Formal theories and contextual theories are two approaches that focus on the composition of an artwork and how earlier artworks may have influenced it
- Formal Theories Formal theories emphasize how the components of a work come together to create a visual experience
. Formalist critics often seek to understand when a work was created so they can compare it to previous and contemporary works. They value innovation in style because they believe art should offer visual refreshment apart from the world's complications
- Contextual Theories These theories view art as a product of culture and its value system
. Contextual critics often favor works that embody cultural values or express resistance to them and consider the cultural environment at the time of the artwork's creation
