History of Abstract Art

It isn't easy to pinpoint the exact date of origin of the abstract paintings at this movement. No one in history has named the first abstract painting or even a 'founding father' of this style because, by the beginning of the 20th century, there were plenty of abstract pictures in some way.  

For example, one of the most prominent art pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian painter, is considered one of the earliest purely abstract paintings. However, experts argue that one can find the origin of abstract arts even in the works of James McNeill Whistler and Claude Monet.   

Abstract art became much more prominent in the traumatic era of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. When the entire generation was depressed due to the war and harsh reality, artists turned to abstract artwork to express their emotions more precisely. Abstract paintings focus on the subconscious way of creating, by emphasizing the feelings, mood, and detachment from reality, rather than focusing on traditional techniques and an artistic set of rules.  

Abstract Art vs. Reality 

According to experts, abstract paintings' two main prominent golden eras are between 1912-1925, then 1947-1970. People in these golden eras went through several horrific events, such as The Great Depression due to World War I and World War II. In light of such pain, desolation, and human suffering, artists found it increasingly challenging to depict their surroundings realistically. Thus, they reached for abstraction, which helped them distance themselves from the misery around them and convey their principles, emotions, beliefs precisely. In a way, an abstract is how one escapes the negative emotions and materialistic world around them, without interacting with the source of the pain and directly. The people viewing abstract art focuses on the broader picture and the emotions and concepts tied to where they currently live without worrying and thinking about reality.

When it seems impossible to face reality, artists turn to abstract art to find peace with themselves and the events that plague and jeopardize the normalcy in our world. 

Denise Marie stoot has the best professional artist studio in Colorado. She creates commendable spiritually infused abstracts, landscapes, and bright, colorful paintings inspired by the energy of nature. She deeply cares about the well-being of the planet, the mysteries of nature, and the well-being of the human world. Her brilliant art pieces will enable you to introspect by leaving negative emotions aside.