Introduction

In the beginning of 20th century around 1905-10, it all started called abstract art. Vassily Kandinsky (Russian painter: 1866-1944), Hilma af Klint (Swedish painter: 1862-1944), Henri Matisse (French painter: 1869-1954) were some of the earliest painters who revolutionised the abstract term in visual arts. In fact, Henri Matisse was a rival to Pablo Picasso during that time in as far as the innovations were concerned. Later on, so many other artists started doing paintings in abstract style and gradually the term also get modified in terms of its meaning and variations.

Term ‘Abstract’ meaning

The meaning of the term ‘abstract’ is that anything which exists in thoughts, feeling or quality only and not present in real world. Simply put, “to detach something from the reality”.

Definition: Abstract in visual arts

“Here, any artwork created, tries to depict the visuals of non-real world with the help of different shapes, colours, forms and gestural signs.”

Sometimes, artist leave it to the viewers to depict the meaning of art as per their emotions, feelings and experiences. So in abstract are, there is no any specific meaning as most of the times, viewers give their own meanings and that’s why so many abstract art pieces are untitled.

Two categories of abstract art

1. Partial abstraction: Here, artworks are portraying objects, people and things which can be identified but partially. Objects, people or things are partially representing the reality. Most of the times, objects are taken out of the context and are in non-realistic colours.
2. Full abstraction: Here, artworks do not have anything to do with visual reality. Objects or people are non-identifiable in nature or can not be recognised in real world.

Characteristics: Abstract in visual arts

Following are a few key elements involved in any abstract artwork.

• In artworks, focus is not on any subject and it is not important.
• Process and materials are more important in abstract artworks.
• Uses of colours and the texture are equally important.
• The role of viewers is also important as they give meanings to abstract art as per their understandings and experiences.
• Objects or people play a little or no role in abstract art.
• Artists try to represent their inner world.

Conclusion

Abstract artists have their own styles to express and represent their ideas, thoughts and experiences into their art pieces. They have a totally different angle and dimension to see the world and society which they try to depict through their abstract art pieces which are non-identifiable in nature or sometimes partially identifiable.

Abstract art is now more than 100 years old which widely recognisable and is an important aspect of modern art. Through the years, abstract art passed through various styles and forms and have seen so many modifications. But, there are still so many mediums to explore, so many styles and techniques to experiments for the artists. So, keep experimenting……