Aesthetics
Philosophy or study of the nature
of beauty and art
Aesthetic Theories
• Emotionalism: requires that the artwork evoke some type
of feeling
• Imitationalism: requires that the artwork imitate the world
we live in
• Functionalism: requires that the artwork serve some type
of purpose
• Formalism: requires that the elements and principles of
art are the most important factor in the work of art
What Aesthetic theory fits this artwork?
Emotionalism
• Requires that the
artwork evoke some
type of feeling
• Look for expressive
qualities that
communicate ideas,
moods and feelings
Emotionalism
• The content expresses a message
Imitationalism
• Requires that the
artwork imitate the
world we live in
• Look for literal and
realistic qualities that
appear in the subject
of the work
Imitationalism
• Art imitates life  therefore realistic!
Functionalism
• Requires that the
artwork serve some
type of purpose
Functionalism
• Useful in everyday life!
Formalism
• Requires that the
elements and
principles of art are
the most important
factor in the work of
art
• Look for how well the
composition of the
work is designed
Formalism
• Artwork is about composition
• Aesthetic theories are often personal.
• What do you think is the most important?
(You can have a different opinion for each artwork)
• Each person is different
(That’s what makes it interesting)
What Aesthetic theory fits this artwork?
Why?
What Aesthetic theory fits this artwork?
Why?