Most of the iconic and renowned abstract paintings from the 20th century continue to impress art lovers. They were the creations of artists who were looking for new ways to produce their works of art. They wanted their art to encompass the changes that the West was going through in technology, science, and philosophy. The name of this genre itself comes from the idea of abstraction or detachment from something.
It was, in a way, a reflection of the desire of the early abstract painters. Their desire was to free their works from all restrictions. In a way, they wanted their imaginations to run wild on the canvas. You’ll come across abstract paintings in a variety of forms and shapes.
They are usually a complete departure from an actual representation of reality. It is an amazingly versatile genre that utilizes shapes, colors, forms, and symbols to create some unique aesthetics. Abstract paintings trigger an emotional response from the viewers in many cases.
Origins
Elements of abstract art can be traced back to the early 19th century. However, it rose to fame through the works of renowned Cubist masters such as Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. Most of the theorists are of the opinion that the year 1910 was when abstract art was born. It began with Wassily Kandinsky creating his celebrated work of art Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor).
It became the first and among the most famous works of abstract art ever painted. Since then, abstract painting has come a long way. It beccame a versatile field of art for the artists to experiment and develop new styles. Helen Frankenthaler’s soak and stain paintings and Jackson Pollock’s innovative dripping technique are a part of this genre.
Here are the three classic abstract paintings that continue to delight art lovers:
1. Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor)
In the year 1910, Wassily Kandinsky became the pioneer of abstract art as a genre. This was because of his work Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor). It set his artworks free from the limitation of subject matter. This work of art by Kandinsky is considered to be the first abstract painting ever created.
It uses vibrant colors as an expression of emotion. This was his purpose behind using colors. He never used them as tools for describing reality faithfully.
2. Tableau I
Eleven years after Wassily Kandinsky created the first abstract painting, Piet Mondrian created Tableau I in 1921. He used thin black lines to separate panels of paint. Mondrian thus created one of the most famous abstract paintings in his own defining style. This painting by the renowned abstract artist was characterized by geometric shapes.
They were aligned in the painting with mathematical precision. This work of art varies greatly from the untamed and expressive paintings created by his predecessors. It was a great inspiration not only for painters and sculptors but also for fashion designers and architects.
3. La mancha roja (The red spot)
This abstract painting created in 1925 by Joan Miro falls somewhere between Abstraction and Surrealism. It represents a playful, childish, and somewhat frightening piece of art. Miro never really saw himself as an abstract artist. He said that he only painted images that were inside his head on what was otherwise an exhausting day.
La mancha roja was based on subconscious feelings of humans. Through this painting, he opened the door for his dreams and visions so that they could enter the canvas.
