Historical overview of abstract art
When and where did abstract art originate?
Abstract art originated in Europe in the late 19th century. Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was believed that art should accurately represent reality. However, the decline of Realism combined with the influence of Romanticism and Impressionism were the perfect breeding ground for the rise of abstraction, which pushed forward new ideas concerning the role of imagination, spirituality and the unconscious in art. Abstract art rapidly gained in popularity in the early 20th century, coinciding with most artistic movements at the time, such as Fauvism, Expressionism and Cubism, which all have in common a clear departure from representational imagery in art.
Wassily Kandinsky and the birth of abstract painting
Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky is often considered to be the founder of European abstract art. In 1911, Kandinsky and German painter Franz Marc founded in Munich the Der Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider), an avant-garde association of international artists, bound together by their shared interest in the spiritual nature of art and the symbolic dimension of color. The artists of Der Blaue Reiter were in search of a new visual language that would best express their innovative, unique ideas about color and abstract form, in which they found spiritual meaning that had the power to transcend the mundane and capitalist values of their age.
Kandinsky’s belief in spiritual art and its influence on his work
The group considered music to be the ultimate form of abstraction, for its absence of tangibility and clearly defined objects. Kandinsky’s own background in music played a role in his theory on art, as he believed that music existed everywhere. His body of work can be seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between music and visual arts and express musicality through his paintings. The titles of his paintings evoke his fascination for music: Etudes, Compositions, Improvisations.
Kandinsky’s use of color and form
The essay Concerning the Spiritual in Art (1912) epitomizes Kandinsky’s key concepts and personal philosophy on abstract art. It explains Kandisky’s belief that color and music are closely interlinked, while delving into the psychology of color as evoking emotions in the viewer, the necessity of abstraction as the purest form of art and the beauty of pure shapes, amongst other pioneering ideas that influenced the development of modern art worldwide.
“Color directly influences the soul. Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammers, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another purposely, to cause vibrations in the soul.” (Wassily Kandinsky), “Concerning the Spiritual in Art”
Piet Mondrian
Who is Piet Mondrian?
Dutch painter Piet Mondrian’s contribution to abstract art cannot be overstated. Most famously known for his geometric abstract paintings, Mondrian started out as a representational and naturalistic painter who mostly depicted landscapes (rivers, windmills, fields). His early work was characterized by expressive brushstrokes and pure colors, directly influenced by Pointillism and Impressionism.
From figuration to abstraction
It wasn’t until Mondrian moved to Paris in 1912 and familiarize himself with Cubism that the painter’s style started to change and evolve towards abstraction. Mondrian slowly developed his own personal style, exploring pure abstraction and non-representation. His paintings featured an increasing amount of geometric shapes, which marked a clear departure from his previous representational style.
De Stijl movement
Mondrian worked more and more towards a simplified abstract style, which led him to found in 1917 the avant-garde movement De Stijl, also known as Neoplasticism. Neoplasticism, which literally means “new art”, advocated for a purified form of abstract art. A neoplastic painting consists of only simple shapes and primary colors. De Stijl was a utopian movement which strived for harmony, purity and order, as a reaction to the chaotic aftermath of World War I.
“To approach the spiritual in art, one will make as little use as possible of reality, because reality is opposed to the spiritual.” (Piet Mondrian)
Mondrian’s signature style and use of primary colors
By the late 1920s, Mondrian had perfected his instantly recognizable signature style, which was strictly composed of basic elements including straight and vertical lines, primary hues and non-colors, squares and rectangles, which had been carefully arranged to create a sense of harmony. In his essay “Neo-Plasticism in Pictorial Art”, Mondrian writes: “The more basic the color, the more inward, the more pure.”
Mondrian’s legacy
Mondrian is a true symbol of Modernism. His lasting impact in the art world is most noticeable in the field of architecture (The Rietveld Schröder House built in 1924 by architect Gerrit Rietveld and fashion (1965 Yves Saint Laurent Mondrian cocktail dress).
Characteristics of abstract art
What makes a painting abstract?
Abstract art is an avant-garde, radical and experimental artistic style, defined by a non-objective, non-accurate representation of external visual reality, bearing no relation to the outside world. Instead, it is entirely focused on symbolism, form, line, color, shapes, textures and gestural marks. Freedom of expression, the lack of strict rules and the absence of any apparent external subject matter is another defining characteristic of abstract art. The definition of the term ‘abstract’ means to separate or “withdraw from something”. In this sense, abstraction can be applied to any subject which has been reduced to its simplest form.
Departure from reality
Abstract art has no interest in representing ‘real’ life. It does not seek to portray objects as they would appear to be in the real world, instead choosing to focus on the meaning and concept behind the painting. This was a huge breakthrough for the time, with movements such as Realism or Impressionism that favored representational landscapes.
The psychology of abstract art
Abstract art evokes many powerful emotions among viewers, such as happiness, joy, anger and sadness. Studies have shown that abstract art, like music, frees us from our mind by letting us explore unknown territories. The absence of traditional realistic representation allows us to take a break from thinking and tap into our imagination and unconscious mind. Abstract art expresses the array of emotions one might experience, not through figurative language, but by using splashes of color and gestural brushstrokes for instance.
Pure abstraction
Pure abstraction, also known as non-representational art, does not seek to depict identifiable objects. The subject of the work is the content the viewer sees: feelings and/or movement and/or optical effects are created using line, form, color, texture and other elements or even the process itself.
Moral and spiritual dimension of abstract art
Abstract art is thought to have a moral and spiritual dimension. It stands for virtues such as order, purity, harmony, simplicity and spirituality. This new artistic language mirrored the deep transformations which were occurring at the turn of the XXth century. Abstract art was heavily influenced by modern esotericism, mysticism and the occult. Kandinsky spoke of a “spiritual revolution” and a “newly awakened spiritual life”. He saw art as a spiritual remedy, the answer to the difficulties associated with living in a materialistic society.
What makes a ‘good’ abstract painting?
A successful abstract painting is one that should ideally evoke emotions and ideas in the viewer, and this in turn, enables them to form a deeply personal connection with the artwork. A ‘good’ abstract painting generally has a focus on texture to create complexity. Good abstract art should ideally contain a message or a concept. It should make you think and wonder about the greater meaning concealed within the shapes, colors, lines and form. Much has been thought about the composition, perspective and colors in a successful abstract artwork, the result of an intellectual process which produces a long-lasting impression on the viewer.
Art for art’s sake?
Open interpretation and subjectivity
Abstract art is open to subjective interpretation and has been the subject of debate ever since its creation, oftentimes initiating highly polarized reactions from the general public. Many people wonder about the meaning behind an abstract artwork. This is what makes abstract art so unique. Instead of depicting reality accurately, it allows viewers to use their imagination to figure out the bigger picture, asking themselves what it means to them and what this color, shape or line makes them feel.
Is there a purpose to abstract art?
Many people undermine the usefulness or purpose of abstract because of its departure from representation, hence dismissing its value entirely. That is not to say that abstract art is for everyone, but it is important to keep in mind that abstract art does not have a singular meaning or explanation. Some suggest that abstract art helps us reconnect with our inner, true self.
Moving away from traditional notions of art
The lack of representation and realism which are so closely tied with the revolutionary nature of abstract art is part of a departure from traditional, realistic models of art. Abstract artists clearly wanted to do things differently and position themselves as groundbreaking and avant-garde in the art scene. They were releasing themselves from the constraints of the artistic tradition of mimesis (act of resembling) which has been prevalent ever since the Renaissance.
Key movements born out of abstract art
Abstract art in Russia
Suprematism
Kazimir Malevich is considered to be the pioneer of geometric abstraction and the Russian avant-garde movement known as Suprematism. Malevich’s Black Square (1915), a seminal work of abstract art, illustrates the artist’s clear desire to depart from reality and invent a new world of shapes and forms.
Malevich’s early work features a lot of geometric shapes including squares and rectangles, painted against a white background and a limited color palette. For Malevich, Suprematism represented the new realism in painting, despite the fact that it didn’t show any scenes seen in everyday life. For the artist, the geometric shapes used in Suprematism did not refer to anything other than themselves.
Malevich articulated the core concept of Suprematism in The Non-Objective World: The manifesto of Suprematism published in 1927: “Under Suprematism I understand the primacy of pure feeling in creative art. To the Suprematist, the visual phenomena of the objective world are, in themselves, meaningless; the significant thing is feeling, as such, quite apart from the environment in which it is called forth.” Malevich desperately tried to liberate art from the representational world and saw the black square as being the ultimate form of abstraction.
Constructivism
Geometric, precise, rational and austere are the four main adjectives that spring to mind when writing about Constructivism. Founded in 1915 by Russian Soviet artists Vladimir Tatlin, Aleksei Gan and Alexander Rodchenko, Constructivism reflected the ideals of the Communist revolution and modern industrial society. Art was seen as a tool “that would serve the masses” and drive societal progress.
Constructivist artists used industrial materials such as metal, glass and plastic, to create practical objects and architectural structures to reiterate the movement’s emphasis on modern technology. The movement emphasized the utilitarian, functional aspect of art over artistic expression and subjective interpretation.
Here are some prominent Constructivist artists:
Vladimir Tatlin was a Soviet painter, architect and stage designer, and a leading figure in the Constructivist movement. He is best known for having designed Tatlin’s Tower (1919-1920), an early Soviet monumental building, made from iron, glass and steel, symbolizing modernity and the spirit of the Russian Revolution.
“Not the old, not the new, but the necessary.” (Vladimir Tatlin)
Aleksandr Rodchenko was a painter, sculptor, celebrated for his highly geometric style, bold colors, and dynamic compositions which he created using a compass and a ruler. Strongly influenced by Cubism, Suprematism and Futurism, Rodchenko worked in a wide variety of media, including photography, book illustration, advertisement campaigns and graphic design. For the Soviet artist, art should always serve the cause of the Russian Revolution.
“I reduced painting to its logical conclusion and exhibited three canvases: red, blue and yellow. I affirmed: “It’s all over.” (Aleksandr Rodchenko)
Abstract art in America
Abstract Expressionism
Abstract Expressionism is an American avant-garde art movement which emerged primarily in New York City in the early 1940s, post-World War II era. These artists broke away from conventions, and instead embraced spontaneity, improvisation and unstructured, intuitive forms of artistic expression, focusing on the process of painting to create highly abstract compositions.
These artists created large-scale canvases in which they conveyed their emotions, ideas and unconscious mind. In abstract expressionist artworks, there is a clear emphasis on energetic gesture, dynamic brushstrokes, texture and color. These artists were fond of drips, splatters and other unconventional techniques.
First generation of Abstract Expressionists
Individual expression combined with a great desire to create art freed from the constraints of traditional representation are characteristic of the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists. Here are some prominent figures from the first generation of Abstract Expressionism:
Action painters
Action painting is a style of abstract painting which refers to the act of applying paint to a canvas with energetic, spontaneous and gestural brushwork, often involving physical movement and the use of unconventional tools. Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning both worked a lot with a gestural, dynamic and instinctual approach to painting large brushstrokes.
Pollock is most famous for his “drip technique”, where the artist would move around a canvas that had been laid flat on the floor, in a dance-like sort of way. He would then pour, splash or drip paint onto the canvas, creating dynamic and intricate compositions. De Kooning’s work often features expressive, gestural marks and a combination of bold colors and energetic lines.
Color Field painters
Color Field painting is characterized by large areas of flat, solid color, spread across or stained into the canvas often with smooth brushwork. The simplicity of line and a focus on color as the subject create a strong visual impact and evoke emotional responses. Color field painters sought to explore the expressive possibilities of color and its interaction with the viewer.
Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still are remembered for their anti-figurative aesthetic. Rothko’s signature style involves arranging rectangular fields of color in layers to create luminous, contemplative, and transcendent compositions. for his large-scale paintings composed of vibrant, rectangular color fields. His work aimed to evoke deep emotional responses through the use of color and the interaction between the viewer and the canvas.
Second generation of Abstract Expressionists
While the second generation of Abstract Expressionists was heavily influenced by the first generation, especially in regards to the all-over composition, the flatness of the canvas and the use of color drips and splashes, second-generation Abstract Expressionists brought their own unique perspective to abstract art. These artists were much more interested in exploring the outside world. As opposed to their predecessors, they left behind the exploration of inner angst and instead embraced airy color and atmospheric sensations. Second-generation Abstract Expressionists were inventive and kept modern painting alive, a tradition which continues to the present day in the works of many contemporary artists influenced by them.
These artists experimented with new painting techniques, including the “staining” of raw, unprimed canvas with diluted paint, as a way to direct paint, even the use of a canvas so large one had to jump with a long-handled brush to reach its corners. These techniques resulted in forms of abstraction that had never been seen before.
Here are some prominent figures from the second generation of Abstract Expressionists:
Joan Mitchell
Joan Mitchell was an American painter known for her large-scale abstract works characterized by bold, gestural brushwork and vibrant colors. Her abstract paintings often evoke a sense of nature and landscape, with dynamic compositions that exude energy and emotion.
“I paint from remembered landscapes that I carry with me – and remembered feelings of them, which of course become transformed.” (Joan Mitchell)
Helen Frankenthaler
Helen Frankenthaler was an American painter and a key figure in the development of color field painting. While the color field painting technique had already been theorized and explored earlier by Mark Rothko, Frankenthaler’s approach was different in the sense that she would use an innovative “soak-stain” technique with diluted acrylic paint, which involved pouring thin layers onto unprimed canvas, resulting in luminous, abstract compositions.
Abstract art in France
Cubism
Cubism was created by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braques in Paris between 1907 and 1914. Cubism is considered to be one of the first forms of abstract art that evolved at the start of the 20th century. Cubism challenged traditional notions of representation by breaking down objects and subjects into geometric, fragmented, recomposed and abstract forms. Cubist artworks featured geometric elements such as cubes, cylinders, spheres, and cones. Cubism was a reflection of modern life and technological progress. Cubist artists brushed aside traditional perspective painting and chose to show many views of a subject at one time, resulting in a radically different way of perceiving the world.
Orphism
Orphism, a term coined by the French poet and art critic Guillaume Apollinaire in 1912, in reference to Orpheus (musician and prophet in Greek mythology), was a trend in abstract art closely tied with Cubism, but which placed a much greater emphasis on light, movement, rhythm, bright colors and pure abstraction, as opposed to Cubism’s exploration of fragmented subjects, flat surface and preference for monochromatic, muted shades. Orphism was developed by French artist Robert Delaunay and his wife Sonia Delaunay. Orphist painters used prismatic hues to express movement and energy, striving towards lyrical abstraction and non-objective painting.
“One who knows how to appreciate color relationships, the influence of one color with another, their contrasts and dissonances, is promised an infinite variety of images.” (Sonia Delaunay)
Importance and relevance of abstract art today
Latest trends in abstract art
Always pushing new boundaries, the highly dynamic, diverse and eclectic field of abstract art never ceases to surprise us. Abstract art has been around for centuries, but several trends have emerged over time. The modern digital age has played a role in shaping the direction of abstract art, with image editing software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator.
Here are some of the most notable trends and developments in abstract art today:
Graffiti Abstract Art
Art collectors can’t seem to get enough of abstract graffiti art. This effortlessly cool style, with its expressive, gritty and rebellious quality, is here to stay. Abstract graffiti artists often employ gestural brushwork, a combination of vibrant and subdued colors and innovative techniques such as dy spray paint to create their abstract and dynamic compositions. Abstract graffiti art often conveys a sense of energy, movement, and spontaneity within the urban landscape. Abstract graffiti art often carries a subversive message or seeks to challenge the status quo. It can reflect social, political, or personal themes, serving as a form of self-expression and commentary on contemporary issues.
“I want the viewer to take what they want from the painting.” (Niki Hare)
Abstract Minimalist Art
The Minimalism artistic movement, which emerged in the mid-1960s in the United States, has had a lasting impact in the field of abstract art. This style is characterized by its simplicity and reduction of form to create a sense of clarity, purity, and harmony. With Minimalism, “no attempt is made to represent an outside reality.” (source: Tate).
Color field painting
American artists Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still pioneered the color field painting movement in the late 1940s, but it has seen somewhat of a resurrection in the past couple of decades. Color field continues to be explored by numerous contemporary artists today, such as for instance American interdisciplinary artist Rich Moyers, with his modern color field paintings, which goes to show that certain art movements never truly die.
Contemporary abstract artists to watch out for on SINGULART
Fred Phillips a.k.a Parhelion
“I aim to directly communicate symbolism to the viewer, bypassing preconceived notions and striking to the heart of the relationship between viewer and artwork, observer and observed.” (Fred Phillips a.k.a Parhelion)
Fred Philips is a painter based in Barbados whose work highlights the act of creation itself as the ultimate message. Behind each piece hides an idea, a concept or a feeling. The artist is currently exploring action painting, echoing the works of Jackson Pollock. His paintings are full of life and vibrant energy, noticeable through his use of bold, expressive color which convey a spontaneous approach to painting and a highly developed sense of creativity.
Elyce Abrams
“My paintings stem from events that occur in my everyday life. Through my work, I interpret the relationship between abundant joy and deep concern that often shapes my day.” (Elyce Abrams)
Elyce Abrams is an abstract painter based in Philadelphia who describes her works as originating from “a personal place”. The artist explores an array of emotions in her work which she draws from her daily experiences, such as happiness, fear and isolation. By analyzing these forces through her compositions, Abrams further explores their meaning in order to understand their value.
The evolution of abstract art in other disciplines
Abstract photography
Abstract photography is by definition non-representational. It doesn’t aim to depict specific objects or subjects in a realistic manner or capture subjects in a literal sense. Instead, it emphasizes certain visual elements, such as shadow, line, shape, form, color, texture and light, to create images that evoke emotions, sensations, or engage the viewer’s imagination.
Abstract photographers pay particular attention to form and composition.They experiment with shapes, lines, patterns, and textures to create dynamic and visually compelling compositions. Abstract photography uses close-ups, unusual angles, patterns, textures, and experimental camera techniques to create visually intriguing and non-representational images. There is a high amount of zoom in on specific details or a focus on small sections of a subject, revealing textures, patterns, and intricacies. This approach allows for the exploration of abstract qualities within ordinary objects or scenes.
The emphasis on color and light is another notable feature associated with this abstract photography. These photographers use vibrant, harmonious, or contrasting color palettes to create impact and visual interest. Light and its effects, such as shadows, reflections, or patterns, are also key elements that abstract photographers explore to enhance the composition and mood.
Abstract sculpture
The development of modern sculpture
Before the 20th century, almost all sculptures were representational, whether they depicted a person, a mythological scene/figure or an object that bore relation to the tangible world. Everything changed with French sculptor Auguste Rodin, who is considered to be the father of modern sculpture. His style shook the art world completely for pushing groundbreaking, innovative ideas, simplifying the figure, and breaking free from the academic rules of classical idealism subject-matters. Rodin was far more interested in human nature, individual character and physicality than with monumental expression. He gave his sculptures an “unfinished”, highly expressive look through detailed surfaces and the interplay of light and shadow to convey the intensity of human emotion.
Cubist sculpture
Cubist sculpture developed alongside cubist painting beginning in Paris around 1909. Cubist sculpture incorporates geometric forms and shapes (cubes, cylinders, and cones) often breaking down objects into angular compositions. Artists manipulate the volumes and proportions of the subject matter, presenting it from multiple perspectives within a single sculpture. Like Cubist paintings, Cubist sculptures depict objects or figures from different viewpoints simultaneously. They aim to capture the multidimensionality of the subject matter, representing it in a way that shows various angles and perspectives merged into a cohesive whole.
Concrete art
Early 20th century, avant-garde sculptors were no longer interested in reproducing the world as it appeared, but rather, were interested in expressing realities of life through shapes and forms. This has offered particularly fertile ground for experiments in shape, proportion, and technique, as well as for the embrace of non-traditional sculpting methods. The Concrete art movement emerged out of this period of change and transformation in the art world. Its strong emphasis on geometrical abstraction.
The term ‘concrete art’ was introduced by Dutch painter Theo van Doesburg in his Manifesto of Concrete Art (1930). Doesburg stated that there was nothing more concrete or real than a line, a color, or a plane (flat area of color). The manifesto stated that “art is universal […] an effort toward absolute clarity is mandatory”. It advocated for the total freedom of art from the need to describe or represent natural objects or sentiments. This translated into mathematically precise and elegant creations.
Understanding abstract art
Our emotional response
Abstract art often triggers an emotional response in the viewer, whether that be happiness, sadness, surprise or anger. This emotional response in question can vary greatly from person to person, depending on their personality, tastes and personal background and preferences. Some individuals may find abstract art to be deeply moving. When looking at a piece of abstract art, we stop thinking and instead, are asked to tap into our emotional self. The absence of representational images allows us to let go of our thinking, rational mind and instead explore our emotions, feelings and memory. Abstract art has the ability to tap into the viewer’s subconscious and evoke an instinctive response.
Others may feel a sense of confusion or detachment when confronted with abstract art, especially if they are used to representational artworks. The absence of recognizable subject matter in abstract art can challenge traditional expectations and require the viewer to engage with the work on a different level. It’s important to note that there is no right or wrong emotional response to abstract art. The beauty of abstract art lies in its ability to evoke diverse reactions and invite personal interpretation. Each viewer brings their unique background, experiences, and emotions to the artwork, shaping their individual response.
The best way to engage with abstract art is to approach it with an open mind, allowing yourself to explore the emotions and sensations it may evoke and embracing the opportunity for personal reflection and interpretation. By its very nature, abstract art does not represent recognizable or representational objects but rather, places emphasis on visual elements such as color, form, line, and texture. As a result, the viewer’s emotional experience with abstract art is often open to interpretation.
It has been proven that abstract art makes us feel good. Abstract expressionist painter Agnes Martin’s lifelong mission as an artist has been to communicate a sense of joy through her minimalist and meditative paintings. Her paintings are characterized by subtle geometric forms, grid patterns, and a delicate, muted color palette, which highlighted the artist’s search for serenity and beauty.
“There are so many people who don’t know what they want. And I think that, in this world, that’s the only thing you have to know — exactly what you want. … Doing what you were born to do … That’s the way to be happy.” (Agnes Martin)
The unique power of colors
Color plays a significant role in abstract art. Its unique power to evoke strong emotional and psychological responses in viewers can greatly benefit those wishing to release emotion and process their feelings. Abstract art has been shown to improve our mental health and is often used in therapy in order to help patients explore their emotions. Color is beneficial in terms of stimulating the mind, boosting morale and encouraging creativity.
Warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow can create a sense of energy, passion, and warmth. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple can evoke feelings of calmness, tranquility, or sadness. Color has the power to evoke strong emotions such as love sometimes more powerfully and accurately than through representational images. Artists can strategically use colors in their abstract compositions to elicit specific emotional responses from viewers.
German author and artist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, wrote about the link between the psychology of colors and emotions in his book Theory of Colors (“Zur Farbenlehre”) published in 1810. Goethe argued that colors have symbolic and emotional qualities that can affect human perception and psychological states. He wrote about the importance of color harmony and proportions in creating a balanced and pleasing visual experience. He believed that colors could create specific moods and atmospheres when used in harmonious combinations or through careful arrangement.
Goethe proposed that colors have symbolic associations and can be linked to specific emotions or states of mind. For example, he associated red with vitality and passion, yellow with joy and optimism, blue with calmness and melancholy, and green with balance and renewal.
The enduring appeal of abstract art
Abstract art remains a favorite among collectors. Abstract paintings have the power to alter and enhance the mood and atmosphere of a living space. An abstract painting can perfectly blend with its surroundings since the subject-matter is open to interpretation and won’t dominate or quite the opposite – it can become the focal point of a room. Abstract art is a perfect choice to tie a room together by creating a movement and depth in the space, while adding a pop of color. Bringing abstract art in an interior design enriches a room with joy while reflecting our personal positively.
Clara Berta and the subconscious mind
Clara Berta is a Hungarian-American abstract painter whose creations are very much influenced by her background in psychology. Clara Berta’s dynamic compositions are an attempt to capture the very essence of human experience, with a focus placed on the complexity of emotions. Viewers have described feeling a strong connection with Clara Berta’s artworks, which in turn reinforces our relationship with ourselves, as we let go of any anxieties and thoughts.
“Viewers often express feeling soothed, uplifted, and invigorated in the presence of my works.” (Clara Berta)
Jill Joy and the power of emotion
American artist Jill Joy’s paintings have been described by critics as spiritually healing. Jill Joy creates her abstract minimalist oil paintings in a meditative state, in order to reach the highest level of consciousness. The artist is very much inspired by nature and yoga, which she later pours into her creations. Dr. Charles Freeman, Ph. D. Psychologist has thanked Jill Joy’s contribution, “adding to the betterment of our homes and community, for our inspired imaginations and creativity, and to each of our own ignited beautiful dreams.”
The multifaceted nature of abstract art
Answering the question “what is abstract art?” isn’t a straightforward process. The radically subversive, avant-garde and fascinating quality of abstract art makes it one of the most visionary art styles that have ever existed. To understand abstract art, we must of course take a closer look at its key figures, including the likes of Kandinsky, Mondrian and Joan Mitchell, who are still celebrated today for their vast contributions to the field of abstract art.
The plurality of subgenres in abstract art points to the fact that this artistic style is more than simply just a singular entity. It encompasses a great collective work which is constantly evolving, gaining in popularity and momentum, forever reflecting the values of society. Abstract art encompasses a breadth of notions, techniques and movements. Its evolution in other disciplines including sculpture and photography.
Abstract art has played an important part in the shaping of history, most notably in Russia with the Suprematism and Constructivism movements, and was used as a tool to spread political and social ideas and support the goals of the revolution.
Abstract art is often celebrated for the emotional response it provokes in the viewer. The abundance of colors and emphasis placed on shapes and lines found in abstract art produces a calming effect on audiences. Colors hold symbolic meaning which provides audiences with a unique aesthetic experience that creates a strong link between the artwork and the viewer. Abstract art is often used in therapy for helping patients express and cope with their emotions.
Abstract art continues to fascinate audiences and is showing no signs of abating. Its popularity in the art world remains unchanged as abstract art remains a favorite among collectors for its aesthetic appeal in an interior space. Contemporary artists are constantly exploring its endless possibilities and redefining what abstract art means to them.
