Review article

Definitions of Art and Formalism

Davor Pećnjak orcid.org/0000-0001-9506-053X ; Institute of Philosophy, Zagreb, Croatia
Dragica Bartulin

Abstract

In this article the authors are presenting and analysing some aspects of the way in which art is defined. A special attention is given to the formalistic theory of art. The intention is not to provide either the complete analysis of the attempts to define art or a new definition of art. Instead, the authors show that the representational theory, expressive theory, open concept theory, institutional theory, and historical theory are inadequate in defining art and a work of art. The authors also refer to the relevant literature that shows inadequacy of aesthetic theory, historical-narrative theory, and hybrid theory of art. They are convinced that the formalistic theory of art, as opposed to other theories, can withstand the main objections, which may point to formalism as the best theory in defining art and a work of art.

Keywords

definitions of art; formalism; relevant form; representation; expressivism

Hrčak ID:

105335

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/105335

Publication date:

8.7.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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