The term "abstract art" refers to works of art that do not represent objects or events in the real world but instead use shape, color, and form to create a visual language of their own. The spelling of the word "abstract" is pronounced /ˈæb.strækt/ and the IPA phonetic transcription is "ab-strakt." It is a combination of the prefix "ab-" which means "away" or "from" and the word "stract" which means "drawn." When put together, the word "abstract" literally means "drawn away from."
Abstract art is a form of creative expression that is characterized by its departure from representing recognizable forms or objects found in objective reality. It is a visual representation of an idea, emotion, or concept that relies heavily on the use of color, line, shape, and form. In abstract art, the focus is shifted away from the external world and toward the artist's imagination, allowing for a subjective interpretation by the viewer.
Abstract art can take a variety of forms, ranging from geometric abstractions with simple, precise shapes and lines to expressive abstractions that emphasize emotion and gesture. In this art form, the emphasis is placed on the artist's unique vision and their ability to convey it through non-representational means.
The origins of abstract art can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Kazimir Malevich pioneering the movement. These artists sought to break free from the constraints of traditional art, exploring new ways to create visual representations that captured the essence of an idea or feeling.
Abstract art allows for a wide range of interpretations and can evoke different emotions or moods depending on the viewer's perspective. It encourages open-mindedness and imagination, inviting the viewer to explore their own thoughts and senses rather than conforming to predetermined meanings. Abstract art can be found in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art, making it a versatile and constantly evolving form of artistic expression.
The word "abstract" comes from the Latin word "abstractus", which means "drawn away" or "separated". It can be traced back to the verb "abstrahere", composed of "ab" (away) and "trahere" (draw), which refers to the action of withdrawing something from something else.
The term "abstract art" itself emerged in the early 20th century, particularly around 1910-1915, as a label for a new artistic movement that focused on non-representational and non-objective forms of expression. It was primarily used to describe art that departed from traditional representation of the physical world, instead emphasizing the use of colors, shapes, lines, and forms to convey emotions, ideas, and concepts. The term has since become widely recognized and used to categorize a variety of artistic styles and approaches that prioritize abstraction over figurative representation.