Formalism emerged as a reaction against traditional art criticism, which often emphasized the

historical, biographical, and cultural contexts of artworks. Formalists sought to move away from these
contextual aspects and focus on the intrinsic qualities of the artwork itself.

This led to the context of artworks being diminished and seen as a secondary characteristic, as the
physical elements used to construct the artwork were emphasized.

Formalism art is a way of looking at art that emphasizes the formal qualities of the artwork, such as
form, line, color, shape, texture, rhythm, and harmony. Formalism art argues that these elements are
the most important aspects of art, and that they can convey feeling and emotion by themselves.

Formalism art does not care about what the artwork is about, who made it, when or where it was
made, or what it represents. Formalism art only cares about how the artwork is made and what it
looks like.

Art for Art's Sake: Some formalist artists and critics adhere to the "art for art's sake" philosophy,
which suggests that art's primary purpose is to be beautiful, engaging, or thought-provoking, rather
than serving a didactic, moral, or political agenda.

L ‘Art Pour L ‘Art