Until the end of the 18th century, art was representational, meaning it depicted images that were easy to understand. Unlike representational art, abstract paintings express individual emotions abnormally and thus were rejected when first introduced.
Though trends have recently turned, abstract art’s popularity continues to surge through cultural boundaries and generations. However, people fail to realize the importance abstract art has on society.
Many are skeptical about the skill behind abstract paintings. Critics of abstract art have argued that just because something causes a person to have an aesthetic attraction to a piece, that does not make it art. They say if art was simply something aesthetic, then that would include naturally occurring things such as roses in a basin or a drop of dew on a flower, which does not fit the proper definition of art.
Art is, by definition, an expression of human creative skill in the form of a visual compound made to be appreciated by their beauty or emotional impact.
In post WWll society, humanity needed artists to rebuild their destroyed nation. Artistic careers like architecture, fashion designs and industrial designs flourished with their practicality over aesthetic mindset.
Other prevailing artists were able to grasp what was happening to create profound non-representational art. This art helped tap into people’s subconscious by displaying emotional concepts that would not have been easily expressed through representational art. This movement of abstract expressionism explored visual ways of grieving.
People can be attracted to the arts’ abnormal flair and interpret the piece in numerous ways: “I think people are attracted to abstract art because people crave the ambiguous. When something has an unclear meaning, it’s very interesting and people love to try and figure it out,” wrote junior Rory Hartley.
On the other hand, some can be attracted to the simplicity of abstract art. “People like to overcomplicate things, and simple means something different to everyone,” expressed junior Olivia Hoskins, president of Pleasant Valley’s art club.
One of the founding fathers of abstract expressionism, Mark Rothko, capitalized on the simplicity of art to make profound statements. His paintings often included challenging the dimensions of color and playful use of texture to convey pure emotion.
Rothko created paintings to fit into specific rooms that he designed. As a rebel of traditional art, he sought to create a minimalistic view in his paintings to portray a wide range of emotions. During 1993, Rothko created stunning works and valuable shades of colors that are used in the present day.
Abstract art in society has seeped its way into contemporary architecture and other prevalent art-based industries. Some fail to realize abstract art led to art divisions such as minimalism and neo-expressionism, both of which are typically seen in the interior design of houses.
Nowadays, abstract art has become the forefront of numerous designs across different globes. This versatility of abstract art has made it a valuable and integral part of the diverse art landscape.
