Non-objective art, also known as non-representational art, is art that does not represent or depict any identifiable person, place, or thing. It is a style where the artwork's content is not derived from external reality or visual appearances that we can readily recognize.
Defining Non-Objective Art
Based on the core definition, non-objective art breaks away entirely from the tradition of depicting the physical world. Instead of illustrating objects, people, or scenes, the artwork stands on its own terms, relying solely on the elements of art for its impact and meaning.
- Alternative Name: It is also commonly referred to as non-representational art.
- What it is NOT: It does not attempt to look like or symbolize anything from the observable world.
The Content of Non-Objective Art
Since non-objective art deliberately avoids depicting recognizable subjects, its essence and meaning come from the formal elements of art itself.
The primary content of the work is its color, shapes, texture, size, and scale. These elements are manipulated by the artist to create visual experiences, evoke emotions, or explore abstract concepts, rather than telling a story or illustrating a subject.
Key Elements
- Color: Hues, saturation, value, and their relationships.
- Shapes: Geometric or organic forms.
- Texture: The perceived surface quality of the work.
- Size and Scale: The physical dimensions of the artwork and its components.
These elements are arranged and composed to create the artwork's visual language, independent of external references.
Examples of Non-Objective Art
A well-known example of non-objective art is Color-field painting. This style, popularized by artists like Mark Rothko, often features large areas of flat color that are meant to evoke contemplation or emotional responses purely through their presence and interaction.
| Art Style | Represents Recognizable Objects? | Content Focus | Example Artist (from reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Objective | No | Color, Shapes, Texture, Size, Scale | Mark Rothko |
| Representational | Yes | People, Places, Things, Scenes from reality | (Not applicable to this style) |
Other movements or artists associated with non-objective principles include certain forms of abstract expressionism, suprematism, and constructivism, all of which explored pure abstraction separate from representation.
Non-objective art challenges viewers to engage with the artwork on a purely visual and sensory level, appreciating the composition, color relationships, and form for their inherent qualities rather than what they represent.
