Art that does not rely on the representation of objects of the physical or natural world is called abstract art. At first glance, this definition may seem negative, but this is how abstract art works: it peels off the extraneous and embraces the innate. This type of art denotes a free, and significant, departure from representational art, and is an uninhibited celebration of creativity. Therefore, it is subjective. Its emphasis is on the unmanifest rather than the manifest. Seen from the wider perspective, it can be understood to be an impressive medium to glorify the one principle of spirituality underlying existence itself. However, this does not mean that it aims at obscurity, because, like all good art, it generally has a message to convey. The extent to which such a message is perceived depends on a number of factors, one of which is initiation into this form of art. Abstract artists may work on two extremes, exaggeration or simplification. They may either exaggerate or simplify the essence of their observation of the world. Interestingly, although the art creatively rids itself of mere representation of the observed world, it generally demands, and is a result of, keen observation. Moreover, it may not always be pleasing to the eye, or to the senses, and may evoke the darker side of human sensitivity. Appreciation of abstract art demands skill and experience. To appreciate a work of abstract art, context should never be lost sight of. Most of the time, it is also important to know something about the artist who created it. Being aware of the "dominant" school of art in a particular time period also helps, for the artist can hardly help being influenced by the society, culture, and environment of his or her times. Finally, it should be remembered that, on the one hand, what is seen on the canvas may not at all reflect what was on the artist's mind when putting the paintbrush on it; on the other, it may reflect more than what was desired by the artist. |
