What is abstract art?

Abstract art represents a radical departure in the way artists perceive and represent the world, emphasizing the intrinsic qualities of form, color, and line over direct representation. This shift to abstraction emerged prominently in the early 20th century, as artists began to move away from depicting observable realities to exploring various abstract styles that express deeper conceptual ideas. Abstract art has continuously evolved, marked by its diverse movements and philosophies that challenge traditional views of art, pushing the boundaries of visual language and stirring the viewer’s perception and emotions.

The exact origins of abstract art are subject to debate. Wassily Kandinsky is often celebrated as a pioneer, noted for his profound statement, “back then not one single painter was painting in an abstract style.” He is credited with creating one of the first recognized works of abstract art, Komposition V, in 1911, which significantly propelled the visibility and development of modern abstract art. Yet, lesser-known is the Swedish painter Hilma af Klint, who arguably predates Kandinsky in embracing abstraction. Af Klint produced her first abstract painting in Stockholm in 1906, a full five years earlier. Her avant-garde artworks, characterized by biomorphic and geometric shapes set against boldly intense backgrounds, were extraordinarily progressive for their time, suggesting an alternative narrative to the history and evolution of abstract art. These foundational figures have set the stage for a century of dynamic exploration in abstract art, transforming how art is conceived and appreciated worldwide.

Abstraction in the Post-war era

The post-war era was a dynamic period for abstract art, characterized by profound shifts that led to the development of several influential art movements. The dramatic and personal styles of Abstract Expressionism, pioneered by artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning in New York, dominated the early post-war years. These abstract artists emphasized the canvas as an emotional arena where spontaneous and gestural brushwork conveyed intense personal expression. This movement inspired direct responses, such as Minimalism and Geometric Abstraction, which sought purity and simplicity, reacting against the emotive excesses of Abstract Expressionism.

Minimalism and Geometric Abstraction stripped art down to its essential forms and systematic expressions. Artists like Donald Judd, Ellsworth Kelly, and Carmen Herrera focused on clarity and order, utilizing simple yet profound geometric compositions to evoke a different kind of emotional resonance – one marked by calm and precision. This approach was a deliberate counter to the subjective and frenzied nature of Abstract Expressionism, proposing that art could also stand as an objective, self-contained entity.

During the same period, Op Art (short for Optical Art) emerged, captivating viewers with its optical illusions and dynamic, interactive visual effects. Artists such as Bridget Riley explored perception itself, using abstract designs to create a sense of movement and vibration. Similarly, the Arte Povera movement in Italy brought innovative materials and concepts into the realm of abstract art, as artists like Jannis Kounellis and Alighiero Boetti utilized ordinary objects to challenge traditional artistic values and interrogate economic and political systems.

This abstract art movement shared a close affiliation with the ZERO group in Germany, where artists like Otto Piene and Günther Uecker explored new aesthetic dimensions using light, movement, and unconventional materials, aiming to purify art from the emotional intensity prevalent in post-war Europe. Additionally, movements like Zen 49 in Germany, which included artists like Rupprecht Geiger, paralleled the objectives of ZERO by promoting a return to spiritual values in art through abstract and meditative forms.

Conceptual Art also gained traction, emphasizing ideas over aesthetic form. Artists such as Sol LeWitt and Peter Halley used geometric art as an artistic medium to transport their conceptual ideas, shifting focus from purely visual elements to explore how underlying concepts could drive the artwork’s meaning. This approach further expanded the boundaries and understanding of abstract art.

Contemporary abstract art

In contemporary art, abstraction remains vibrant and continuously evolving, reflecting the shifts in technology and philosophy that characterize the 21st century. A notable trend is the emergence of Figurative Abstraction, where artists like Cecily Brown, Georg Baselitz, and Eddie Martinez merge abstract art with figurative elements. Their paintings and prints oscillate between gestural abstraction and narrative, imbued with deep cultural and emotional layers, challenging traditional boundaries and exploring new realms of expression.

Digital abstraction also pushes the limits of traditional art techniques. Abstract artists such as Sarah Morris and Wade Guyton use modern technology to redefine artistic processes. Morris creates geometrically intricate paintings and prints inspired by urban landscapes, while Guyton explores the imperfections and errors inherent in digital printing, questioning established methods of art-making.

Gerhard Richter continues to influence the abstract genre with his bold abstract paintings made using a large squeegee instead of a traditional paintbrush, alongside his meticulously crafted color charts that dissect the composition and nature of color. Damien Hirst delves into the intersections of art and science, producing artworks like his precise dot paintings (and prints) and geometric butterfly paintings (and prints) that meditate on themes of beauty, life, and mortality.

Contributing to this rich dialogue, abstract artists like Christopher Wool and Julie Mehretu push the envelope with their distinct approaches. Wool’s graphic styles and innovative use of materials challenge traditional abstract painting and print techniques. Meanwhile, Mehretu’s large-scale artworks incorporate complex mappings of urban environments and historical narratives, blending abstract elements with layers of data to create multifaceted, dynamic canvases. Together, these artists ensure that abstract art remains a vital and ever-evolving component of the contemporary art landscape, crucial for understanding ongoing cultural and philosophical debates.