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Abstract painting is one of the most influential and fascinating art movements of the 20th century. It freed art from traditional forms and methods of representation and opened the way for new, innovative forms of expression. But although abstraction is ubiquitous in the modern art world, in many cases its development can be traced directly back to classical art movements and techniques.
In this blog post, we take a look at how abstract painting offers modern interpretations of classical art and what connections exist between the two.
Abstract painting refers to works of art that break away from the realistic depiction of objects or landscapes. Instead, abstract art focuses on shapes, colors, textures and lines to express feelings, moods or concepts. It deliberately avoids the reproduction of the visible world and asks the viewer to experience the work on an emotional and intellectual level.
Abstract painting has its roots in modernism and was significantly influenced by artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Jackson Pollock and Kazimir Malevich. These artists broke with traditional art styles and looked for new ways to depict the complexity and inner dimensions of human experience.
Although abstract painting was considered radical in its purest form, its origins and developments can be traced back to classical art. Many of the techniques and ideas that later led to the emergence of abstract art are rooted in classical art movements:
The influence of the Impressionists:
The Impressionists, who included artists such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, began to revolutionize the traditional art world. They abandoned exact details and instead focused on light and atmosphere. Their use of quick, loose brushstrokes and focus on the play of light and color are some of the first steps towards abstraction. In a way, the Impressionist movement can be seen as a precursor to abstract painting, as it was already experimenting with depicting feelings and impressions rather than realistic details.
The Expressionists and their emotional depth:
Expressionism, with artists such as Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele, brought the inner world of people into focus. Their works were often characterized by intense colors and distorted shapes that reflected the psychological and emotional states of the figures. Expressionism placed great emphasis on subjective feeling and thus prepared the ground for the development of abstract art, which further separated the depiction of emotions from the real world.
Cubism and the Fragmentation of Reality:
Cubism, especially in the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, is another important precursor to abstract art. Cubist works break the world down into geometric shapes and view it from different perspectives. This fragmentation and restructuring of real objects became a central element of abstract painting, as it opened up the possibility of depicting the world not just from a single perspective, but in an open, fluid space.
So abstract painting has its roots in classical movements and has evolved over the years. But what exactly makes modern abstract art an interpretation of classical art? Here are some characteristics that clearly show the connection between the two:
Change in the perception of form and space:
Classical art has always strived for a clear, realistic representation of form and space. But abstract painting takes these fixed structures and stretches them into new dimensions. Modern abstract works rely on organic forms, flowing lines and unconventional compositions that challenge the classic view of space and form. It is a reinterpretation of the classic rules of perspective and the figure-ground relationship.
Color Psychology and Symbolism:
In classical art, colors were often used to convey certain emotional or symbolic meanings. In abstract art, too, the choice of color remains a central means of expression. Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Mark Rothko experimented intensively with colors and their psychological effects to create feelings and moods that go beyond the mere representation of reality. Thus, in modern abstract painting, color becomes the carrier of symbolism and emotions, similar to many classical works of art.
The search for universal truths:
Surrealism and expressionism sought to depict the subconscious and the emotional, while abstract art went a step further and attempted to capture "universal truths" about human life and nature. Artists such as Kazimir Malevich with his "Black Square" or Mondrian with his "New Picture" sought a universal language that transcended the perception of the real world. In a way, abstract artworks thus offer a modern response to classical aspirations to depict the "true" and the "beautiful."
In the digital age, abstract art has evolved. Artists now use digital tools and software to create their works. These digital media offer new possibilities for composition, texture and color design that classic painting techniques do not allow in the same way. The same principles are at play in digital abstract art: colors, shapes and textures are still crucial elements, but they can now be combined in completely new and unpredictable ways.
Digital art programs offer artists countless variations of colors, brushes, and textures, allowing them to experiment with the traditional representation of abstraction, but without the limitations of real painting. This modern form of abstract art opens up fascinating new dimensions and allows artists to work in ways that would have been unimaginable using classical means .
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Abstract painting has its roots deep in classical art movements, but its evolution shows how art forms can change and be reinterpreted. From the Impressionism movement to Expressionism to Cubism, all of these styles paved the way for abstract art and show how experimenting with form and color can change the perception of reality and emotions.
Today, abstract art lives on in many modern formats, from digital artworks to spatial installations, and remains one of the most exciting and versatile expressions of contemporary art.
For art lovers and collectors, abstract painting offers an opportunity to engage with the world of shapes, colors and emotions on a deeper level – while constantly challenging and redefining one's own perception of the world.
