Abstract wall art is a piece of artwork intended for display on a wall that does not attempt to accurately portray something from the real world, such as a person, place, or object. Instead, it focuses on using visual elements like lines, colors, and shapes to create a composition that evokes a feeling, sensation, or understanding.
Understanding Abstraction in Art
As defined, abstraction in art typically refers to artwork that does not attempt to portray something in the real world accurately, such as a person, place or thing. This is the fundamental principle behind abstract art. Rather than showing you a literal representation of a landscape or a portrait, abstract art invites you to interpret forms, colors, and textures.
Key characteristics often found in abstract art include:
- Non-representational forms: Avoiding recognizable figures or objects.
- Emphasis on visual elements: Focusing on the interplay of line, shape, color, form, and texture.
- Evocative nature: Aiming to stir emotions, moods, or thoughts through visual means, rather than depicting a narrative scene.
The Purpose and Impact
The goal of abstract art isn't necessarily to show you what something looks like, but to make you feel something or think in a certain way. According to the definition, abstract art instead relies on lines, colors, and shapes to evoke an understanding, a sensation, or a feeling. This makes abstract wall art a powerful tool for setting the mood or adding personality to a space. It can be calming, energetic, mysterious, or thought-provoking, depending on the artist's style and the elements used.
Abstract Art vs. Representational Art
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | Abstract Art | Representational Art |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Matter | Non-recognizable forms | Recognizable persons, places, things |
| Focus | Lines, colors, shapes, textures | Accurate depiction of reality |
| Goal | Evoke feeling, sensation, understanding | Show what something looks like |
Types of Abstract Wall Art
Abstract art encompasses a wide range of styles. Some common types you might find as wall art include:
- Geometric Abstraction: Uses geometric shapes (squares, circles, triangles) and often straight lines to create structured compositions. Think of artists like Piet Mondrian.
- Lyrical Abstraction: Tends to be more fluid and spontaneous, focusing on color and shape to express emotion.
- Gestural Abstraction: Emphasizes the process of creation, often showing brushstrokes, drips, and marks that reflect the artist's movements (like Jackson Pollock).
- Color Field Painting: Focuses on large areas of flat color to create a meditative or emotional effect (like Mark Rothko).
Abstract wall art is simply abstract artwork specifically created or chosen to be hung on a wall. It serves as a decorative element that adds visual interest, color, and a touch of artistic expression to interior spaces without being bound by the constraints of realistic representation.
