The Style of Realism was developed in the Renaissance. See these examples of realism. Reflects a concern for absolute, ideal or essential forms that lie beyond the surface appearance of things. Often a simplicity of forms that echoes the formulas in mathematics and logic. This style seems to reflect our desire for an intellectually perfect order not found simply in the appearance of things.
Formalism is actually the most intellectually challenging of the four styles.
Formalism is, and has always been, the main style of all advanced cultures and civilizations. Although not fine arts, flags are applied arts, graphic examples of formalism. Try these different web sites for a wide variety of information about flags. The Greek Orders , The Architecture of I.M. Pei . The site sculpture Spiral Jetty , by Robert Smithson.