Art as Formal Beauty and as Concept

Cynthia Freeland, in her book Art Theory, explores many theories of art. One of the theories she discuses is pervasive for much of art history. This is the theory of formal beauty. As proposed by Clive Bell, this theory states that art is defined by "forms" or a composition structured by the artist exhibiting a shape and structure. However, in the modern age of art, many artists have rejected the notion of a form. They rely on more abstract productions of art, which cause the audience to think about the concept of art. As different as these theories of art are they can still be recognized.

The concept of formal beauty, in most instances, was not an attempt to create an exact representation; thus, it can be reconciled with the ideas at the forefront of modern art. Artists from the Renaissance and onwards created highly representative forms of art. They began to border on the realistic with such techniques as shadowing and perspective. In one aspect, they did actively seek to construct the world around them. However, they did not often portray the simple reality as in a photograph. For example, the Spanish court painter Velazquez was commissioned to paint portraits of the king, which were aimed at enhancing the prestige of the Spanish court. As such, even in this realistic framework, the idea was the central component behind the painting. So, then the idea proceeded the form. The form existed to enhance the meaning behind the painting. This was not only exemplified through political paintings but also even in religious painting. The forms of Madonnas and Christ, for example, sought to create a veneration of the religions. Again idea before form.

With the advent of modern art, ideas became more apparent and at the forefront. The meaning was no longer hidden behind the form. The form and concept became intertwined as the form lost concept. While many argue that modern art does not contain form, this is not the case. For example, the paintings of Jackson Pollock represent a form of movement, a moment. The form can thus not be pinned down. As such, the form mixes with the idea. Therefore, because people do not see the form that necessitates the concept, they see it as not art. Yet, the form is readily apparent and is shaped even more through the concept. Therefore, modern art can be seen as just another facet of the age old traditions of classical art.