The effect basic theories of artistic productivity have on the artist's viewpoint

Imitationalism

Formalism

Emotionalism

The importance of literal qualities The artist believes the most important thing about a work of art is the accurate depiction of subject matter. A work is successful if it reminds us of what we experience in the real world. The artist disregards the subject matter, that is the object or event. If the artist shows people or objects, they are treated as patterns of color, line, shape or texture. The artist believes that works of art need not look like real objects, places, persons and events, although they must support ideas and feelings which have meaning to the viewer.

The importance of formal qualities The artist emphasizes the subject matter that lies outside the work of art, that is, on what is imitated rather than on the elements and principles used in the work. The artist believes the most important thing about a work of art is the organization of its elements and principles. The artist views elements and principles primarily as vehicles for the communication of ideas or the sharing of feelings.

The importance of expressive qualities The artist believes that the emotional and imaginative significance of the work is not important. The artist denies that the value of the art work rest on its expressive qualities. Instead, the artist emphasizes form and structure. The artist believes that the most important thing about a work of art is the vivid communication of moods, feelings and ideas to the viewer.

The effect basic theories of artistic productivity have on the artist's viewpoint
	Imitationalism	Formalism	Emotionalism
The importance of literal qualities	The artist believes the most important thing about a work of art is the accurate depiction of subject matter. A work is successful if it reminds us of what we experience in the real world.	The artist disregards the subject matter, that is the object or event. If the artist shows people or objects, they are treated as patterns of color, line, shape or texture.	The artist believes that works of art need not look like real objects, places, persons and events, although they must support ideas and feelings which have meaning to the viewer.
The importance of formal qualities	The artist emphasizes the subject matter that lies outside the work of art, that is, on what is imitated rather than on the elements and principles used in the work.	The artist believes the most important thing about a work of art is the organization of its elements and principles.	The artist views elements and principles primarily as vehicles for the communication of ideas or the sharing of feelings.
The importance of expressive qualities	The artist believes that the emotional and imaginative significance of the work is not important.	The artist denies that the value of the art work rest on its expressive qualities. Instead, the artist emphasizes form and structure.	The artist believes that the most important thing about a work of art is the vivid communication of moods, feelings and ideas to the viewer.