Evolution of Abstract Art: From Early Movements to Contemporary Trends
Evolution of Abstract Art: From Early Movements to Contemporary Trends
Abstract art has been one of the most interesting and creative genres within the realm of an art world, from realism to exploration of shapes, colors, and emotions. Its development-from early movements that began in the 19th century to the latest trends-is indeed a representation of expanded artistic freedom, non-establishment of constricting rules, and an intense relation with human psychology.
Early Beginnings: The Roots of Abstraction
At the turn of the late 19th century into the early 20th century, the abstract seeds were sown when artists started toying with forms and ideas derogatory to representational accuracy. Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, still well-held to realism in their own minds, began upsetting all that was by working within the element of expression that involved brushstrokes, colors, and shapes. This laid groundwork for what would be a revolution.
The true birth of abstraction is sometimes given to Wassily Kandinsky, the artist who is credited as the first of his kind to make a totally abstract piece. His Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor), dated 1910, was a watercolor work that bade farewell to the physical world and brought an inner spiritual expression. Influenced by music and spirituality, the work of Kandinsky signified that art could just about form and color.
Mid-Century Movements: Cubism, Futurism and Surrealism
But early in the 20th century, movements like Cubism, created by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, and Futurism in Italy began breaking down reality. These movements led abstract painting even further from traditional depictions by breaking objects into geometric shapes and showing numerous perspectives at once. Above and beyond the opposing movements, Surrealists such as Joan Miró put dream-like imagery and subconscious influences as a main part of abstract art.
Abstract Expressionism - Post-World War II
Abstract art reached unprecedented grandeur in the aftermath of the events of World War II with the rise of Abstract Expressionism. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko emphasized the immediate expression of emotion and spontaneity, as well as the physical action of painting itself. Such an iconic piece which basically really attests to this chaotic vitality injected during the post-war era was Pollock's "drip," which called for paint poured, or even splattered on the canvas. In contrast, Rothko explored color fields as well as the potential ability of color to evoke an emotional reaction.
Abstract art continues to be a progressive and exciting force in the art world as a whole. True, modern abstract artists continue to explore the ancient tradition of techniques and mingle it with modern technology. Digital tools allow for new forms of abstract expression, such as 3D modeling, digital painting, and even virtual reality.
Currently, among trends that are part of abstraction is their impartment with other art forms like minimalism and installation art and even performance art. The artists are not restricted anymore in creating work only on the canvas, and some are actually creating an immersive environment where space and the viewer's perception are changed completely.
Conclusion
Abstract art has been the journey of freedom from the restrictions that representational art had brought in; it traversed the human emotion, thought, and perception. From Kandinsky's experiments to Pollock's bold gestures, to the current digital innovations, abstract art remains the most potent force in the world of art. As we might discover further more novel ways of seeing, abstraction gives the artist-and, indeed, the viewer-endless scope.
Evolution of Abstract Art: From Early Movements to Contemporary Trends
