Presentation of the Movements – Abstraction

The beginning of the abstract art adventure was recorded in 1910. This date refers to a watercolor by Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944). It is considered to be his first abstract watercolor. A hypothesis is made about the intended use or the subsequent decision to create an oil on canvas from this sketch. 

  The Development of Principles 

Like any artistic innovation, such a change in style is only possible through a slow and deliberate evolution, influenced by previous revolutions. In the case of abstraction, it was Fauvism and Cubism that allowed the development of these forms without narrative representation. Abstract artists, before finding their path to fulfillment, also, in most cases, began with a figurative approach. 

This time, geometric or stylized forms are an end in themselves and are not subordinate to other elements. This is abstraction for Abstraction's sake. Moreover, the early 20th century was a time of great scientific discoveries, such as Albert Einstein's (1879-1955) theory of relativity and quantum physics. The latter was developed with the help of several great physicists, including Max Planck (1858-1947) and Albert Einstein. 

These major achievements demonstrate the extent of what we lack knowledge about. They give concrete expression to the quotes of the philosophers Confucius : “True knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance” and Socrates : “The first knowledge is the knowledge of one's ignorance: this is the beginning of intelligence”. Thus, each Abstractionist artist has their own visions of the abstract. Each viewer can see in them a reflection of their ideologies or history, or adhere to the vision of the artist who conceived the work.  

Founding Fathers 

• Lyrical Abstraction

Vassily Kandinsky is, in his approach to abstraction, the precursor of lyrical abstraction. He suffered from synesthesia, the confusion of several senses, in this case hearing and sight. The ambivalence of the senses is evident in the names he gave his works. The artist played with colors and black lines to give speed and a certain dynamism to his compositions. The emphasis was placed on freedom of thought and the demonstration of emotions. 

• Geometric Abstraction

Piet Mondrian (1872-1944) was a follower of theosophy. This school of thought, developed in the 19th century, advocated the contemplation of the universe and aimed to achieve a profound understanding of spiritual or divine truths. The soul must detach itself from earthly contingencies. 

The figure on the left and the two tulips on its shoulders symbolize the earthly world; the figure on the right, with the two stars, symbolizes the celestial world. The central figure is a fulfilled soul entering the celestial realm.

Here, the artist begins his journey into geometric abstraction. Vertical and horizontal forms begin to emerge through the branches and trunk of the tree.

In abstraction, you have to look at the details to see the artistic evolution of a painter. In his mature works, Mondrian developed his Tableau 2 module and used only the three primary colours. Here, he decided not to enclose the colour red horizontally. For the artist, verticality refers to the universe, while horizontality refers to the laws of nature.

• Suprematism

Kasimir Malevich (1879-1935) invented the principle of Suprematism in 1915, which he explained in his pamphlet From Cubism and Futurism to Suprematism: A New Pictorial Realism. Thus, Suprematism is an aesthetic centered on pure form, free from external context. Form is the dominant element, while color becomes an autonomous element, used solely for its own sake. 

Branches of Abstraction 

• Orphism

Robert Delaunay (1885-1941) is considered the father of Orphism. His wife, Sonia Delaunay (1885-1979), was also part of this movement. It is marked by the dominance of color, total abstraction, movement, and dynamism rendered by colored circles. The principle of simultaneity remains a key element of the movement. Inspired by Chevreul's work on the Law of Simultaneous Color Contrast, simultaneity combines complementary colors to generate intense optical contrasts. 

• Abstract Expressionism

This movement emerged in New York, United States, in the 1940s. It is also known as the New York School. Two strands emerged from this movement: Action Painting with Jackson Pollock and Colorfield Painting with Mark Rothko, for example. 

Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) developed the dripping technique. This technique involves dripping or projecting paint onto a horizontal canvas. This requires the artist to use precise movements. 

Colorfield painting emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. This branch of Abstract Expressionism departed from the religious, emotional, and spiritual aspirations that were present in the movement. "Color field painters," like Action Painting, focused more on the relationship between the artist's gestures and the work. 

• Op Art and Minimalism

Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) is considered the father of Optical Art. His approach to abstract art was profoundly scientific. Moreover, he did not limit himself to canvas and created monumental works. Op Art involves utilizing the properties of the human eye and creating an impression of depth and movement through optical illusions. 

Minimalist artists such as Frank Stella (1936-2024), Donald Judd (1928-1994), Carl André (1935-2024), and Dan Flavin (1933-1996) focused on simplicity. Colors were muted, shapes more rectilinear. The idea was to represent clear forms. This movement contrasted with Abstract Expressionism. Indeed, the artist did not seek to give meaning to his work, but rather to make it accessible to read. Emphasizing the materials rather than the artist's work. 

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