Abstract Art Explained
November 24, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
How can something that represents nothing in particular be so eye-catching to look at? If you have once said, “That is easy to paint…who would pay that significant amount of money for something that doesn’t even relate to anything?” then chances are you do not appreciate what Abstract Art really is. When looking at Abstract Art, you are seeing the most freely formed type of artwork an artist can create.
You would think that when looking at art that is non-representational, it would be less interesting to view as you do not know what the artist is truly trying to depict in his or her artwork. This is where the beauty of Abstract Art comes about. This type of art is meant to grab your attention and pull an emotional response right from within you. Once you see that part of the painting…the part that keeps you drawn in, keep your mind thinking, it is then when you know you are analyzing something special…something called Abstract Art.
So what grabs your attention when seeing this particular piece of art? Well let’s think…what gets your attention in any circumstance? Why is a stop sign bright red? That’s right…Abstract Art, in most circumstances, is filled with colors of all sorts that are meant to turn heads. This characteristic, along with others such as the paintings texture and other elements, are what make this form of art one of the most popular styles collected today. The creativity involved with these pieces of art bring upon a new imagination that some viewers didn’t know existed within them. This art is from the heart and soul, instead of what you see is what you get. With that being said, you can now see that Abstract Art is more than just a thoughtless mess put on a canvas.
While viewing the work of a very talented artist, Osnat Tzadok, I came across a quote of hers that states… “Every time I pass near a blank canvas I feel something explode inside of me. It is not something I can explain or pass on to someone else…but it is, always, a beginning of a new creation”. This quote of Osnat’s perfectly portrays what we, the viewers, should feel when viewing an artist’s abstract creation. Just as an artist gets this “explosion” that Osnat speaks of, we receive the same feeling when looking at their piece if we truly appreciate Abstract Art. The beauty of non-representational art is that we can create the story within the painting. We can ask ourselves, “Why do these colors interact with each other?” or “What does this symbolize?”…. and with those questions our imagination brings about answers. Sure, representational art is still beautiful in its own way, but the artist already has revealed what they want you to see.
In conclusion, everything in life is going to have its pro’s and con’s, its likes and dislikes. Some people may love Abstract Art, while others may think of it as a talentless display of art. Its way of breaking away from the representation of physical objects is what makes it different than any other kind of artwork. In ways, it shows a different side of an artist…it shows emotions that come from inside that are shown using different colors and textures. Different shapes and forms. Abstract Art allows artists to let their creativity go free without having to worry about straight lines or perfect shapes. Their creativity allows them to take nothing and turn it into something. Not only something, but something that is pleasing to others which is a talent beyond itself.
http://www.OsnatFineArt.com
Mystical Abstract Art
September 8, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
When attempts have been made to describe a work of abstract art many people have used words like “feelings”, “emotions”, and “soul”. I think these words are clues to what is actually happening within both the viewer and the artist.
The world of art and the environment of the mystical go back a long way together with many facets in common with one another – one being that they both seek to look into a deep unknown – and then seek to manifest it into this physical world by one means or another.
Therefore it is understandable that a non-representational picture can be difficult to comment on. The viewer might be “moved” by the artwork, but they may not really know why. I believe it has something to do with their sleeping soul being gently (or violently) shaken into a specific awareness. The earthy physical body may have very little understanding as to what might be happening, so they are left to struggle in explaining a spiritual concept from a physical point of view.
However, as an artist who has acquired (and lives by) a little understanding of certain spiritual aspects, here are my offerings of what I believe happens when a viewer comes across a mystical abstract painting.
In order to do that I want to present the whole episode from all aspects:
The Spirit
One of the Spirit’s major intentions is to bring spiritual understanding into the physical realm. One way to do that is to enter time and manifest a potential opportunity for a receptive body. That receptive body can either be the person being offered the opportunity – or the messenger of it. If they are the messenger then there are many ways in which that message can be put across … and one of them is by producing a provocative illustration or allegory in the form of an abstract painting.
The Messenger
… Or Artist in this case … Or more specifically an artist who is prone to take note of their own inner enigmatic visuals. Once inspired the artist then sets about translating these visions into a personal style of depiction. I think it is quite probable that many an artist will be unconscious of what exactly they are putting down upon the canvas … all they might know is that there is an urgent complusion to work with particular colours, or in a specific style.
The Art
A personalized manifestation of the inner visuals … portrayed on board or canvas – or any other handy appropriate medium at the time. The artist lets the visual take shape in their mind and allows for interpretation into the physical world … which results in an artwork of surreal allegory, or be-riddled story, or just a simple abstract presentation of specific colours or shapes. Each element of the art will include (or be) a potential key ready to allow the appropriate viewer entrance into its intriguing yet creative environment.
The Viewer
A receptive observer viewing the art may initially have an indefinable affinity with it. They are perhaps first emotionally drawn to the image before them. And as their thoughts begin to trigger other thoughts, gradual realizations start to become apparent … gaining strength until they acquire a personal creative understanding seen only by themselves but which may eventually involve others who come into contact with them.
The Gift
The originally unknown vision now begins to unfold its truth within the receptive viewer. This can be in many guises … a simple affirmation … a personal revelation … a specific spiritual, mental, or inner encouragement … an energizing edification for a hungry or floundering soul … offering a sense of contentment within a challenging situation … This gift can be as simple or as complicated as is required for the viewer. Its influence can be timeless – remaining relevant over a period of days, weeks, months, or years.
So the next time you seek to produce a piece of art or decide to visit a gallery do not hesitate or dwell upon any lack within you … rather open your eyes (after all they are supposed to be the windows of the body) and prepare yourself to either see in order to create – or see in order to receive.