Art as Formal Order – How to Critique Art

Some philosophies of art are based on respect for logical order and idealized forms people can invent.  Standards for judging art include:

First Impression:

The work is beautiful, harmonious.

Design:

  • The work is unified by a kind of invented or mathematical order.
  • The proportions of parts, colors and other elements are more perfect or idealized than you might see in life.
  • The work is not filled with details you might see in life.

Subject/Theme:

  • The subject or theme is idealized or has a spiritual quality unlike everyday, ordinary life.
  • The work is more abstract than realistic.

Materials:

  • You can see evidence of extreme care in using materials and finishing the work.
  • You sense the artist knew exactly what to do with materials and techniques.

Functional or Decorative Art:

  • The form of the art is elegant, refined or dignified.
  • The practical use of the object seems to be less important than the design.

 

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