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Music and abstract art share an expressive, boundary-pushing quality that allows artists to explore beyond traditional forms. Rhythm and composition—two essential elements in both music and abstract art—create connections that are often reflected in the work of abstract artists, especially those who intentionally draw inspiration from music’s emotional and structural aspects as they paint.
Rhythm in music—whether steady or syncopated—creates an energy that moves through a piece, guiding the listener’s experience. Similarly, abstract artists use rhythm by repeating shapes, colors, and lines to create a sense of flow and movement. These visual rhythms allow you to feel the painting rather than interpret it literally because the painting taps into the same kind of emotional resonance that we find in music.
'Improvisation Deluge' by Wassily Kandinsky, 1913.
Just as a musical composition organizes sound, abstract art also relies on composition to arrange visual elements. Abstract artists often (intentionally or intuitively) mimic musical compositions by arranging colors, shapes, and textures to create a balanced visual experience. The balance of forms can mirror the arrangement of notes in a melody, creating harmony and unity within the work. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky, who famously saw connections between color and sound, express this relationship through painting and consequently evoke a sense of musicality in their art.
Jazz musician Ornette Coleman included abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock's 1954 painting, 'White Light,' on his album cover. Coleman had met Jackson, an avid jazz enthusiast, at one of Jackson's art shows.
Music’s ability to evoke emotion influences many abstract artists expressively channel those emotions into their work. By infusing rhythm and structure, abstract art is a visual representation of music’s emotional power. This is how abstract art so effectively bridges the gap between what we see and what we feel.
Pete Stein
Founder, Galerie Stein
Montreal
Galerie Stein will be presenting more contemporary abstract expressionist artists in 2025, both virtually at GalerieStein.com and in our gallery.
Contact: Pete Stein at peter@GalerieStein.com
