Appreciating Abstract Art
Original Acrylic Relief Painting by Paul Maxwell, 1981
If there is any art form that people have the most difficulty understanding today, it is abstract art. It can be easy enough to view a still life, landscape painting, or portrait and appreciate the skill of its composition and the beauty and meaning it offers. On the other hand, the significance of abstract art seems to be hard to pin down. Appreciating abstract art is possible, however, when you understand a little more about it.
What Does It Mean?
After a lifetime of seeing visual art depicting objects, you might naturally ask about abstract art, “What is it?” Knowing the skill and talent it takes to draw a realistic image, people may think that abstract paint strokes may look childish. In addition, you might ask, “What is it about?” or “What does it mean?” Unlike paintings depicting historical, religious, realistic or mythological scenes, abstract paintings appear to have no meaning.
The answer the painting itself gives is not necessarily so much about what it is, but about how you interpret it. Like instrumental music, abstract art speaks without words and leaves itself open to a subjective interpretation by the individual. The “meaning” is in the eye of the beholder!
Seeing the Structure
Sometimes, at first glance, abstract art might look amateurish and childish. But with a little background knowledge, a closer look might leave you appreciating abstract art like never before. Artists who practice this style are incredibly talented and can create realistic works if they wanted to. Instead of applying the elements of design to concrete depictions, though, they apply them in a purer form. Taking a closer look at an abstract composition, you might begin to see a mastery of composition of line, color, form, texture, and shape.
Entering a Conversation
At the end of the day, all works of art represent the view of the artist. However, ultimately the opinion of the viewer is what counts. How does the work strike you, and what is your response?
Explore Abstract Art
If you are looking to bring more abstract art into your life, Zimmerman Limited Editions features an online gallery and a physical gallery in Baltimore, Maryland! Come and visit today!
Contact Zimmerman Fine Art Today!
Since 1979 Zimmerman Editions Ltd. has worked closely with many internationally acclaimed artists to execute editions of their most unique images. Collaborating directly with the artists, Zimmerman Editions’ atelier has printed, fabricated, and published many special limited editions of fine art, including both prints and sculptures. All images have been faithfully produced to meet the artists’ most exacting requirements. Many of these high-quality art prints and objets d’art are represented in public and private collections around the world.
If you are a fine art dealer or marketer, or interested in collecting contemporary fine art, contact us today through our short form or our number at 888-484-1850. For more about fine art, keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!