Subjective Reality
Abstract art may depict the subjective reality of the artist such as imagination, emotion or ideas.
Style & Technique
One of the myths surrounding abstract art is that it always depicts subjective reality. This isn't true as art may be abstract due to the application of a style or technique. For example, Cubism that stylizes a scene with the geometrization of form or Futurism that depicts overlapping forms that capture the passing of time. Both of these techniques can be seen in this work by Marcel Duchamp.
Subject
Abstract art may depict intangible elements of a subject, scene and moment such as mood as opposed to the visual realities of the scene.
Color & Light
Colors and lighting that are stylized or subjective. For example, Pablo Picasso's blue period in which the artist produced monochromatic works of mostly blue between 1901 and 1904. This reflected a somber mood as opposed to the realities of the scene and subjects he painted.
Symbolism
Abstract works may express ideas as symbols, metaphor and allegory.
Minimalism
Minimalism is art that reduces elements such as form and color to their most basic incarnations. Western minimalism often resembles modern design with its use of basic geometric shapes. Due to its similarity with design and its sterile qualities it is often used as an element of commercial interior decoration. It is common to confuse abstract art with minimalism. Minimalism in art is always abstract. However, abstract art isn't always minimalism. Abstract art can be unbelievably complex and is far more diverse than minimalism.
Free Expression
Abstract art often breaks the rules of its time and place as an expression of the unconstrained freedom of the artist. For example, Vincent van Gogh plays with perspective to give the work Bedroom in Arles a dream-like quality.
Notes
The majority of well known modern and postmodern art is at least somewhat abstract. As such, abstraction is the rule not the exception.| Overview: Abstract Art Characteristics | ||
Type | ||
Definition | Art that isn't intended to be a visually accurate depiction of the physical world. | |
Commonly Confused With | Minimalism | |
Opposite Of | Realism | |
Key Points | All art can be placed on a scale between complete abstraction and complete realism with many grey areas in-between. | |
Related Concepts | ||
