The Formalesque: A Guide to Modern Art and its History

The Formalesque: A Guide to Modern Art and its History presents Bernard Smith's analysis of modernist art movements through a new theoretical framework. Smith introduces the concept of the "formalesque" as an alternative to traditional modernist interpretations. Smith traces the development of modern art from the late 19th century through the 20th century, examining key artists, movements, and cultural shifts. The book includes detailed discussions of Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and other major artistic developments. The text combines art historical research with Smith's personal observations from decades of scholarly work in the field. Smith incorporates extensive visual analyses of specific artworks to support his theoretical arguments. This work challenges conventional narratives about modernism in art history by proposing new ways to understand the relationships between form, content, and cultural context. The formalesque framework offers readers an alternative lens through which to examine the evolution and significance of modern art.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Bernard Smith's overall work: Art historians and academics value Smith's rigorous research methodology and his challenge to Eurocentric art history narratives. Readers from universities frequently cite his detailed analysis of colonial artworks and cultural exchange between Europe and the Pacific. Readers appreciated: - In-depth archival research and documentation - Focus on previously overlooked Australian artists - Clear connections between art movements and historical context - Inclusion of Indigenous Australian perspectives in "Australian Painting" Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that some find difficult to follow - Dated theoretical frameworks in earlier works - Limited coverage of contemporary art movements - High price point of academic editions Ratings: - "European Vision and the South Pacific" averages 4.2/5 on Goodreads (42 ratings) - "Australian Painting" averages 4.0/5 on Amazon AU (28 ratings) - "Place, Taste and Tradition" averages 3.9/5 on Goodreads (31 ratings) Most academic reviews appear in journals rather than consumer platforms, reflecting his scholarly audience.

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Art Since 1900 by Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois This chronological analysis traces the development of modern art through key movements, theories, and cultural shifts.

The Story of Modern Art by Herbert Read The text provides a comprehensive examination of modern art's evolution from impressionism through the mid-twentieth century.

Theories of Modern Art by Herschel B. Chipp This collection presents primary sources and writings from artists and critics who shaped modern art movements.

The Shock of the New by Robert Hughes The text connects modern art developments to technological, social, and political changes throughout the twentieth century.

🎨 Bernard Smith coined the term "Formalesque" to describe modernist art's emphasis on formal qualities over representation, challenging the traditional term "modernism." 🖼️ The book controversially argues that modern art movements were less revolutionary than commonly believed, suggesting they evolved naturally from academic traditions. 📚 Smith wrote this book at age 85, drawing from over 50 years of experience as Australia's leading art historian and critic. 🌏 The text presents a unique perspective on modern art from outside the usual European-American axis, incorporating insights from Smith's position in Australia. 🎓 The book emerged from Smith's lecture series at the Power Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Sydney, where he served as the founding director.