Abstract artist

Abstract Artist

An abstract artist is a visual artist who uses a non-representational style, which may be characterized by non-objective imagery, in "non-reality" based work. Abstract artists work to different degrees of abstraction, from slight, partial, or moderate abstraction, to total, absolute, or complete abstraction. Artists like Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock are notable examples of abstract artists.

History

The term "abstract art" was first used in the early 20th century as a reaction to the realism of artists such as Edouard Manet. The movement was led by the Russian avant-garde and was also influenced by Cubism, the geometric abstraction of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, and the severe, machine aesthetic of Constructivism.

Techniques

Abstract artists often use color, shape, and form to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world. They may use methods including, but not limited to, collage, painting, sculpture, and cinema. The emphasis in abstract art is often on process, on the action of creating the artwork itself.

Notable Abstract Artists

• Wassily Kandinsky: Often credited as the pioneer of European abstract art.
• Piet Mondrian: Known for his iconic abstract works featuring primary colors and straight lines.
• Jackson Pollock: Famous for his "drip paintings," which he created by dripping or throwing paint onto a canvas.

See Also

• Abstract Expressionism
• Cubism
• Constructivism (art)
• Visual Arts