The history of abstract art: from birth to the present day
Feb 02, 2023
Abstract art is a form of artistic expression that revolutionized the art world in the 20th century. It is an art form that focuses on shapes, colors and textures rather than actual objects and subjects. The history of abstract art begins in the late 19th century with the first works of artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich. Since then, abstract art has undergone many developments and evolutions, ranging from early forms of abstract expressionism to more recent movements such as minimalist art and conceptual art.
In this article, we will explore the history of abstract art, from its beginnings to the present day. We will see how abstract artists evolved over time, the movements that influenced abstract art, and how abstract art became integrated into modern society. We will also see the most influential and landmark works in the history of abstract art and how they influenced subsequent artists. Finally, we will discuss the importance of abstract art in our society today and the place it occupies in the world of contemporary art.
1.Introduction to abstract art and its history
Abstract art is an artistic genre that focuses on shape, color, and texture rather than actual objects or subjects. This form of artistic expression emerged in the early 20th century and quickly developed into a distinct artistic movement. Over time, abstract art was influenced by other art movements such as Cubism and Futurism, as well as developments in psychology, philosophy, and science of the time.
This movement allowed artists to focus on the formal elements of art rather than representational subjects. Shapes and colors have become the main tools for conveying ideas, emotions and feelings. Abstract art paved the way for a new way of thinking and seeing art, giving artists the freedom to create without being limited by the conventions of realistic representation.
Over the years, abstract art has continued to evolve and develop. Artists explored new techniques and materials to create their works, and continued to play with shapes and colors to express deeper ideas and complex emotions. Abstract art is today considered an important and influential artistic genre, which has left a lasting mark on the modern and contemporary art world.
2.The first movements of abstract art
The early movements in abstract art were important for the formation of abstract art as a distinct artistic expression. Abstract Expressionism, which emerged in Germany in the early 20th century, was one of the first movements to emphasize the expression of emotions and states of mind through shapes and colors. Abstract Expressionist artists sought to translate their inner feelings through the shapes and colors of their works.
Cubism, on the other hand, explored new ways of representing reality using simple geometric shapes. The Cubists broke objects into simple elements to recompose them in a new form, thus creating an abstract and new image of reality. This approach influenced many abstract artists who followed.
Futurism, on the other hand, focused on modernity and speed, and explored the use of color and shape to suggest movement and dynamism. The Futurists sought to capture the essence of modernity in their works, using bright shapes and colors to suggest speed and movement. Come visit our collection of futuristic paintings to see examples.
These early movements contributed to the formation of abstract art as a distinct artistic expression and influenced the abstract artists who followed them. They established the foundations for the exploration of new shapes and colors, and opened the way to new possibilities in artistic expression.
3.The great abstract artists of the 20th century
Abstract art of the 20th century was marked by the appearance of several talented artists who had a significant impact on this artistic movement. One of the world's first abstract artists, Kazimir Malevich, was a pioneer of Suprematism, a movement that developed in Russia in the early 20th century. He explored the concepts of abstraction using simple geometric shapes and pure colors to create works that express humanity's deepest ideas.
Wassily Kandinsky, for his part, was one of the first artists to paint entirely abstract works, without any connection with reality. He worked on the relationships between colors, shapes and textures to create works that express his emotions and inner thoughts.
Mark Rothko is also considered one of the greatest abstract artists of the 20th century. He is known for his large, colorful canvases that explore themes of human existence and spirituality. His works are characterized by rich colors and simple shapes that create an intense and emotional visual experience for the viewer.
Each of these artists has left a lasting legacy in the world of abstract art and continues to be a source of inspiration for contemporary artists. Their work helped define the foundations of abstract art and paved the way for new possibilities for artists to come.
4.The different techniques used in the creation of abstract paintings
The different techniques used in the creation of abstract paintings are as varied as the creativity and freedom of expression that are inherent to this artistic movement. Abstract artists can use a variety of mediums to paint, such as oil paint, acrylic, ink, eraser, and pastel. Each of these mediums offers different properties and possibilities for creating abstract works.
In addition to traditional mediums, artists can also use techniques such as collage, scraping, rubbing and blotting to create unique and interesting textures in their works. Some of these techniques allow artists to work with multiple layers of material to create depth and complexity in their work.
Other artists choose to work on canvases of different sizes and shapes, with brushes of varying sizes. Some artists prefer to use large brushes to create large areas of color, while others prefer finer brushes to create more delicate details.
Finally, some abstract artists may use mixed media or more experimental methods to create their works. Creating abstract works gives artists complete freedom to explore their ideas, feelings and creativity without any formal restrictions. The different techniques used in the creation of abstract paintings therefore reflect the diversity and richness of this artistic movement.
5. Colorful abstract painting : how colors are used to convey emotions and ideas
Colors are a crucial element in conveying emotions and ideas in abstract paintings. Abstract artists use various colors to create unique atmospheres and evoke particular emotions. For example, warm colors such as red and yellow can suggest passion and energy, while cool colors such as blue and green can suggest tranquility and serenity. Colors can also be used expressively to suggest movement, dynamics and depth. An artist's color choices can be influenced by their feelings, personal experiences and artistic beliefs. Ultimately, the use of colors in abstract paintings helps artists convey their vision and message to the audience.
6. Modern abstract painting : how contemporary artists continue to explore shapes and colors in their work
Contemporary abstract artists continue to explore shapes and colors in their work, using modern techniques and mediums to create unique and innovative works. Some artists use digital technologies to create abstract works that combine shapes, colors and textures, while others prefer to work with more traditional materials such as paint, paper and canvas. Modern abstract artists often draw inspiration from previous abstract movements such as Suprematism, Constructivism and Abstract Expressionism, but they interpret and revisit them in innovative ways to create works that reflect the society, culture and challenges of our current era. Modern abstract paintings can also address themes such as identity, technology, politics and the environment, using shapes and colors to convey messages and provoke thought in viewers.
7.The importance of abstract art in modern society and its place in the world of contemporary art
Abstract art is an artistic movement which has had a considerable impact on the evolution of modern art and which remains a central element in the world of contemporary art. Since its emergence in the early 20th century, abstract art has allowed artists to express themselves freely outside of traditional artistic conventions and to focus on shape, color, and texture rather than realistic representation. This approach gave birth to new forms of artistic expression and stimulated the imagination and creativity of artists and spectators.
Abstract art also paved the way for a new understanding of art in general. By focusing on shape, color and texture rather than realistic representation, abstract artists invited viewers to view art from a different perspective and appreciate works of art for what they are, rather than for what they represent. This stimulated thinking about the nature of art and encouraged understanding of art outside the norm.
In modern society, abstract art continues to exert a considerable influence on the world of contemporary art. It is considered one of the most important ways of expressing the deepest ideas and feelings and is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for contemporary artists. By allowing artists to express themselves freely and focus on form, color and texture, abstract art paved the way for new forms of artistic expression and stimulated creativity and understanding of art in modern society.
Conclusion
Abstract art is a fascinating and exciting art movement that has evolved over time and continues to fascinate artists and audiences today. With its innovative and daring nature, it has allowed artists to express themselves freely and create unique works that reflect their deepest ideas and feelings. The place of abstract art in modern society is undeniable, because it stimulates reflection and understanding of art outside the norms.
We hope this article has given you some insight into the importance of abstract art in the contemporary art world and its impact on modern society. If you are interested in abstract art and want to discover more about this artistic movement, we invite you to visit our collection of abstract paintings . Here you will discover a unique selection of works created by talented and visionary artists, which reflect current trends and developments in this exciting artistic movement. Feel free to explore our collection to discover the fascinating world of abstract art.