Abstract Canvas Paintings
Abstract canvas paintings add style, drama and atmosphere in any room. Part of the attraction of course, is that everyone gets a chance to interpret it their own way.
Definition
A portrait or still life painter makes a copy of the object before their eyes. The abstract artist, on the other hand, tries to capture feelings or concepts. This is conveyed using juxtaposition and symbolism. It is up to the viewer to unearth its meaning.
Cubism
Cubism tries to capture or express the subject using different angles and viewpoints simultaneously. This artistic movement took form from 1908-12, thanks to the works of Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” is one of the finest representations of cubism.
Expressionism
This art form became well known during the early years of the 20th century. The term is a broad one. But in general, expressionism is about mood and emotions. They are expressed by the interplay of brush strokes, colors, shadow, shade etc.
More than likeness, the expressionist artist strives to capture concepts and feelings. The works of Vincent Van Gogh and Edvard Munch are fine examples.
Dadaism
No discussion of abstract canvas paintings would be complete without discussing Dadaism. Dadaism or Dada was an art movement protesting WWI.
It flourished around 1916-22. Its nihilistic philosophy was captured in the arts. It declared that traditional art was no longer capable of communicating with people. The Dada artists helped start the surrealist artistic movement in the 1920s and 30s.
Surrealism
During the 1920s and 30s, surrealism became popular in the US and Europe. During this period, surrealism employed Freudian symbols and ideas. Free association was also used. The philosophy of surrealism is that art is best expressed from the subconscious mind.
Abstract-Expressionism and Beyond
Abstract-expressionism emerged during the 1950s, and it totally eliminated the figurative. This artistic movement deals with paint application and color. Artists who helped popularize it include Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
Other types of painting styles emerged, including minimalism. Minimalism focuses on lines, shapes and the more fundamental aspects of art. The pop artists use their artwork to convey their feelings about culture and society around them.
The world of abstract canvas paintings continues to evolve. Increased use of digital painting techniques and computer programs has produced digital abstract artists. Although the painting methods may differ, the goal of abstract artists remains the same: to express ideas in symbolic ways.
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