Styles in Art History

Stylistic qualities are the visual (formal) qualities of an artwork that relate to an art movement. They can also comprise the personal visual language of an artist.

Each artistic movement in history has a group of common stylistic qualities which artists have collaborated to innovate. Certain artists may have also individually adapted or cannibalised such stylistic qualities in exploring their own personal vision of art. Each art movement is a chain reaction against the previous period. For example, Fauvism (1905) was a movement that celebrated the use of heightened, unrealistic colours which the Expressionists reacted to and transformed into a highly emotionally charged, symbolic application of raw colour. This interest in human psychology was influenced by the theories of Freud and the subconscious.

When you are asked to compare or discuss stylistic qualities:

   

1. You must connect the formal qualities to the term (art movement/style) which the work/s relate to

        2. Go into detail describing these qualities

        THIS WEBSITE GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF THE IMPORTANT WESTERN STYLES IN MODERN ART HISTORY> 

      

      AN ALTERNATE LINK HERE>

Shape

The shapes are mostly curvaceous which imply the female form. The use of some angular shapes such as in the knees add an element of futuristic stylisation but mostly the shapes are simplified to create a smooth flowing sense of form.

Line

Line has most strongly been used to create the strong horizon line and hence fore-middle- and background. The thin repeated lines of the mesh create pattern and simulated texture. The swirling lines of the wave crests create movement and an ominous atmosphere. The thick bold lines of the frame create a focal point and highlight the unusual object in this setting.

The photographer has created a composition that contrasts the geometric lines of the square frame with the organic lines of the broken mesh.

Example from year 12 student in the 2010 end of year exam

Formal analysis of John Brack's "Collins Street, 5pm"

Click on the link to read an ANALYSIS OF JOHN BRACK'S "COLLINS ST, 5PM

The analysis focuses on the formal elements of:
Composition (Structure)
Repetition
Space