Abstract art isn’t for everyone, and if you feel that splashes of color, wavy lines or random shapes aren’t really art, you’re not alone. However, by understanding a little more about this style of art and the creative processes behind it, it is possible to appreciate it.
Firstly, understand that all abstract art isn’t the same. Many works by famous painters such as Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky are partly abstract, and it’s often easy to make out a vase of flowers, animals or other objects. Part of appreciating abstract paintings is also understanding that just because a painting doesn’t depict anything recognizable, doesn’t mean it’s not good. A canvas of bright colored lines, shapes and splashes is arguably just as beautiful as anything by the Impressionists or the great Dutch masters.
Understanding the artist behind the work is also an effective way to increase your appreciation of abstract art. Once you know a little bit about Kandinsky’s life and background and his artistic beliefs, it’s a lot easier to appreciate his paintings. And when you read about the struggles that Jackson Pollock had, trying to get the public to understand and appreciate his ‘drip paintings’ it may give you more appreciation for his work. Today, both of these men are considered two of the most important abstract painters of all time.
Many abstract works were ahead of their time creatively and stylistically speaking, and it’s also worth understanding what an impact many of these paintings had when they were first shown to the public. Some abstract works are credited with changing the course of modern art, such as Mondrian’s paintings featuring straight lines, bright colors and geometric shapes, which still influence designers and architects today. Abstract works also invite the viewer to interpret them how they like; if a dozen people all look at a piece by Pollock or Miro, they may all see something different.
And one way to really appreciate abstract art is to go and actually see the paintings in a museum, instead of looking at images online. There’s something about looking at art in its appropriate setting that makes it more meaningful and the experience more enjoyable. Seeing abstract works in person also really allows you to appreciate the often huge scale of some works, as well as the vibrant colors, the different types of brushstroke and the layers of paint, all of which contribute to the overall effect.
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