Art exists in this world since the civilization does. Market is flooded with beautiful and distinguished paintings. These days one can even buy paintings online. If you browse through online art galleries, you can find a wide selection of paintings online. These varieties exist due to evolution of paintings with time. New techniques and ideas were employed in the creations. Initially, only traditional paintings existed but then a group of artists wanted to express their own thoughts and ideas which could relate to the modern society. This led to emergence of modern art in 20th century.
Modern art was devoid of conventional norms and techniques. It illustrated the philosophies which existed during that time. This led to two distinct forms naming abstract art and figurative art. The differences between these two have remained the points of discussion since a long time. You can know about the classification by going through different paintings online.
Though, the variations of both can be traced out as follows:
• “Abstract art” also known as non-representational art gained huge recognition once numerous art movements naming expressionism, impressionism and romantic came into existence. Abstract art then influenced artists throughout the world. It came to be known as a visual language which included different shapes, lines, texture and color. Artists tried to avoid depicting visual references and created illusions of real world. Natural aspects were absent from the painting and a person with no basic knowledge of the kind could not easily relate to it.
Whereas, figurative art includes paintings which are inspired by real world objects. It can be known as a complete opposite of what abstract art is. It has strong references from world around. Though, this art also employs in various shapes, lines, colors and texture. Sometimes, they try to portray the issues of society and sometimes they focus on creating exact imagery of what they see.
• Artists tried to avoid any depiction of figure in abstract art. They gave emphasis on color and believed that it doesn’t matter what the image is, but the colors should be painted in a way as to evoke thoughts and give the painting a meaning and beauty.
While abstraction was quite dominant in the initial period of figurative paintings, artists still gave a detailed and unique style of realism. They used a basic tactic of making people understand abstraction which revolved around same theme.
• Abstract art style actually originated to represent art styles of post-impressionism and symbolism in a different way. They did not want to put in traditional techniques to use. They aimed to disrupt use of easel paintings. Cubism was developed by famous artist Pablo Picasso who incorporated the use of blocks in the paintings. But still, he was against pure abstraction. Cubism seemed like an object was analyzed, broken into pieces and rearranged. Pablo Picasso was against the concept of pure abstraction.
Figurative art was used for expression and avant-grade desire of artists. They believed in giving emphasis to surface objects and impressionists allowed figures to fade. This is why they came to be known as impressionists because they only created an impression of what real world is. Figurative lost its charm initially but revived in contemporary paintings so that they could show anxieties and stress of humans.
• Abstract art gave more emphasis to content than the form and were focused on removing any relatable figures which could carry association to real world. Color was used to evoke emotions into the people and for communication.
When World War II shook the society, realists popularized because they started to depict the society and the humanity which prevailed. This led to emergence of figures even if abstract was dominant and persistent.
• Jackson Pollock was one of the celebrated artists of abstraction. Pollock may have tried to remove realism from his paintings but it is believed that he could have illustrated his subconscious and imagery. It is argued that abstraction could be considered as a visual language and thus are representation.
Figuration was noticed more around 1960s when artists started showcasing upheavals of society.
In modern times, both abstract and figurative paintings are displayed in museums and exhibitions. New artists have great potential and enormous talent and potential. Thus, Indian art paintings are appreciated throughout the world and you can even see a huge collection of paintings online.
