What is formal analysis? In your own words explain what we mean when we say formal analysis and what its components are

Formal analysis is a tool used to understand what the artist conveying. It uses the elements of color, line, space and mass, and scale. However, formal analysis is not independent of context analysis which takes into account the subjects of the picture to better understand and grasp the purpose of the image and the message its conveying. Often times it is possible to place together the physical elements of a picture with the contextual elements to piece together a story about the art work observed. Whether it is a two dimensional art or a three-dimensional sculpture, the art’s elements can carry the observer to a deeper understanding of the image. Formal analysis starts with observation, keenly taking notes of the elements in the picture.  The key is to ask leading questions about the color, the style, the perspective, etc. and also why. Though the fundamental aspects of formal analysis remains the same, the perspective changes with different types of art. The way that the observer understands a two dimensional art work is not the same way they would try to understand architecture. Moreover, formal analysis become coherent after the contextual analysis is taken into consideration. The art speaks when the observer considers the political, social, and cultural portrayal of the art work. Art is open to interpretation because it is highly subjective and abstract, formal analysis gives a standard way to assess art so that the message in the work can be captured.