Understanding Abstract Art

Art has the remarkable ability to transcend the boundaries of the tangible world, allowing us to connect with emotions, thoughts, and experiences beyond the confines of realism. Among the various forms of artistic expression, abstract art stands out as a captivating and intriguing genre. In this blog, we will delve into the realm of abstraction and also explore how to best go about purchasing abstract paintings in Dubai.

What is Abstract Art?

Abstract art is a form of artistic representation that diverges from depicting reality in a literal sense. Instead of representing recognizable objects or figures, abstract work emphasizes the use of color, shape, line, and form to evoke emotions, express ideas, and engage the viewer's imagination. Abstract artists seek to move beyond the surface level, tapping into the subconscious and exploring the inner depths of the human experience. Although some abstract paintings do contain vague references to real-world elements, on the whole, abstract artists are not concerned with the accurate depiction of reality.

Abstract paintings suit modern interiors perfectly due to their ability to evoke emotion and create a unique visual experience. In an era where minimalism and clean lines dominate interior design, abstract artwork serves as a captivating focal point, adding depth and intrigue to a space. The non-representational nature of abstract artwork allows for interpretation and personal connection, making it versatile and appealing to a wide range of individuals. The bold colors, dynamic shapes, and expressive brushstrokes of abstract artwork infuse energy and vitality into modern spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Indeed, abstract pieces can make for great conversation starters during parties or gatherings. Since abstract artwork is open to interpretation, two people may have two very different perspectives on the same piece. Discussing different takes on an art piece can make for engaging and enlightening conversations.

Famous Abstract Artworks

Composition X by Wassily Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract painting, believed that colors and shapes possessed their own inherent meanings and could directly communicate with the viewer's soul. Composition X is a masterpiece that exemplifies his profound understanding of visual language.

Kandinsky painted Composition X in the year 1939. Upon first glance, Composition X seems to show colorful party favors and confetti strewn against a stark black background. There are several amorphous colorful shapes that seemingly float across this black background, evoking a sense that the viewer is looking at some sort of cosmos. However, upon closer inspection, one notices small symbols such as musical notation and symbols that mimic ancient hieroglyphs in a brown bubble at the upper left corner.  These symbols add some mystery and depth to the painting.

The rich imagery of Composition X means that there are countless ways in which to interpret it. Indeed, abstract artwork is all about personally connecting with a piece rather than establishing a singular and true interpretation. In 1911, Kandinsky published a text known as ‘Concerning the Spiritual in Art’. In this text, he wrote: “Generally speaking, colour directly influences the soul.” He also wrote that “to a sensitive soul, the effect of colours is deeper and intensely moving. They produce a corresponding spiritual vibration…”. Clearly, Kadinsky intended for his audience to have a deep emotional reaction to his work. Hence, the objective is not to debate on a ‘correct’ interpretation of the piece. Instead, one should enjoy and understand the piece in any way that they desire. 

Mountains and Sea by Helen Frankenthaler

Helen Frankenthaler, a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement, is renowned for her innovative techniques and ability to capture the essence of nature's elements. Mountains and Sea is a groundbreaking work that showcases her unique approach to painting.

Created in 1952, Mountains and Sea is the first painting where Frankenthaler employs her famous soak-stain technique. This technique involved thinning down the paint using kerosene or turpentine until it became the consistency of watercolor. She would lay an unprimed canvas flat on the floor and then pour the paint mixture directly on top of it. This thinned-down paint mixture would seep into the weave of the canvas and leave behind a beautiful soft stain. Occasionally, Frankenthaler would manipulate the paint after pouring it onto the canvas using sponges, rollers, or brushes.

When creating Mountains and Sea, Frankenthaler took inspiration from her recent vacation to Nova Scotia. Although this painting is not an exact realistic portrayal of the scenic Nova Scotia landscape, it is an abstract interpretation of nature scenery. The placement of the various colors such as the blues next to the greens evoke images of a stunning coastal landscape, hills, rocks and other natural elements. Indeed, Frankenthaler frequently drew inspiration from nature and many of her works are abstract interpretations of landscapes.  

Buy an Abstract Art Painting in Dubai

If you reside in Dubai and are looking to buy an abstract art painting for your home, you have plenty of options to choose from. Dubai is a booming hub for artists and art collectors alike. There are several art galleries, home décor stores, art exhibitions and art fairs in Dubai where you can browse for the perfect art piece.

Thanks to the internet and technology, however, it is now possible to buy paintings online in Dubai. There are several Dubai-based online art galleries where you can browse artwork from the comfort of your home and have it delivered right to your doorstep. For example, Artezaar.com is a Dubai-based online art gallery that showcases over a 1000 original paintings from across a variety of genres and styles. Moreover, Artezaar.com has an entire collection dedicated to abstract paintings. Click here to view Artezaar.com’s collection of abstract artwork. Artezaar’s website allows you to sort and filter through their artworks based on price, color, theme and medium, making it easier than ever to find a piece that suits your exact tastes. Clearly, choosing to buy paintings online in Dubai offers you a level of convenience that physical art galleries cannot easily match.

Overall, abstract artwork holds the capacity to challenge conventional norms, push boundaries, and ignite the viewer's imagination. Through the extraordinary works of Wassily Kandinsky and Helen Frankenthaler, we witness the expressive potential of this captivating genre. Artworks such as Composition X and Mountains and Sea transport us beyond the realm of objective representation, offering glimpses into the rich tapestry of human emotion, thought, and experience.

By embracing abstraction, artists have created a language that taps into the universal human capacity for introspection and emotional connection. Abstract pieces invite us to break free from the confines of realism, allowing us to explore the depths of our own perception. When you buy an abstract art painting, you are embarking on a journey of introspection and learning.