To the untrained eye, abstract artwork looks like colors and shapes splattered randomly on a canvas. While, to some extent, this may be the case, a fine piece of abstract artwork is really quite unlike a child’s simple finger painting. Abstract art can be a collection of any number of colors, shapes and textures. These works usually bear little or no resemblance to reality.
Abstract art has evolved slowly over time, beginning perhaps with Picasso, a father to modern abstract art. In its beginnings, depicted forms and scenes exaggerated or highlighted certain aspects in an ‘unrealistic’ or abstract way. These paintings focused more on the feelings behind the objects than on the objects themselves. Still today, most modern artists begin their painting by focusing on something physical in the real world and then shifting to focus in on the parts that create the emotion or the essence of the thing. The Dallas abstract oil painter, Esther Ritz, describes her craft: “When I paint, I start with an idea, but quickly let go of my preconception, until the freedom, play, emotion, and energy of the moment take over”.
There are four main movements that are the predecessors to today’s abstract modern art; Russian Avant-garde, Futurism, Expressionism, and Cubism.
Russian Avant-Garde
The Russian Avant-garde area began in Russia in the 1890s. This styling tended towards a simplification of objects, loss of detail surrounding the main object, and the use of geometric shapes.
Futurism
Futurism began in the early 20th century in the country of Italy. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was the founding father of this movement. Futurist painters often depicted violent urban scenes. Using bold colors and distorted shapes, they painted the city red in twisted rage.
Expressionism
Expressionism is thought to have begun at the turn of the century in Germany and, in some forms, continues to modern day. Expressionist painters focus on, and paint, the emotions behind the forms. In this tradition, it is of no importance to represent the form itself. The purpose of this artwork is to express powerful emotions. Often vibrant colours and jarring juxtaposition are used to create a certain mood in the viewer. Esther Ritz, a Dallas abstract oil painter, uses expressionism in many of her paintings.
Cubism
Cubism, created by Pablo Picasso, began in Europe in the 20th century. In this artistic style, figures were broken down into geometric shapes, primarily squares and rectangles. Background details are lost, depth is removed, and the subjects themselves are only loosely recognizable.
These four periods culminated with the advent of contemporary modern art. Abstract modern art is valuable and beautiful in its own way. Even though, for most people, creating abstract art is not a likely possibility, everyone can benefit from it. Abstract art is emotionally provocative. Viewing abstract art is relatively easy, considering the many art galleries across the country, and can be an exciting excursion away from the monotony of life. Also, owning and displaying abstract artwork can enliven and enhance the atmosphere of any home or office.