Art Blog #42: Origins of Abstract Art

Origins of Abstract Art

Abstract art has long captivated viewers with its bold colors, dynamic shapes, and the absence of clear, recognizable figurative entities. But where did abstract art originate? How has it evolved through time, and how does its legacy continue to thrive in contemporary art galleries today? In this art blog article, we will recollect the origins of abstract art and its evolutionary diversification into a number of styles and movements. Perhaps it all sounds way too familiar but hey, there can be something very refreshing about opening an art history book for a second!

The Birth of Abstract Art: Europe

Abstract art emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as artists began to move away from traditional representational painting. This revolutionary shift, led by pioneers like Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Kazimir Malevich, sought to explore deeper, non-figurative elements of human experience. Instead of creating art that depicted real-world objects or people, these artists focused on colors, shapes, and lines to express emotions, ideas, or philosophical concepts.

Kandinsky, often considered one of the first truly abstract artists, believed that art should evoke a spiritual response in the viewer. His works, such as Composition VII (1913), broke away from traditional forms to create a visual symphony of color and movement. Similarly, Mondrian’s pursuit of pure abstraction led to his distinctive grid-based compositions, reducing nature into basic forms of vertical and horizontal lines. These principles have found their application later in sculpture and design. Kazimir Malevich and his Suprematist compositions are made of elementary monochromatic entities, mostly rectangles which still feel incredibly modern even nowdays.



Evolution of the Abstract Art: Attention moves to USA

The center of abstract art has movec after WW2 from europe to USA. Abstract art has become incredibly diverse, and contemporary galleries often feature various types of abstract works, from geometric abstractions to lyrical abstraction and everything in between. Some most significant styles include:

1. Geometric Abstraction: This type focuses on the use of simple geometric shapes and bold colors, often arranged in compositions full of movement or grid-like patterns. Artists like Mondrian and Josef Albers are famous for this style.

2. Lyrical Abstraction: Known for its fluid, expressive style, this type of abstract art emphasizes spontaneity and emotion. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler helped define this genre with their action-painting techniques and large-scale color field paintings.

3. Minimalism: Minimalist abstraction strips art down to its most basic elements, using simple forms and often monochromatic palettes to create a meditative effect. Artists like Donald Judd and Agnes Martin are known for their contributions to minimalist art.

4. Abstract Sculpture: Moving beyond traditional painting, many abstract artists have also embraced sculpture, using materials such as steel, metal, wood, and stone to explore three-dimensional abstract forms. Abstract sculptures, particularly in steel, have become a focal point in many contemporary art galleries, creating a dynamic interplay between space, light, and shadow

Conclusion: Abstract Art’s Enduring Legacy

From its revolutionary beginnings to its diverse forms in contemporary art galleries today, abstract art continues to captivate and inspire. Whether experienced through a bold geometric painting framed in a floating frame or an immersive multimedia installation on a large screen, abstract art invites viewers to engage with art in a deeply personal and emotional way. As modern artists continue to push the boundaries of abstract expression, new techniques like digital fabrication and non-traditional materials, such as steel and light, ensure that abstract art remains as relevant and exciting as ever. Next time you visit a gallery, take a closer look at how abstract art is displayed. Whether it's an abstract painting housed in a sleek floating frame or a three dimensional artwork presented as a transformable sculpture that interacts with the environment, abstract art offers a timeless and ever-evolving experience.