Abstract art is a concept in art as is Figurative art. However, an abstract painting that has nothing to do with reality and is one that does not necessarily remind us of anything that exists in «reality». Not even in surrealism, where there are things not seen in reality but when painted they are identifiable, thus it is not abstract art.
However, there are many paintings that purposely mix an abstract background with a figurative element. Those paintings are not abstract. They may be symbolic, surrealistic, expressionistic, but once they incorporate an element that is easily recognisable, although disfigured, the painting is figurative. Here is an example:
Abstract art cannot take us, visually, to any place real or recognisable as things relative to daily life. Abstract art is like the many abstracts all around us, like music, especially classical music and jazz. Abstract art has to do with the pure essence of «things» like colours, lines and geometric figures. Finally abstract art revolves around the many abstract concepts that surround us, like love, truth, energy et al…
Abstract art has much to do with sounds, with silence, with emotions, with feelings and with the meanings that colours have for us. For example, the colour green evokes many thoughts and emotions, as do all colours. Geometric figures as well. These forms and figures, as well as colours, impress upon our psyche and leads us to memories…
However, one important item to consider and to remember is that abstract art is not created randomly or intuitively. To paint an abstract work the artist faces the same problems as if he were painting a figurative work. The challenges are: colour, forms, composition, style, size and most importantly, the message, the language of that this piece will speak to the observer. Simply dripping paint, splashing paint or spreading it with brush strokes upon a canvas does not create abstract art.
Abstract art must…and all good ones do…have a reference. The difficulty, for the artist, is that the reference is internal. For example, landscape painters use an external, and clearly identifiable reference, as do portrait artists. However, abstract artists must define their reference from within their mind, their thoughts, their imagination. That reference must remain clear and evident throughout the process of creating the painting. The rules of art are there to guide and to allow for greater creativity and must be observed.
Now we’ve many forms of abstract art. Most were developed at the beginning of the XX C. and some later on, like «abstract expressionism», you know the drippings that Jackson Pollock brought to the limelight. Some of the most famous abstract artists are Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, Fernando Zóbel, José Guerrero and others you might want to look up and research.
For me, abstract art is a challenge, as is figurative. Since I began my professional career in art I have focused primarily on figurative art. Yet, I have always had an interest in the abstract, maybe because of my love of classical music and Jazz (American Classical Music), so I have always tried to incorporate abstractions into my figurative work. It wasn’t until 2017 that I resolved to exhibit a pure abstract work and I did and it made it to the MoMa in New York City. Here is the painting that was exhibited as part of a video exhibition of abstract art back in 2018.
Well, I know that many of you are artists, and many more art collectors and just lovers of art, so I ask, what is abstract art to you? What do you see, what do you experience when standing before a purely abstract work (now that you know the definition)? Please let me know.
Cheers…
JaZzArt en València 
I can’t answer your question Francesc, but you’ve answered a few of mine in this super post
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Thank you 😊 Malc. It’s more or less a rhetorical question, especially for people like you who love art.
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You’ve taught me so much Francesc 🙂
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We are all learning and we’ll continue my friend. I know you’re an art lover because you are an artist, only someone with an artist eye can make such amazing photography! You’ve taught me a lot too, especially about your country which I love. Cheers mate and Happy Weekend!
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Thank you so much for that comment Francesc. It means a lot. Have a great weekend yourself 🙂
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👍🏻
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I experience a moment of deep thought. Searching for what I see in the art. I eventually find the image in the thoughts and emotions evoked by the work. It may be exactly what the artist intended or it may not. Luckily, either is right.
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You are right Brad, because the artist uses his internal reference to create the piece, but since the piece is abstract, it bears no relation to «reality» so it becomes a tabula rasa for the observer and each one of us may see something different. Thank you my friend.
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what a wonderful explanation of abstract art from one who knows, understands and creates it firsthand. wonderful
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Thank you 😊 so much Beth!
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Sorry. Rube that I am, I enjoy especially an abstract (by your clarification) work that immediately makes me consider something tangible. It’s not representational, sure, but a really good abstract hits me with more depth than many traditional paintings, with or without an artist’s title suggesting subject matter. As always an excellent post, sterling education, and a pleasure to reads. Off now to stack firewood. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you Espie and I must say I feel the same way about good abstract art but lamentably I rarely come across one that really engages me that I would like to see it and come back to it. But there are and that’s what makes abstract art for me interesting and a learning experience. Well my friend firewood is important but don’t work too hard, you want to have energy to lift that glass of vino 🍷. All the best to you!
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Before I looked at the name of this piece for example I saw two representatives of freedom in my life – trees and pastures and on the other side both water and sky also bringing thoughts of freedom and pleasure. In the middle I saw a cautionary boundary between the two, a passionate warning that was pretty emphatic. What a helpful and lovely post and congratulations on showing this piece in NYC. It is a beautiful piece. Hugs to you two. 🤗🦋
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What a lovely and mystical image came to you Joni, I am so glad to hear. And thank you so much. In these days when the world again is beating the drums of war it is important for our minds to reflect upon beauty, love and peace, peace not like the world offers, but from the will of God.
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You are so right Francis. It is only God that truly brings us true love, safety and blessings. All in His time. Please give that sweetheart of yours a great big hug for me and lots of love to you both. 🤗❤️🦋
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Thank you Joni, and will do! Same to you both! ❤🌹😊
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