AUTOMATIC DRAWING Meaning and
Definition
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Automatic drawing refers to a creative technique in which artistic images are produced without conscious control or premeditation by the artist. It is a form of spontaneous or subconscious creation, where the artist aims to bypass deliberate thought processes and tap into the realm of the subconscious mind.
In automatic drawing, the artist allows their hand to move freely and intuitively across the canvas or paper, guided by impulses and random gestures. The objective is to suspend rational thought and access the depths of the unconscious, often leading to unexpected and surprising visual expressions. This method of artistic exploration can serve as a means of self-discovery, as it unveils buried emotions, glimpses of the psyche, and ideas that emerge from the depths of one’s being.
The origins of automatic drawing can be traced back to the Surrealist movement of the early 20th century. Artists like André Masson and Joan Miró embraced automatic drawing as both a creative tool and a method to channel the subconscious mind. Over time, the technique has been adopted and expanded upon by various artists in different art movements, including Dadaism, abstract expressionism, and contemporary art.
Automatic drawing challenges the notion of art as a deliberate and calculated process. Instead, it celebrates the spontaneous, the accidental, and the enigmatic, allowing the artist to tap into the mysterious workings of the mind. It serves as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious realms, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human psyche through visual manifestations.
Etymology of AUTOMATIC DRAWING
The word "automatic drawing" is derived from the combination of two distinct terms: "automatic" and "drawing".
The term "automatic" refers to something that operates or occurs without conscious thought or deliberate control. It stems from the Greek word "automatos", meaning "self-moving" or "acting on one's own". It entered the English language in the mid-17th century.
The word "drawing" has its roots in the Old English word "dragan", meaning "to drag, pull". It originally referred to the action of pulling or dragging a marking tool on a surface to create lines or images. It has been used to depict the act of creating pictures since the late 14th century.
When these two terms are combined, "automatic drawing" refers to a creative process where the artist allows their hand to move freely on the page without conscious control, producing spontaneous and often unexpected images.
