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.