The world around us is full of different shapes, colors and textures. However, how do artists manage to express their impressions of this complex reality? In this blog, we explore the fascinating world of abstraction and look at the creative methods that artists use to transform the perception of objects and phenomena.
Abstraction in Art: Unraveling the Language of New Forms
“When I abstract from concrete forms, the world reveals to me its depth and vastness.” - Pablo Picasso
Abstraction is the process of simplifying, generalizing, or isolating entities from their specific properties and relationships. This approach allows you to highlight the key features of objects and phenomena, as well as create new concepts and symbols. The role of abstraction is enormous in science, philosophy, mathematics, logic, art and other areas of human activity.
In art, abstraction appears in a variety of forms and styles, such as cubism, futurism, surrealism, abstract expressionism, minimalism and many others. Abstract artists use various techniques and means of expression to change the perception of reality and create new visual forms. Abstract art can be based on real objects but present them in a simplified, distorted or symbolic form. It can also be completely independent of reality, presenting purely geometric, color or dynamic compositions.
Abstract artists seek to express their ideas, emotions, impressions, fantasies or spiritual experiences through form, color, line, texture, rhythm and space. Abstract art also serves as a means of exploring and experimenting with different aspects of perception, such as perspective, proportion, light, shadow, volume, movement, etc. Viewers may respond to abstract art in different ways, depending on their individual experiences, cultural background, taste, and imagination.
Abstraction and reality represent two sides of the same coin, interacting and complementing each other in art. Abstraction allows artists to go beyond everyday reality and discover new horizons of creativity. At the same time, reality serves as a source of inspiration, material and criterion for abstract art. These two aspects are not opposites, but rather represent different ways of perceiving the world and its images.
From World to Form: The Evolution of Abstractionism in Art
“Abstraction is an encounter with the infinite, the moment when the world becomes more than just shapes and colors.” - Mark Rothko
Abstraction in art has undergone a long and varied evolution, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India and others. During this period, abstraction was used to create geometric patterns, symbols, hieroglyphs, and other forms of expression. Representatives of this tradition were also primitive peoples, including African, Oceanic and American Indians, for whom abstraction served as a means of depicting spirits, totems, myths and rituals.
In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, abstraction was suppressed by the church and state, which dictated the rules of art, based on realistic and idealized depictions of religious and secular subjects. Despite this, abstraction did not disappear completely, remaining in the form of ornaments, mosaics, stained glass and other decorative elements.
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, abstraction received a new impetus thanks to the emergence of artistic movements such as impressionism, post-impressionism, expressionism, fauvism, cubism, futurism, surrealism and others. These movements deviated from the traditional principles of art, looking for new ways to express their vision of the world, feelings, ideals and dreams. Abstraction became a key tool for achieving this goal, as well as a means of adapting to a rapidly changing world with its scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, social conflicts and cultural contacts.
Among the influential artists who left their mark on the history of abstraction are such names as Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Edvard Munch, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, Paul Klee, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Barnett Newman, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, Bridget Riley, Yayoi Kusama and many others.
Abstraction has become an important part of art history, emphasizing that art does not have to strictly follow reality, but can be free, creative, innovative and universal. Abstraction also showed that art can be not only beautiful, but also deep, not only entertaining, but also educational, not only aesthetic, but also ethical. Abstraction has opened up new perspectives for art and for all humanity.
Geometry and Emotion: Methods of Artistic Abstraction
“My work is my abstraction of reality, an attempt to see the world not as it is, but as I feel it inside myself.” - Liliya Rozanova
In the world of artistic abstraction, where shapes and colors become the language of expression, geometry and emotion meet at the crossroads of creativity. Artists who use geometric elements find unique ways to translate their emotional impressions into abstract compositions.
How do artists use geometric shapes to create abstract compositions?
Geometric abstraction is a form of abstract art that is based on the use of geometric shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, lines and others. Artists working in this style do not strive to depict real objects or scenes, but rather to create new visual languages based on harmony, rhythm, contrast, symmetry and asymmetry of shapes and colors. Geometric abstraction can be both flat and three-dimensional, both static and dynamic, both monotonous and varied.
Geometric abstraction has many directions and trends that developed in different periods and in different countries. Among them are the following:
1) Neoplasticism is a movement that emerged in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 20th century, which sought to create universal art based on the use of straight lines, rectangles and primary colors (red, blue, yellow, black, white). The founder of this movement is Piet Mondrian, who believed that such art is capable of expressing spiritual order and harmony. An example of his work is Composition No. 10.
2) Minimalism is a movement that emerged in the United States in the 1960s, which sought to create art based on the use of simple and clear geometric shapes, devoid of any expression or symbolism. The founders of this movement are Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Robert Morris and others, who believed that such art is capable of expressing its own materiality and spatiality. An example of work is [Cube Variations] by Levitt.
3) Op-art is a movement that emerged in Europe and the United States in the 1960s, which sought to create art based on the use of geometric shapes that create optical illusions and visual effects. The founders of this movement were Victor Vasarely, Bridget Riley, Yayoi Kusama and others, who believed that such art was capable of expressing dynamics and movement. An example of their work is [Zebra] Vasarely.
Geometric abstraction is a diverse and multifaceted art that continues to develop and transform in our days. Geometric abstraction shows that geometry is not only a science, but also an art that can amaze, inspire and make you think.
Emotional Overflows of Abstraction: Expressionism in the Works of Artists
“Abstraction is an attempt to give form to the formless, to make visible the invisible.” - Victor Vasnetsov
Expressionism is an artistic approach that strives to convey the artist's strong emotions and impressions rather than an accurate depiction of reality. Expressionism can be either figurative or abstract, depending on the degree to which realistic detail is abandoned and the laws of perspective, color, light and shadow are observed. Expressionism often uses bright, contrasting, saturated colors, distorted, dynamic, expressive forms, strong, torn, hard lines and strokes.
Abstraction is an artistic approach that does not strive to depict real objects or scenes, but rather to create new visual languages based on form, color, line, texture, rhythm and space. Abstraction can be either geometric or biomorphic, depending on the type of forms used by the artist. Abstraction can be either dependent or independent of reality, depending on the degree of connection with specific objects or phenomena.
Expressionism and abstraction can be combined in one piece of art if the artist wants to express his emotions through abstract shapes and colors without being tied to real images. This approach allows the artist to work more freely and creatively with the composition, achieving maximum expression and impact on the viewer. This approach also allows the viewer to be more actively involved in the process of perceiving and interpreting the work, including their imagination, associations and feelings.
One of the most famous artists who used abstraction to express his emotions was Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky is considered one of the founders of abstract art, as he was the first to abandon the depiction of real objects and move on to pure abstraction. Kandinsky was also an art theorist who wrote about his views and principles in the books “On the Spiritual in Art” and “Point and Line on a Plane.” Kandinsky believed that color and form have their own symbolism and emotional power, which can affect the soul of the viewer. Kandinsky also believed that art should be an expression of the artist’s inner world, his spiritual aspirations and experiences.
Examples of Kandinsky's work in which he expressed his emotions through abstraction can be found in his Compositions, Improvisations and Impressions series. In these works, Kandinsky used various abstract shapes such as circles, lines, curves, angles, spirals, stars and others, as well as various colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, black, white and others to create dynamic, rhythmic, contrasting, harmonious or dissonant compositions. Each of Kandinsky's works had its own character, mood, temperament and meaning, which he tried to convey to the viewer. Some of Kandinsky's works were inspired by music, which he loved and which he considered the most abstract and spiritual form of art.
Expressionism and abstraction are two artistic approaches that can be used to express emotions through art. These approaches allow the artist and viewer to establish a deeper and more intimate contact based on feelings rather than reason. These approaches also allow art to be more free, creative, innovative and universal.
Mixing the World: The Art of Collage and Assemblage
"The art of abstraction is freedom of expression. In it we find a language free of form but full of meaning." - Vassily Kandinsky
Collage is a unique visual art technique based on combining various materials, such as paper, fabric, photographs, newspapers, magazines, wrappers, labels and others, on one surface to create a new composition. This technique can take a variety of forms, be it flat or three-dimensional, single or multi-color, abstract or figurative. Collage offers the artist the opportunity to experiment with textures, colors, shapes and contexts, and to express ideas, emotions, criticism or humor.
Assemblage, similar to collage, is a visual art technique that uses three-dimensional parts or entire objects arranged on a surface, like a painting, or in space, like a sculpture. Unlike collage, assemblage includes materials such as metal, wood, glass, plastic, stone, leather, hair, clothing, toys and other materials, often found in landfills or trash. This technique allows the artist to transform ordinary or unnecessary objects into new visual forms, as well as create new meanings, associations or contrasts.
Collage and assemblage are two creative techniques that can create new visual forms by mixing different elements. These techniques have their own history and development, their representatives and styles, their advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at some of them.
History and development. Collage and assemblage emerged in the early 20th century as part of artistic movements such as Cubism, Dada, Surrealism and others, which rejected traditional principles of art and sought new ways of expression. One of the first artists to use collage was Pablo Picasso, who in 1912 glued a piece of wallpaper to his painting to imitate the seat of a chair. One of the first artists to use assemblage was Vladimir Tatlin, who in 1913 created his famous “corner counter-reliefs” from wood, metal, wire and other materials. Collage and assemblage became widespread in the 1920s and 1930s thanks to the work of Dadaists and surrealists such as Marcel Duchamp, Kurt Schwitters, Max Ernst, Jean Arp, Man Ray and others, who used these techniques to create shocking, absurd, satirical or poetic works. Collage and assemblage continued to develop in the second half of the 20th century and today, receiving new forms and directions, such as pop art, op art, photomontage, decollage, scrapbooking, mixed media, installation and others.
Representatives and styles. Collage and assemblage have a variety of artists who have worked in these techniques, each with their own unique style and approach. Among them are the following names:
- Henry Matisse was a French artist who, late in his life, created collages from colored paper cut with scissors, creating bright and cheerful compositions such as "Dance" and "Polynesia. Sky"
- Robert Rauschenberg is an American artist who, in the 1950s and 1960s, created assemblages from various objects such as pillows, chairs, umbrellas, wheels, bottles and others, creating complex and multi-layered compositions such as the Mona Lisa and The Poor House ".
- Hannah Hech was a German artist who, in the 1910s and 1920s, created collages from photographs cut from magazines, newspapers, advertisements and other sources, creating surreal and critical compositions such as The Director.
- Louis Bourgeois is a French-American artist who, in the 1960s and 1970s, created assemblages from various materials such as fabric, leather, metal, wood, stone and others, creating symbolic and psychological compositions such as "Cage" and "Eyes" ".
- Collage and assemblage allow the artist to use diverse and accessible materials that can be found anywhere and at any time, without requiring special tools or skills.
- Collage and assemblage allow the artist to experiment with different combinations, contrasts, meanings and effects, creating new and original visual forms.
- Collage and assemblage allow the artist to express ideas, emotions, criticism, or humor using different materials that may have their own history, symbolism, or context.
- Collage and assemblage allow the viewer to see ordinary or unnecessary things in a new light, revealing new meanings, associations or aesthetic sensations.
- Collage and assemblage can be difficult to understand or appreciate because they have no clear rules, criteria, or standards, and can be subjective, random, or chaotic.
- Collage and assemblage may be short-lived or fragile as they use different materials that can be damaged, lost, defaced or outdated, and may require special storage or care.
- Collage and assemblage may be controversial or provocative because they may violate copyrights, traditions, norms or tastes, and may cause negative reactions or criticism.
Collage and assemblage are two creative techniques that can create new visual forms by mixing different elements. These techniques have their pros and cons, their fans and opponents, their history and modernity. Collage and assemblage show that art can be not only beautiful, but also interesting, not only traditional, but also innovative, not only homogeneous, but also diverse.
Changing Focus: The Impact of Abstraction on Visual Perception
“Abstraction for me is the language in which I tell my deepest stories without resorting to words.” - Pierre Soulages
Abstract works are those that do not depict specific objects or scenes, but rather create new visual forms based on shape, color, line, texture, rhythm and space. They can redirect the viewer’s attention and change their perception of reality for the following reasons:
- They stimulate the viewer’s imagination and associations, since they do not have a clear meaning or interpretation, but provide the viewer with the freedom to choose their own view of the work. Can see different images, symbols, emotions or ideas in abstract forms, depending on his experience, mood, culture or taste.
- Focus the viewer's attention on the purely visual qualities of the work, such as color, shape, line, texture, rhythm and space, rather than on the content or plot. Can enjoy the beauty, harmony, contrast, dynamics or expression of these qualities, as well as perceive the relationships and interactions between them.
- They evoke new or unusual sensations in the viewer because they do not correspond to the ordinary or habitual perception of reality, but rather offer alternative or experimental ways of perception. May experience surprise, curiosity, interest, admiration, bewilderment, misunderstanding, rejection, or other reactions to abstract works that make him think or rethink his relationship to reality.
Abstract works are not just a distraction from reality, but rather a way of expanding, enriching or transforming reality through art. They show that reality is not unambiguous, but multifaceted, not static, but dynamic, not given, but created.
Abstraction promotes imagination and creative thinking in viewers for several key reasons:
- Stimulates interest and curiosity: Abstraction presents a mystery, making the viewer want to solve it. Questions arise about what the artist wanted to express, what the meaning of abstract shapes and colors is, how they relate to reality, and how they intersect with the viewer's individual experience and emotions.
- Activates imagination and associations: Since abstraction lacks a clear meaning or unambiguous interpretation, it gives the viewer the freedom to choose their own view of the work. The viewer may perceive various images, symbols, emotions or ideas in abstract forms depending on his own experience, mood, cultural preferences or taste.
- Develops creative thinking: Abstraction requires the viewer not only to perceive, but also to actively participate in creating meaning. The viewer can not only observe abstract works, but also experiment independently, creating their own abstractions using various materials, techniques and styles. It also allows the viewer to compare, analyze, criticize and evaluate abstract works, identifying their unique features, merits and influence.
Abstraction is not only a way of expression for the artist, but also a powerful means of development for the viewer. This art form demonstrates that works can be not only beautiful but also fascinating, not only traditional but also innovative, and also emphasizes that art should not be limited by uniformity, but should inspire diversity and versatility. Abstraction opens up new perspectives for the development of imagination and creativity.
Our catalog presents unique paintings inspired by abstraction. These works of art reflect a variety of shapes, colors, and styles, creating captivating and emotionally rich compositions. From abstract expressive works filled with dynamics and energy, to minimalist compositions where shapes and lines create unique harmonies, each painting invites the viewer on a fascinating journey into the world of abstraction. Discover new perspectives and enjoy the beauty and versatility of abstract art in our team.
In addition, our abstract paintings include works by talented contemporary artists like Voichenko and Melezhik. Their unique approaches to abstraction bring fresh perspectives and original ideas to the art world. Voichenko's work delights with its harmony and exquisite use of color, while Melezhik's compositions bring dynamism and innovation to abstraction. Immerse yourself in their creativity with our paintings and discover the unique explorations of shapes and colors presented by these outstanding artists.