What is geometric abstraction?
Q: What is geometric abstraction?
A: Geometric abstraction is a form of abstract art based on the use of geometric forms in non-representational compositions. It does not depict our everyday visual world, but instead uses shapes from basic geometry.
Q: Who are some pioneers of this type of art?
A: Some pioneers of geometric abstraction include Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian.
Q: How has it been used historically?
A: Geometric abstraction has been used throughout history as decorative motifs and as art pieces themselves. Islamic art, which prohibits depicting religious figures, is an example of pattern-based art that existed centuries before the modern movement in Europe. Geometric patterns were also often used in Islamic architecture to connect spirituality with science and art.
Q: How does abstract art relate to music?
A: Abstract art has historically been likened to music in its ability to convey emotional or expressive feelings and ideas without reliance upon or reference to recognizable objective forms already existent in reality. Wassily Kandinsky discussed this connection between music and painting at length in his essay Concerning the Spiritual in Art.
Q: What is expressionist abstract painting?
A: Expressionist abstract painting is a type of abstract painting practiced by artists such as Jackson Pollock that is the opposite of geometric abstraction.
Q: Who are some prominent artists who have worked extensively with geometric abstraction?
A: Prominent artists who have worked extensively with geometric abstraction include Josef Albers, Theo van Doesburg, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, Barnett Newman, Kenneth Noland, Bridget Riley, Alexander Rodchenko, Sophie Taeuber-Arp among others.
