Style Guide: Abstract Art
Abstractionism is a non-objective direction in art, in which artists abandon a realistic image.
What influenced the emergence of the style?
Changes prevailing in the pre-revolutionary society. People were tired of traditional things in art and life. They wanted something new. If you look at the emergence of abstract art from the point of view of politics, it is like extremism in the art world.
The process of stratification of cubism, futurism, and expressionism in 1910. The characteristic features of abstractionism are innovative color solutions, bold shapes and lines. We owe the emergence of this art trend to Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Robert Delaunay.
The starting point was precisely the year 1910, the period when Kandinsky painted his first abstract painting. He drew inspiration for his work from the theosophical writings of Helena Blavatsky and Rudolf Steiner.
Directions of abstraction
Abstract art can be roughly divided into 2 directions:
- Geometric abstraction. Its figures are clearly outlined. This can be seen in the works by Mondrian.
- Lyrical abstraction. Here the forms flow freely, as in the works by Kandinsky.
Abstract art in modern design
Graphic design is an abstract embodiment of meaning. This can be seen in many corporate logos. Designers lay an abstract idea, and people perceive this information through their own associations. Advertising also boldly uses the associative array of abstract art, building connections between the customers and the characteristics of the product.
The ideas of abstractionism are used in
- Innovative business
- Graphic design
- Illustrations (covers of books, magazines, music albums, postcards, etc.)
- Products and goods for young people (clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes, etc.)
- Interior and architectural solutions
Overall, abstraction emphasizes everything that is innovative and new, evoking certain images in the minds of those for whom it is designed. For this reason, it is much more than a popular form of art; it is a powerful tool that is used in design for a great variety of purposes.