What is abstract art

Abstract art is a popular trend in painting that opposes the Renaissance model, where everything is made to be harmonious, realistic, and clear to the viewer (e.g., natural landscapes and portraits). Quite often, a canvas of this type is a non-figurative composition made with unusual shapes, lines, and color rendering. 

What is abstraction for the artist and the viewer?

1. For the artist, it is an opportunity to go beyond what is understandable and convey intangible emotions on canvas. According to Wassily Kandinsky—one of the founders of abstractionism—it is a science of the soul, the perception of oneself, and the surrounding world.
2. For the viewer, the main goals of abstractionism lie in providing an emotional experience as opposed to the material one, and to spark own imagination in order to discover the artist’s intent. The results of this kind of experience vary for every single person, depending on their personality and emotional state. That is precisely the alluring beauty of abstractionism.

Distinguishing traits of this direction

What makes abstractionism special?

• The complete opposition to the Renaissance model in the world of fine arts.
• One of the main traits of abstract art is the absence of clearly pronounced objects. The majority of artists highlight their emotional state through the play of light and shadows.
• There are hardly any recognizable or familiar objects on the canvas. Quite a range for imagination to go wild.
• It is the subjective perception of the world through the artist’s eyes. The opportunity to glimpse into the hidden corners of their soul.

History of origin

Abstractionism first echoed thousands of years ago. It was discovered in African printed fabrics, Islamic geometric patterns, and intricate Tibetan beadwork. However, talking about the popularization of this style of painting, it began at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries. It is possible that abstract art actively developed alongside impressionism, which “preached” that art can be non-representational and less object-oriented.

A whole community of artists who stopped copying objects from the real world has appeared as a result. They focused on abstract ideas drawn from their own imagination. Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Mark Rothko, and some others are considered pioneers in this direction.

Types of abstract art

Expressionism. This movement originated in Austria and Germany in the early 20th century. Just like back then, today it is characterized by an intense color scheme, mystical images, and landscapes as detached from the realistic images as possible.

Abstract expressionism. First seen in the US after World War II. It is often represented through large canvases with thick, strong non-geometrical strokes and drops. The purpose is to express the artist’s inner state at the moment of creation.

Neoplasticism. A Dutch style of painting in which the artist conveys their emotions in a “pure” geometric form. To achieve that, large rectangular planes are painted in basic colors (blue, red, and yellow).

Cubism. Originated in France. Compositions of this style are often depicted in a complex three-dimensional object placed in a two-dimensional space. However, given all that, it does not look too simple. Quite the contrary: the objects are painted in a way that allows the viewer to entertain them from various angles.

Fauvism. These abstract paintings impress with their unusual, contrasting, and slightly daring coloring. Practically, no lines are present. The entire accent is made through the play of colors and shades. According to some experts, paintings in this style are buzzing with a powerful and vibrant energy.

How to understand abstract art? Expert tips

1. Free your mind from thoughts and mindsets you’re used to. Try to focus on emotions invoked when you watch the painting, and not on how realistically it is drawn. Give yourself time to immerse with what you see. Pay attention to color, form, and texture. What feelings do they spur in you?
2. Learn more about the artist’s works. Sometimes it may be enough to read the descriptions next to every canvas in the gallery. It will help to understand the artist’s motives and emotions better.
3. Pay attention to the effect of the color scheme on you. The artists know perfectly well that color can invoke certain emotions. For instance, green color is associated with nature and reminds of serenity. Red color symbolizes passion and is associated with violence. Choose what resonates with your inner world and temperament.
4. What impressions do geometric shapes evoke? Circles are associated with harmony and completeness. Sharp and jagged lines associate with chaos. Rectangular shapes symbolize stability and order. Determine what kind of painting is missing in your own interior and act on it.