Formalism V/s Figurative

The voices from either side never die. I am of the opinion it is pointless. I firmly believe that every artistic medium should have its unique standing which differentitates it from other media of expression.

I would rate a brodsky’s Lenin as highly as cezanne's chateau noire. Though Brodsky has adopted a figurative approach, the piece was executed much after the death of Lenin. Therefore, the end effect is something which cant be captured by the medium of photography. Its apparent reality adds to the message portrayed. This is precisely the reason I would rate this seemingly figurative creation as highly as a creation meant to arouse our formalist instincts.






So, the next time you see a beautiful painting, ask if the piece has achieved what other media (like photography, sculpting tc. ) cannot manage. This, according to me, is the appropriate approach to judging a piece.

Aesthetics

My first visit to a visual arts gallery came at the not so tender age of 23. I felt overpowered by the contrast and vastness. It was one of those moments when you want to close your eyes, breathe high and capture the scent around you. No longer did it remain a mere business plan for me. This was my first brush with delight.
I make a mention of this, not to shower you with personal annecdotes, but to point out the inflexion points, which even the most materialistic and narrow minded beings go through, before they acknowledge the positive energy of aesthetics. But here ends the honeymoon. Why does it have to? Why doesnt beauty prevail? The search for answers will be a cold blooded affair.