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This focuses on how the composition of the artwork affects its meaning, looking at the arrangement of elements, contrasts, and balances within the work.

Art or other objects that appeal to popular or uncultivated taste, often seen as pretentious, sentimental, or vulgar by high art standards.

A critique of art from an economic standpoint, focusing on how the arts reflect the social institutions from which they originate, often concerned with class struggle.

The support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists such as musicians, painters, and sculptors. It can influence the subject and style of the artworks.

Art that uses a range of media and forms including a combination of painting, sculpture, sound, and more to create works that challenge traditional boundaries.

The freedom that artists allow themselves in their works, such as distortion of facts or alteration of the conventions of form and color, to enhance the effect of their work.

Focuses on the role of women in art, either as creators or as images within art, and challenges traditional roles and representations.

Understanding the goal or purpose an artist had in creating their work. It involves looking into what the artist wanted to communicate or provoke.

Examines power dynamics and cultural exchanges between countries or cultures, particularly in the context of colonial and post-colonial histories.

Refers to the creation of a focal point in an artwork, drawing the viewer's eye to the most important element of the composition.

This involves looking at the work of art through its cultural, social, political, or religious context. It helps in understanding the work's meaning and significance within its time.

The act of judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture, which can lead to misinterpretation and criticism of art from different cultures.

A method of critical analysis which involves taking apart and examining the assumptions, contradictions, and meaning behind art and its language.

The examination of how art represents gender, explores gender roles, stereotypes, and identities, and the way this shapes our understanding of art and artists.

A critical concept that promotes the idea that each artistic medium has its own specific language and strengths, impacting how an artwork is judged and created.

The study of signs and symbols in art, their use and meaning, and how they communicate ideas.

The story an artwork tells or the theme it conveys, often looking at the characters, setting, and events depicted or implied within the work.

Looking at the artist's life experiences and how it may have influenced their work. This may include their personal history, relationships, and major life events.

A principle of design that refers to the distribution of visual weight in an artwork. It can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial, and adds to the composition's stability.

Evaluation of the distinctive manner in which an artist or a group of artists uses visual language and technique to give the work individuality.

Artistic representation that aims for visual accuracy and the depiction of subjects as they appear in everyday life, without embellishment or interpretation.

Critique that moves beyond the rigid frameworks of structuralism to embrace fluidity of meaning and multiplicity of interpretations in art.

The study and interpretation of subject matter and symbolism within art. This involves identifying, describing, and interpreting symbolic representations and figures.

An approach that views cultural phenomena through overarching structures, analyses the underlying systems that shape the form and content of art.

An element of formal analysis that deals with the blending, contrasting, and symbolism of color in art. Helps in understanding visual and emotional effects of colors.

New, experimental, and innovative art that often challenges established norms and conventions in the art world.

The examination of the visual elements used within a work of art. It discusses elements like color, line, shape, and texture, and how they are implemented.

This approach considers the psychological state of the artist when creating the work, as well as the psychological impact on the viewer.

An art criticism term that describes the juxtaposition of opposing elements, such as color, texture, or shape, to enhance the visual impact of an artwork.