Formalists, in a literary or artistic context, are individuals who prioritize the form or structure of a work over its content or subject matter. They emphasize the technical aspects of art, such as style, technique, and genre, believing that these elements are crucial to understanding and appreciating the work's meaning and aesthetic value. Formalists often analyze art by focusing on its internal coherence, internal relationships, and how its components function together, often disregarding the artist's biography or the historical context of the work. The term is applied to a variety of fields, including literature, art history, and legal theory. It is the opposite of those who focus on the emotional, or social context.
Formalists meaning with examples
- The literary critics, known as Formalists, meticulously dissected the poem's rhyme scheme, meter, and imagery. They argued that the beauty and meaning were derived from the skillful manipulation of these formal elements, rather than any biographical interpretation of the author. They disregarded what the poem was about to instead examine the 'how' of the poem's expression.
- In art history, some Formalists analyze paintings solely based on their composition, color palettes, and brushstrokes, paying minimal attention to the depicted subject or the artist's intentions. For them, the formal qualities are what ultimately define the artwork's value and aesthetic impact. The social/political meaning were less important in determining art's meaning.
- The legal scholar's formalistic approach to interpreting the law meant adhering strictly to the text of the statute, without considering the broader social implications or the legislator's intent. His colleagues often questioned the practicality of this approach, while his students appreciated the simplicity of the method.
- The architectural design competition was judged primarily by Formalists, who favored buildings with clean lines, symmetrical facades, and a harmonious balance of shapes and forms. The winning proposal was celebrated for its elegant composition, regardless of whether it would be easy to live/work in.