Comparison of Art Theories: Formalism and Imitationalism

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Art Theory
Introduction
Describing art typically comes with preconditions, and one counterargument can overturn art's definition. Therefore, it is essential to draw a clear line between art description and art philosophy. Theorizing about art should be no different from theorizing about other phenomena, for instance, gravitational force. Hence, the primary goal of an art theory is to give art a natural approach that allows it to be studied in the same way as any other phenomenon. The dilemma of whether an individual may speak about an art theory without using an art concept is likewise a hot topic of debate.
This study examines two different art theories and compares/contrasts the differences between the two theories. The identified theories are imitationalism and formalism theories. The imitationalism theory premises on the realistic representation of works of art and the ideology of the artwork representing the actual object that the viewer sees in the real world by looking at the artwork. The most dependable reason that defends this theory states that an artwork should reflect the real world. According to the proponents of this reasoning, a successful artwork must imitate the real object it represents. On the other hand, the formalism theory advocates for composition in artwork for it to be a success. The main emphasis of this theory is the formal arrangement of objects in an artwork. The arrangement of such art elements must comply with the principles of art.
Formalism Artwork
The initial version of the "Object to Be Destroyed" artwork was created in 1923. A metronome with an image of an eye affixed to its swaying arm is included in the piece. The original item was wrecked in 1957, but the numerous remakes were afterward titled Indestructible Object. This is characterized as a "readymade" piece, which uses an ordinarily produced object as a work of art with minor alterations. Man Ray was an American painter, but he spent a better part of his career in Paris, France. He was a key figure in one of the art movements of his time, and he displayed various works in a variety of media, although he mainly characterized himself as a painter. In 1925, Man Ray was included in the inaugural Surrealist show, which took place at the Galerie Pierre in Paris. A cut-out of one of Lee Miller's eyeballs ticks back and forth on the metronome in this artwork. Man Ray supplied the following instructions in the 1932 version: "Cut out the eye from a photograph of one who has been loved but is seen no more. Attach the eye to the pendulum of a metronome and regulate the weight to suit the tempo desired. Keep going to the limit of endurance. Keep going to the limit of endurance. With a hammer well-aimed, try to destroy the whole at a single blow" (Andrews). He explained that one would allow it to tick until they can no longer tolerate it, then smash it to exorcise the lost affection. This is the primary reason for the original piece's destruction.
Formalism in art emphasizes the visual features of a workpiece. It emphasizes art aspects such as shapes, values, lines, design principles, and balance. An artist's work is deemed successful if they have created a visually appealing design. Strong formal...