Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Dora Maar Seated, 1937, Oil on Canvas, 92 x 65 cm.

 The World of Abstract Art

 I am amused at people when they shake their head and say, “I just don’t care much for abstract art. It doesn’t make sense!”  

“I wonder,” I say with a wicked gleam in my eye that is a warning that I’m about to get one over on them (but they don’t recognize that gleam), “Did you ever lie on the ground as a child and gaze up at the clouds, watching as pictures were formed so far above you? You saw dogs and cats, old men with pipes, angels with wings … a shoe quickly dissolved into a boat and a dog became an old man with a funny nose…”  

“Remember those days?” I drive the knife deep and give it a little twist.  

“And you thought you didn’t like abstarct art!”  

To define and gain an in-depth understanding of abstract art, you need to understand its true function.  

Abstract is a way of life for all of us, right from about the age of 10. No matter, how pragmatic or practical we may appear, every human indulges in abstract thinking. According to research, the right brain is wired for abstract thinking while the left brain is more about logic.  

Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking is not just about dreams or day dreaming, it also helps in enhancing your emotional intelligence, problem solving skills and creative power. Abstract thinking – and putting those thoughts on canvas also reveals a lot about the inner soul of the artist. Take Picasso, for instance. you can map his life by studying his paintings. In his art you find his heart. And, depending on your perspectve and moral values you might not not admire  the man whose art is collected and admired by many.  

Defining Abstract Art

Before we actually delve into the finer aspects of abstract art, it’s important to know the true meaning of the word “abstract”. When used in the form of an adjective, the word “abstract” means the opposite of concrete. It talks about things that are not practical but theoretical. It talks about things that can be felt rather than physically touched like emotions, tendencies, and perceptions. When this adjective is used to describe an art form, then it talks about the style rather than the content. The noun, “abstract” refers to the summary of the entire document. When it is used as a verb, abstract refers to the quality of the object rather than the physical attributes.  

Abstract is about non-tangible and intuitive things and emotions. If something is abstract, then different people have different perceptions about it and their perceptions depend on their individual personalities, preferences, tastes, and experiences.  

Georges Braque, Woman with a Guitar, 1913. Oil and charcoal on canvas. 51 1/4 x 28 3/4 inches (130 x 73 cm). In the Musee National d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris.

Considering all these definitions, abstract art is more about the artist than the subject. It is the depiction of the artist’s view point and mood. In other words it’s more about his psychological wiring. An artist speaks to his audience through his art. A well done abstract painting has the power of subtly influencing the viewer’s moods and perception. In short, Abstract art is more about the world that exists inside our minds rather than the world that can be perceived through the five senses.  

Abstract Art Forms

Abstract art comes in many forms. Some artist mediums consist of paint and canvas, whereas others prefer to use a digital camera. There are artist who enjoy working with wood and others that like to work with metals, stone, concrete or mortar. There is no set way or medium used when creating an abstract masterpiece. Many artist will use a combination of materials when creating their masterpieces, and there are some artist that prefer working with a single medium.  

Here the posts will be about abstract art, there will be no limitations to specific genres. The posts will discuss paintings, plop art, sculptures, metal art and more. Abstract art has even transcended from the normal physical mediums to now include written works, both musical and non musical. Poets and other writers, past and present, have endeavored to share with us their own form of art, and musicians such as Moby and the Blueman Group are renowned present day artist.  

Welcome to AbstractSK Art! Enjoy…my own abstract art form!