Understanding Abstract Art

Understanding Abstract Art

Abstract art can be challenging to understand for people new to art appreciation.

This is something we at DOVA Collective often hear from people who visit our gallery for the first time. But before we attempt to unravel some of these challenges it is worth considering what is abstract art.

Abstract art is a style of art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but rather focuses on shapes, colours, lines, and textures to create a visual language that is open to the viewer's own interpretation. It is up to the viewer to create meaning and understanding from the formal elements presented. Some of the greatest abstract artists include Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Mark Rothko, Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock and Joan Mitchell just to name a few.

Other types of art, such as realistic art, figurative art, and representational art, attempt to depict recognisable objects, people, or scenes from the physical world around us, and although these types of art may also require some interpretation from the viewer, they often rely more heavily on the artist's intent to convey a specific message, story or scene.

To help the viewer to better understand and appreciate abstract art, the viewer can consider some of the points highlighted below.

• Look closely: Spend some time studying the artwork and try to identify its various elements, such as colours, shapes, and lines. Notice how they interact with each other and how they make you feel and react to the artwork.
• Consider the artist's intent: Read about the artist's motivations and try to understand their creative process. This can give you insight into the artwork's meaning and significance.
• Don't worry about finding a concrete meaning: Unlike representational art, abstract art is not meant to be a literal representation of anything. Instead, it is open to interpretation, so don't worry if you can't find a specific meaning or message.
• Pay attention to your own reaction: Art is meant to be experienced, so pay attention to your own emotional response to the artwork. Do you feel calm or energised? Do you feel confused or inspired? Your own reaction is just as valid as anyone else's.
• Explore different styles: There are many different styles of abstract art, each with its own unique characteristics, find the ones that resonate the strongest with yourself and explore these styles further.
• Everyone will have a different reaction and will see and feel different things, there is no right or wrong answer, it's all about how each viewer experiences the artwork.
• When I visit an art gallery with abstract art I will often find the one that evokes the strongest feeling or keeps drawing my eyes to it. I will then go back to that one, spend more time looking at it, I will look close up, I will look further away and will then keep looking, exploring how it is making me feel, what is my emotional response, what it is trying to tell me, and what journey does it wants to take me on.

Remember that understanding and appreciating abstract art is a subjective experience, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Keep an open mind, be patient, and allow yourself to be immersed in the artwork, and you may discover a new appreciation for this fascinating art form.

DOVA Collective