What is Abstract Art?

An Exploration of its Foundations and Meaning

Abstract art is one of the most intriguing and often controversial movements in art history. It challenges traditional notions of aesthetics, form, and content by emphasizing the expression of ideas and emotions rather than visible reality. In this article, we try to give a short introduction of the meaning, history, and influence of abstract art, as well as the various forms in which it manifests itself.

Image: Composition VII by Wassily Kandinsky (1913)

The Origin and Development of Abstract Art

Abstract art emerged at the beginning of the 20th century as a response to changes in society and shifts in the art world. Traditional art forms primarily focused on the realistic representation of the visible world, such as landscapes, portraits, and historical scenes. However, with the rise of new philosophical ideas and scientific discoveries, such as Freud's theories on the unconscious and Einstein's theory of relativity, the focus began to shift from representation to expression.

Artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian began to turn away from the idea that art should only represent reality. Instead, they tried to convey feelings, ideas, and inner experiences through abstract forms and colors. These pioneers viewed their work as a spiritual or philosophical quest, using art as a means to go beyond visible reality.

Kandinsky is often considered one of the first artists to work entirely abstractly. He believed that art could be a direct expression of the soul, without the intervention of recognizable forms or objects. In his works, the shapes are often fluid and dynamic, and the colors seem to be detached from reality to convey a sense of energy and movement.

The Characteristics of Abstract Art

The concept of "abstract art" is broad and encompasses various movements and styles, but there are some common characteristics that often occur:

1. No Realistic Representation: Abstract art does not depict visible reality but focuses on forms, lines, and colors that are detached from recognizable objects. Instead of mimicking a landscape or portrait, the artist tries to express an emotion, atmosphere, or idea.

2. Use of Geometric or Organic Shapes: Many abstract artists use geometric patterns and lines, as seen in Mondrian's work, or fluid, organic shapes that resemble a more intuitive expression, as in the works of Joan Miró or Jackson Pollock.

3. Color as an Important Element: In abstract art, color plays a crucial role. The use of certain color combinations can evoke feelings or create a particular atmosphere. The works of Mark Rothko, for example, are often large color fields that attempt to envelop the viewer in an emotional experience.

4. Texture and Materiality: Abstract art is not limited to painting; sculpture, mixed media, and even installations can be abstract. The use of different materials and textures adds a physical dimension to the work and can invite the viewer not only to look but also to feel.

Different Movements within Abstract Art

Abstract art is not a monolithic movement; there are various subcategories, each offering a unique approach to abstraction:

• Abstract Expressionism: This movement, which emerged in America after World War II, emphasizes the spontaneous and instinctive approach to art. Artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning used uncontrolled techniques to directly transfer their feelings onto the canvas, such as 'dripping' or 'action painting'.

• Geometric Abstraction: Geometric abstraction uses strict, geometric shapes and lines. This movement is often associated with artists like Piet Mondrian and Kazimir Malevich, who used simple forms to express universal concepts.

• Lyrical Abstraction: This form of abstraction is closer to expressionism and emphasizes a personal, poetic approach to art. The work is often emotionally charged and uses flowing lines and muted colors.

• Kinetic Art and Op-Art: In these movements, movement or the illusion of movement is used to bring abstract forms to life. Artists such as Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley created works that challenge the viewer's perception through optical effects and changing perspectives.

The Philosophical Foundations of Abstract Art

Abstract art is closely related to philosophical and spiritual ideas. The starting point is often that art does not necessarily have to exist to represent something specific or recognizable; it can also exist as a standalone experience. This idea stems from the belief that art can be a means to explore invisible or ineffable aspects of existence, such as emotions, the unconscious, or even the spiritual.

Kandinsky saw abstraction as a way to express the artist's "inner necessity" – a term he used to refer to a deep-rooted urge to create and give expression to the invisible. He believed that abstract art could be a form of "visual music," where colors and shapes function as notes to evoke harmony or dissonance.

Abstract Art and the Viewer: Meaning and Interpretation

A common misconception about abstract art is that it "represents nothing" or is "incomprehensible." Although abstract art indeed does not show recognizable objects, that does not mean it is without meaning. On the contrary, abstract art can offer a deeper, subjective experience by inviting the viewer to form their own interpretation and emotional response.

The meaning of an abstract artwork is not always well-defined; it can vary depending on the context, the viewer's perception, and the artist's intentions. In a sense, abstract art is a dialogue between the work and the spectator, allowing room for personal reflection and imagination.

Some critics argue that abstract art can be elitist because it requires a certain level of artistic background knowledge to fully appreciate. Others claim, however, that the power of abstract art lies precisely in its accessibility: because it is not bound to recognizable reality, everyone can see something different in it and attribute their own meaning to it.

The Influence of Abstract Art on Contemporary Art

Abstract art has had a lasting influence on the contemporary art world. It has paved the way for a wider range of forms of expression and has inspired artists to continually push the boundaries of art. The abstract approach has led to the development of minimalism, conceptual art, and various interdisciplinary works that do not strictly fall within the traditional categories of painting or sculpture.

Today, many artists continue to experiment with abstraction, both in traditional media and digital art forms. The possibilities are virtually unlimited, and abstract art remains a powerful means of communicating complex emotions and ideas without relying on recognizable forms or objects.

Conclusion Abstract art is a rich and versatile movement that has broken through the boundaries of traditional art forms. It offers an alternative to realistic representations and emphasizes inner expression, emotion, and philosophical ideas. By using abstract forms, lines, and colors, it invites the viewer to form a personal interpretation and provides space for reflection and imagination. Although sometimes considered inaccessible or elitist, the influence of abstract art is undeniable, and it remains an essential part of the art world.