Art Test #1 Ch13

3 Basic Theories of Art Criticism

-Formal Theories: which focus attention on the composition of the work and how it may have been influenced by earlier works -Contextual Theories: which consider art as a product of a culture and value system -Expressive Theories: which pay attention to the artists expression of a personality or world view

Expressive Theories

a method of art criticism that attempts to discern personal elements in works of art as opposed to formal strategies or cultural influences

Contextual Theory

a method of art criticism that focuses on the cultural system behind the works of art. These may be economic, racial, political or social

Formal Theory

a method of art criticism that values stylistic innovation over personal expression or cultural communication

Art Criticism

refers to making discriminating judgements, both favorable and unfavorable