Aesthetic Theories about Art Aesthetic theories are used to better understand works of art. They can be used as standards for “good” art or help define art. Aesthetic theories are different from “styles” of art. Styles are the characteristics of a group of artists that have similar features or purposes. Instrumentalism This aesthetic theory piaces emphasis on commentary about social issues (moral, political, etc.). Under this theory, art is created as a tool or instrument to persuade the viewer, influence change, and shape society. This type of art conveys an opinion. Realism (Imitationatism /Representationalism) This aesthetic theory places emphasis on portraying our world in a realistic manner. According to this theory, a work is considered successful if it looks like and reminds the viewer of what is seen in the real world. This type of art \s an accurate mirror of the world. It imitates nature or an ideal form. Emotionalism (Expressionism) This aesthetic theory places emphasis on expressive qualities. The most important thing about 2 work of art, according to this theory, is the vivid communication of the inner emotions or mental states of the artist. Several hundred years ago, nearly all artwork was commissioned by wealthy patrons or religious groups. Since then, artists produce works that reflect their own passions without regard to the interests of a particular patron. Formalism ‘This aesthetic theory places emphasis on the formal properties of the artwork—lines, shapes, colors, textures, etc. It is the structural qualities that are important instead of the content of the artwork. The effective organization of the elements of art through the use of the principles of design is the most important thing about the artwork ‘The questionable notion that art is nice but not necessary is very recent. Prior to the industrial revolution, which resulted in the separation of the fine and applied arts, the visual arts were viewed as very practical. In the 1960's and early 1970's formalism was the most dominant type of art. Even now some think of modernism as synonymous with formalism.