What is Contemporary Abstract Art?

Contemporary abstract art is a type of art that has been gaining traction in the art world over the past several decades. It is characterized by a lack of traditional subject matter, instead featuring compositions of colors, shapes, lines, and textures. Contemporary abstract art challenges the viewer to interpret the meaning of the work, making it a unique and intriguing form of art.

A Brief History of Abstract Art

Abstract art has a long and fascinating history, spanning centuries and various movements. The first known example of abstract art is believed to have been created in the 19th century by the French artist Georges Seurat. His Pointillist paintings used small dots of color to create intricate images. Other major figures in the movement include Wassily Kandinsky, who pioneered non-representational art in Russia, and Piet Mondrian, who is known for his iconic grid compositions.

The trend of abstract art grew and evolved through the twentieth century with movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. In Cubism, Picasso and Braque used geometric shapes to break down objects into two-dimensional planes. Surrealism explored the subconscious mind, while Abstract Expressionism focused on the emotive power of brushstrokes and vibrant colors.

Characteristics of Contemporary Abstract Art

Contemporary abstract art is an evolving genre of painting that is constantly redefining itself. While there are some distinct similarities between contemporary abstract art and its predecessor, the Abstract Expressionism movement, there are also a number of unique characteristics that make it unique. Here are some of the key characteristics of contemporary abstract art:

• Colorful: One of the most striking features of contemporary abstract art is its vibrant use of color. Contemporary abstract artists often use bold, bright colors in their work in order to evoke emotions and draw attention to particular elements.
• Textured: Contemporary abstract artists often use textural elements to add depth and dimension to their paintings. These textures can range from drips and splatters of paint to intricate patterns and designs.
• Non-representational: The main focus of contemporary abstract art is to create something that does not represent anything in the real world. This means that while many traditional paintings depict recognizable images, contemporary abstract paintings are often more abstract and focus on expressing emotion rather than creating a representation of something tangible.
• Layered: Contemporary abstract artists often layer multiple elements in order to create a complex and visually interesting piece of artwork. This includes the use of multiple colors, textures, and shapes that all work together to create a unique composition.

Main photo: Mayur Deshpande/unsplash.com

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