Troy University Andy Warhol’s Work of Art Formal Analysis
This should be about two to three pages in length. You may choose to construct a comparative analysis (like Wolfflin), but lets try to bring this into the modern world choosing examples from more recent history. As we will see, Schapiro opened the field of discussion- so you may choose fine art, popular art, design- anything that lends itself to visual discussion. Pay attention to such things as line, shape, color, texture, mass, composition but also attempt to use some of Wolfflin’s language- is it open form or closed form, are parts arranged in multiplicity or unity, etc. In a formal analysis you should analyze the visual elements and style but also discuss how these contribute to the meaning or expression of a work (for example cool colors might suggest restfulness, jagged lines might impart a sense of anxiety). The purpose here is to look closely (no need for research into artist or context) and to show HOW meanings are communicated through aesthetic choices.
