Abstract Art : History, Types & Artists

The early 20th century saw the emergence of the diverse and revolutionary movement known as abstract art, which is still having an impact on the contemporary art scene. It is distinguished by its departure from realistic or representational images and emphasizes the use of hues, patterns, lines, and shapes to emote thoughts and concepts.
This article investigates the origins, subgenres, and famous practitioners of abstract art.

History Of Abstract Art:-
Abstract art's development can be traced back to the early 20th century's shifting social, political, and cultural environments. It came into being as artists looked for ways to express themselves differently and escape the limitations of traditional art genres. Numerous developments in technology, the development of photography, and the effects of World War I all had an impact on the shift toward abstraction.

Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian artist who is frequently credited with producing the first entirely abstract painting in 1910, was one of the pioneers of abstract art. His work helped provide the groundwork for the abstract art movement, along with the work of other artists like Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich, and Frantisek Kupka.

Types Of Abstract Art: -
Abstract art encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches. Here are some notable types of abstract art:

1. Cubism: Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Cubism shattered traditional notions of perspective and representation. It emphasized the fragmentation of forms and the depiction of objects from multiple viewpoints.

2. Expressionism: This type of abstract art focused on expressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the artist's experience. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning were associated with Abstract Expressionism, characterized by gestural brushwork and spontaneous, often chaotic compositions.

3. Geometric Abstraction: Artists like Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg explored the use of geometric shapes, lines, and primary colors to create abstract compositions. They aimed to achieve a sense of universal harmony and balance.

4. Surrealism: Although primarily associated with figurative art, Surrealism also had an abstract component. Artists like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí incorporated abstract elements into their dreamlike and symbolic compositions, blurring the boundaries between reality and the subconscious.

Notable Abstract Artists: Numerous artists have made significant contributions to abstract art.
Here are a few notable figures:

Wassily Kandinsky:
Kandinsky studied the psychological and spiritual aspects of painting and is regarded as one of the founders of abstract art. Generations of painters have been influenced by his use of brilliant colors and dynamic compositions.

Piet Mondrian:
Known for his recognizable grids of black lines and primary colors, Mondrian used geometric abstraction to convey the harmony and balance present in both nature and the cosmos.

Jackson Pollock:
He was a major player in Abstract Expressionism, and his "drip paintings" completely altered the landscape of art. His original method of sprinkling and pouring paint over canvases produced lively compositions.

Mark Rothko's:
Expansive color fields are distinguished by their supple, floating rectangles of color. His art sought to arouse strong feelings and thoughtfulness.

Kazimir Malevich:
Malevich pioneered the Suprematism movement and pushed the limits of abstraction. He produced straightforward geometric designs, frequently with a black square on a white background, which marked a significant break from conventional art.

Globally, abstract art is still evolving and inspiring artists. It challenges spectators to interact with art in novel and unexpected ways and provides an infinite field for experimentation and the investigation of ideas.