A Study On Clive Bell's Art Criticism

Clive Bell,a famous British art critic and scholar in the first half of the 20th century,is one of the most important defenders of modern art.His first art work Art has been the focus of discussion in the art critic community since its publication in 1914.The significant form proposed in the book has also caused extensive discussion in the literary and art circles.At present,most of the domestic researches on Clive Bell are concentrated on Art,and little attention is paid to his other works.In addition,significant form has gradually deviated from its original intentions in the process of dissemination.This has led to a large degree of Bell's unfair comments on concepts and values.Clive Bell's art criticism is roots in the era in which he lived,closely connected with the development of modern art in Britain,and his reflection on the society and human values,far from the so-called extreme formalist and significant form can be summarized.This study has three objectives.For one,systematically sort out Bell's artistic ideas and the overall impression of criticism through his critical theory and practice.Second,to define Bell's true attitude towards art and life,nature,form and content,restore the true concept of Bell's formal theory.Third,to excavate the humane spirit of Bell's criticism work,to address Bell's academic value as an art critic.This thesis is divided into four chapters.The first chapter outlines Bell's living environment,intellectual context and critic background,it is the premise for understanding Bell's critical work.The second chapter analyzes Bell's critic view from his attitude toward art,art work,and art criticism,to build his macro ideological framework.The third chapter aims to comb Bell's discussion of traditional art,Impressionism,Post-Impressionism,and modern art,it is the practice of Bell's art theory,it helps us to understand Bell's ideological outlook and its practical value.The fourth chapter intends to summarize the theory,method,and spiritual characteristic of Bell's entire criticism work,and aims to have a more reasonable understanding of his criticism work.Bell's work is not perfect,there has been much discussion in the academic circles.This article focuses on his positive significance in the art work.