What is formalism art critique focused on?

Formalism in art critique emphasizes the analysis of the visual and structural elements of an artwork rather than its emotional impact, historical context, or the artist's background. This approach focuses on how the elements—such as line, shape, color, composition, texture—and the principles—like balance, harmony, contrast, and unity—work together to create an aesthetic experience. By concentrating on these formal aspects, critics can assess how effectively an artwork communicates its ideas and engages viewers purely through its visual language. This method allows for a more objective evaluation, as it relies on the artwork itself rather than external contexts or influences.