History And Significance Of Abstract Art

Art is something that means different things to different people, especially when we talk about abstract art. But that’s what makes abstract art stand out from traditional art because it’s always open to interpretation. Throughout history, artists have found creative ways to express their ideas, desires, philosophies, and more that transcend the mere naturalistic and realistic portrayals of traditional art. However, to understand the true essence of abstract art, you need to take a few steps back and explore its origins and history. So, let’s venture into the world of abstract art and try to decode its mysteries together!

What Is Abstract Art?

Before we take a stroll down the colourful lanes of abstract art sprawled throughout history, you must have a preliminary idea of what you’re getting yourself into. In layman's terms, abstract art can be defined as a form of art that breaks the limitations of traditional art. It doesn’t have a figurative or recognisable representation, that’s why abstract art is also known as non-objective, non-representative, or non-figurative art.

This brings us back to the fundamental character of abstract art as mentioned in the introduction, that it is open to interpretation because it is purely subjective. Hence, if you want to understand what an artist is trying to express through their abstract artwork, it’s imperative to have a basic knowledge of the concept and philosophy behind abstract art. But, fret not because that’s what our next section is about.

Concept & Philosophy Behind The Origin Of Abstract Art

The entire concept of abstract art stems from the philosophy that the creative expressions of an artist cannot be restricted by the stringent parameters of representation alone. Just like representational qualities (how an art piece looks), formal qualities (the fundamental elements of art) of an artwork are equally important, if not more. Many abstract artists believe that formal qualities, such as colours, lines, shapes, or textures, transcend beyond the limitations of representational qualities, like drawing a natural object.

The concept of abstract art essentially originated from the need for artistic freedom, where the artists can express themselves through their artistic creations without feeling inhibited by the need to make their art pieces representable. Art should be like music, flowing seamlessly, without the need to answer the question - “What does this painting look like?” This concept of creating art to celebrate artistic expression and not merely for the sake of objective representation led to the origin of abstract art.

History Of Abstract Art

When it comes to learning about the history of abstract art, you are looking at a history of 300 years of social and cultural movements, predominantly witnessed across Europe during the earlier years, and later in the USA. To understand and interpret abstract art, you must first understand its evolution throughout history. 

How realism led to surrealism, and eventually to modern minimalism - everything falls under the broad umbrella of the history and evolution of abstract art. Here’s a quick synopsis of the 300-year history of abstract art to help you get started.

1. Realism

Till the mid to late 19th Century, all art forms were virtually representational, creating the perfect depictions of the real world. Traditional realist artists were primarily focused on creating the perfect illusions of reality that would make any traces of their individual art style invisible. Realism mostly revolved around creating art to serve the purposes of religious dogma, historical commemorations, and commissioned portraitures. 

(Rest After Work by Jean-François Millet, 1866)

Later, artists like Courbet and Millet leaned towards depicting social realities and the regular lifestyle of average people, sparking a shift towards capturing raw emotions. This shift in artistic expression essentially laid the groundwork for the deviation of abstract art from objective, literal representation.

2. Impressionism

Impressionism was one of the first art movements that paved the way for modern abstract art, moving away from pure realism. Born in the late 19th Century, impressionism revolutionised art with its emphasis on light, colour, and fleeting moments. Rejecting traditional techniques, artists like Monet, Degas, and Renoir captured atmospheric impressions rather than precise details. 

(Waterloo Bridge by Claude Monet, 1903)

In essence, it emphasised the importance of the artist’s way of seeing the world, instead of focusing on the strict depiction of it. This movement's departure from realism inspired artists to explore subjective interpretations of reality, making room for abstraction in art.

3. Post-Impressionism

Emerging in the late 19th Century, Post-Impressionism expanded upon Impressionism's innovations. Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne pushed boundaries with bold colours, abstract forms, and expressive brushwork.

(Starry Night Over The Rhone by Vincent van Gogh, 1888)

They took the ideas of Impressionist artists one step further by moving closer to abstraction, intentionally distorting colours and shapes for the sake of more truthful representations of the world as they saw it. Their pursuit of personal expression and exploration of form laid the foundations for abstraction in modern art, influencing generations of artists.

4. Expressionism

During the early 20th Century, a group of artists in Germany and Russia, including Edvard Munch, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee focused on infusing their artistic masterpieces with their moods and emotions, resulting in the art movement of Expressionism. It prioritised emotions over realism and objective representation of reality.

(Composition VIII by Wassily Kandinsky, 1923)

Expressionist artists depicted their inner turmoil through distorted forms and bold colours, aiming to evoke visceral reactions. Expressionism’s focus on subjective experiences and psychological depth profoundly influenced the development of abstract art, igniting a revolution in artistic expression. 

5. Fauvism & Cubism

With the progression of the 20th Century, artists became more open to the idea of incorporating their personal perspectives and depictions of the real world into their artwork. This led to the birth of art movements like Fauvism and Cubism. Fauvism shocked the art world with its bold use of colour and simplified forms. Artists like Matisse and Derain rejected naturalistic colours, instead favouring intense hues to evoke emotion. 

(Girl With Mandolin by Pablo Picasso, 1910)

Similarly, Cubism, pioneered by Picasso and Braque, revolutionised art with its fragmented, geometric forms, challenging traditional perspectives. Picasso attempted to show objects and scenes in the way that the human mind perceives them through Cubism. Both of these art movements paved the way for abstraction by breaking down reality into its essential elements and exploring new realms of expression beyond the confines of representation.

6. Surrealism

Surrealism was an important milestone in modern art, focusing on the inclusion of random chance in artistic practice, and attempting to describe the unconscious mind in ways that were fundamentally subjective and non-representational. Born from the depths of the subconscious in the 20th Century, Surrealism defied logic and reality. Led by pioneers like Salvador Dalí and André Breton, it delved into dreams, fantasies, and the unconscious mind. 

(The Persistence Of Memory by Salvador Dali, 1931)

Surrealist artworks juxtaposed unlikely elements, creating bizarre, dreamlike scenes that challenged viewers' perceptions. By liberating the imagination and exploring the realm of the irrational, Surrealism pushed the boundaries of art and paved the way for abstract expression. Its influence transcended visual arts, seeping into literature, film, and psychology, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the 20th Century and beyond.

7. Abstract Expressionism

By the latter half of the 20th Century, art was changing rapidly, which eventually led to the flourishing of Abstract Expressionism in the US. A group of artists in New York, including Jackson Pollock, Dutch-born William de Kooning, and Franz Kline began to push the boundaries of previous movements by focusing on the paint itself as their subject. They embraced spontaneity and gestural mark-making, rejecting traditional forms and representation. 

(Convergence by Jackson Pollock, 1952)

Through expansive canvases filled with raw emotion and energy, they sought to express the human experience in its purest form. Abstract Expressionism's impact extended beyond art, influencing cultural discourse and solidifying New York City as the epicentre of the contemporary art world. This art movement changed the trajectory of modern art, shifting the art scene from Europe to the USA.

8. Modern Minimalism

Emerging in the mid-20th Century, Modern Minimalism stripped art down to its essentials. Pioneers like Donald Judd, Frank Stella, and Agnes Martin embraced simplicity, reducing forms to geometric shapes and serene compositions. 

(Untitled by Donald Judd, 1960)

Their focus on space, line, and colour challenged viewers to find meaning in the quiet and inspired a new era of abstract contemplation. Modern Minimalism led to the movements of Pop Art, Conceptual Art, and Performance Art in the latter half of the 20th Century, shaping the growth of modern abstract art even in recent years.

Significance Of Abstract Art

Abstract art transcends boundaries, inviting viewers to interpret and connect with the essence of the artwork on a personal level. It challenges traditional notions of representation, sparking introspection and emotional resonance. 

By freeing form from reality, abstract art opens avenues for exploration and expression, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Its significance lies in its ability to inspire creativity, provoke thought, and foster a deeper understanding of the world and oneself.

Conclusion

Abstract art, spanning various movements from Impressionism to Modern Minimalism, holds profound significance in the art world. It liberates artists to express emotion and ideas beyond the confines of reality, fostering creativity and individual interpretation. Its enduring impact shapes cultural discourse and continues to inspire generations of artists worldwide.

If you want to explore the allure of abstract art and add a touch of artistic finesse to your humble abode, don’t forget to browse through our home decor collection, including framed wall art, decor objects, decorative vases, and more.