Latest posts by michael wilson (see all)
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- The Bridge between Painting and Photography - July 31, 2018
Anyone seriously considering an art purchase has probably asked themselves, ‘What is abstract Art’? When did the shift occur from realism to abstraction? Just what is so special about abstract art?
Bending realistic images and painting canvases where there is nothing recognizable was of course a major shift in how we view art. Most agree it essentially began with Cezanne and then truly exploded with the remarkable output of Wasily Kandinsky. Cezanne experimented with bending and refracting landscapes and still lifes but it was Kandinsky which evolved the painting process to make no reference to anything visually known. Entirely new material was manifested. Apparently the art world was ready because he received acceptance and eventually even embraced as a pioneer.
Abstract art takes us away from viewing a specific subject. We are forced to look at something that takes our attention to color relationships, obscure forms and completely different interpretations of style, balance and relationship harmonies. Abstract art begins to feel more like jazz than structured classical ensembles.
Using traditional oil painting techniques abstract artists began to discover the means to express more authentically inner emotions and sub-conscious responses. The outer world became less exciting. The inner world began to be explored and then visually manifested. We now know that the inner world (our essential self) is far more complex and more vast than our limited mental constructs. New emerging psychologies are helping us to understand our relationship to this inner life which ultimately connects us to each other – to humanity. Truly authentic abstract art painted with sensitivity and awareness helps us to bridge over into this new awareness. Connecting us to our inner selves may be abstract arts more endearing qualities.