Of course, one of the most controversial directions in art is geometric abstractionism. Its uniqueness is so outstanding that it is impossible not to feel the power of the impression that it makes, immediately when looking at the works of this direction. In this blog, we will plunge deeper into the philosophy of geometric abstractionism and consider several well -known works created in this avant -garde style.
Geometry in painting
From the very moment of the origin of art, geometry was present in it. Let in different manifestations, she laid out her mark in architecture, sculpture and even painting. But if at first it was necessary mainly for building prospects to make objects voluminous on the canvas, today there are full -fledged paintings with geometric shapes as the main elements.
Without exaggeration, geometry enriched painting. On its basis, many promising areas originated, and it is likely that new ones will appear. After all, first humanity undertook to portray the world around the world, flat and recognizable. And only then artists began to reproduce what we actually see, with all the depth and a sense of space. And after some time, the abstractions of famous artists began to convey to us certain messages, not even personifying the real picture of the world. This means that the feeling of geometry is in the man himself, and not in the nature surrounding him.
The abstraction is called geometric when it consists of clear lines and geometric shapes. Many people think that she appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, when avant -garde players entered the arena, but this is not so. In fact, such works have been found in art since time immemorial, it was simply not previously understood and did not accept society.
Back in 700 BC. e. The heyday of the protogeometric style in decorative and applied art has come. But only a hundred years ago, geometric paintings were finally presented to the modern public, it was no longer possible not to talk about them.
The principles of geometric abstractionism
Geometric art is characterized not just by paintings from geometric shapes: they are distinguished by a subjective location in the composition and completely irrational space. How did the figures come to this? Very simple, out of direct protest against the generally accepted, excessively emotional creativity and even against a three -dimensional image of reality.
Geometric forms took a confident position in art for one reason: they showed the public that painting can cause vivid emotions, personify ideas, put words into form, without even using recognizable images. In this of their extraordinary property, the similarity of the role of music and geometry in art was seen. Now she is not just an artist’s instrument, but sometimes the very essence of the work. She cares the souls of the audience to this day, revealing the facets of our reality each time in a new way.
Features of geometric abstraction
Geometric abstraction is the process of simplifying and isolating key geometric shapes and structures from real objects or ideas. It is an important aspect of art, design, mathematics and other fields. Here are some features of geometric abstraction:
- Simplification of Forms: Geometric abstraction strives to simplify complex shapes and structures to their basic geometric elements such as lines, circles, squares and triangles.
- Strict forms: Characteristic of geometric abstraction is the use of strict, mathematically clear forms. This may include precise angles, straight lines and symmetry.
- Geometric Proportions: Geometric abstraction can emphasize the importance of geometric proportions and the relationships between elements.
- Color Abstraction: Geometric abstraction is not limited to just shapes; it can also be applied to color. Color abstraction involves the use of a limited color palette and strong color contrasts.
- Geometric Drawings: Often, geometric abstraction is represented in the form of drawings that consist of geometric shapes arranged in a specific order or pattern.
- Abstraction from reality: Geometric abstraction often seeks to move away from reality and create abstract compositions that do not directly reflect specific objects or scenes.
- Minimalism: In many cases, geometric abstraction is associated with the principles of minimalism, where unnecessary details are removed to achieve simplicity and clarity of expression.
Geometric abstraction can appear in a variety of man-made and cultural contexts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, design, fashion, and even science and mathematics.
Artists and paintings in the direction of geometric abstractionism
Not only did the geometric forms in art laid the foundation for a new creative era, they caused the emergence of many different currents: futurism, surematism, cubism, precisionism, constructivism and so on and so on. The works in these styles inspire young creators and cause violent discussions even today. The surnames of Picasso, Dali, Kandinsky and Malevich are known even by those who are completely far from painting. And all because they gave the world more than the exact transmission of reality: clear and clear ideas, thoughts, feelings.
Kazimir Malevich, "Athletes"
One cannot help but say something about the great master. The founder of Suprematism saw in it the very essence of art, its beginning and end. At first he tried to portray absolute non-objectivity. An example of this are the paintings “White on White” and the famous “Black Square”. But after some time, the creator began to depict certain subjects. The painting “Athletes” is the same geometry, absolute horizontal symmetry and strict lines, blocks of bright color. But now there are specific characters and even a semblance of the landscape behind them.
El Lissitzky, “Beat the Whites with a Red Wedge”
During the Civil War, when almost nothing was heard of either constructivism or suprematism, Lissitzky was engaged in communist propaganda and supported the Red Army. One of his first posters received the strong title “Beat the Whites with a Red Wedge” and carried an equally strong message. Using a minimum of elements, he built a powerful emotional message. This technique, like the work itself, is still taken as the basis for logos and image elements as an example of conciseness and clarity of self-expression.
Piet Mondrian, "Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow"
Color as an emotion was the main element of Modrian's work. He painted large areas of the canvas in one pure tone, actively used horizontal and vertical lines, in which he found the vibrations and rhythm of life itself. The obvious contrast on the canvas conveys the feeling of harmony inherent in the author. “Composition with red, blue and yellow” fully reveals Modrian's artistic style. He argued that “there is nothing more concrete than line, color, plane,” and skillfully confirmed these words with his geometric drawings.
By the way, during a time of severe mental anguish, when he could not return to his dear France because of the First World War, a canvas called “Composition No. 10: Pier and Ocean” was born. The lack of bright colors revealed his emptiness and melancholy.
Geometric Abstract Art: Art, History and Changing Perceptions
In conclusion, geometric abstractionism turned out to be not just a movement in art, but a real challenge to traditional ideas about painting. This style, although it seems new and revolutionary, is actually rooted in a long history of art.
With the advent of geometric forms in art several centuries ago, an evolution began that led to the abandonment of traditional approaches to depicting the world. Geometric abstractionism not only offers a new style of drawing, but also changes the perception of space, composition and even the very nature of art.
This trend raises important questions about the nature of human perception and creative expression. Geometric shapes become not only elements of composition, but also a means of conveying subjective experiences and irrational spaces. As a result of these experiments, artists achieve that art is capable of evoking emotions and expressing ideas without resorting to traditional images.
Geometric abstractionism means not only a change in styles in art, but also a change in the role of art itself in human life. He demonstrates that painting is not limited to the depiction of recognizable objects, but is capable of being a language in which every line and figure carries its own meaning. This visual art redefines reality, opening up new dimensions of perception and inspiring viewers to new emotional experiences.
Geometric abstractionism has been developing for centuries and taking on new forms, finding a place in fashion, architecture, decorative and applied arts, and inspiring new followers. And if you are looking for a new direction for yourself, you can get an idea from the work of abstract artists. After all, they made the whole world talk about themselves.