Formalism is an artistic and literary theory that places significant emphasis on the aesthetic and structural aspects of a work of art or literature, prioritizing its form over its content or context.
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Its proponents argue that the meaning of a creative piece lies within its specific formal elements, such as composition, color, line, rhythm, and texture. Formalism emerged during the early 20th century and found popularity in visual arts, music, and literary criticism. Its aim was to establish a scientific and objective approach to analyzing and interpreting art, often drawing inspiration from the natural sciences.
However, formalism has been subject to criticism for its narrow focus on form at the expense of content and context. Opponents contend that meaning cannot be detached from the historical, social, and cultural factors that shape artistic production. Despite these limitations, formalism has made valuable contributions to the study of aesthetics and continues to exert influence in specific artistic disciplines.