Philosophy of Art (Essay Sample)

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Philosophy of Art
Introduction
Art plays a crucial role in expressing the human feelings and concerns over issues that affect their lives. Many artists have used different art forms to express their feelings. Several theories have also been advanced to explain different forms of art. This paper analyses the artistic works in regard to the art theories.
The Expression Theory
This theory holds that through art people are able to portray their unique personal feelings and emotions. The aesthetic of art according to expression theory lies in the ability of the artist to effectively communicate his or her feelings and emotions as intended. The expression theory asserts that the impact of an artistic work is seen in its ability to transfer the personal and individual feelings and emotions to the other person so that they get exactly the same feelings and emotions.
This is the ultimate benchmark on whose expression theory lays artistic work. The theory thus postulates that good art relies on the thriving communication to the recipient of the message in a manner that influences their perception of the elements expressed through art. In the expression theory, the viewer of the artwork can attach any meaning to work but the effectiveness lies in the ability of the viewer to identify with the artist’s feelings and emotions on the first sight. In other words, expression theory should not be interpreted independently by the viewer but instead the viewer should be able to capture and identify themselves with the feelings and emotions of the artist. The effectiveness of such artwork lies in its ability to communicate such feelings to the viewer instantly.
Ms. Piper art entitled ''LSD Self-Portrait From the Inside Out,'' captures the characterization of the expression theory. Through this form of art, Ms Piper endeavors to transfer her feelings and emotions about her mixed race to others by portraying the plight that people of color were undergoing during that period. The artwork depicts a black woman surrounded by impression of high-color and looks like she is splitting apart by the geometric remains. This art expresses the emotions and feelings of the artist about the conditions that black people were undergoing and the main objective was to capture the imaginations and feelings of whoever was looking at the artwork and voice their concerns over the plight of black people.
Moreover, the artist objective was to express her feelings and emotions on the issue of racism that the black people who experiencing and sought to bring to the attention of the concerned people that it were inhuman to continue treating people of color in an inhumane manner. Additionally, the artist manages to communicate this message because the artwork does not require an explanation to the person looking at it because it is evident just from the look of the black woman. In her expression, the artist manages to take advantage of her race to express a strategic point that underpins the whole idea of bringing justice and granting human rights to the people of color. Looking at the art reveals the inner feelings and emotions that the artist was feeling and thus effectively captures feelings and emotions of whoever is going to look at the picture.
The Formalist Theory
This theory relies on the forms that are used to make a work of art. The mainstay of formalist theory is that artwork and its attached value depends on the artistic forms used in making the art, the visual features and the means through which the artwork is transferred. Emphasis is placed on the composite elements such as texture, shape, color, and line used in the art. This is contrary to the need to examine the context and content in which the art is expressed. The basis of formalist theory lies in the assumption that understanding of artwork is contained in the very materials that are used to make that kind of art. In this regard, the viewer of artistic work is free to make their own interpretation the reason for creation and the context in which the artist created the art notwithstanding. The formalist theory posits that understanding of an artwork is the work of the viewer and thus the artist has no role to play in the final interpretation that is attached to the artwork.
The formalist theory is captured in the artwork entitled Cornered where the artist poses and is filmed behind a desk. The implication of this artistic work allows the viewer to analyze the artwork in their independent interpretation and thus be able to attach meaning to the artwork. The work reveals that the artist wanted to communicate to the viewer that most Americans are genetically black no matter their physical appearance. This view is contrasting the formalist theory that allows the viewer to use color, lines, texture, and shape to interpret the meaning that is implied ...