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The "abstract art" label can apply to numerous styles. All types of abstract art are, obviously, abstractions. At its core, abstract art refuses to adhere to conventions of realistic representation and instead emphasizes forms, colors, and textures. While there are are many types of abstract art, these are my top five favorite types:
Emerging in the mid-20th century, this movement focuses on spontaneous, emotional expression. Postwar artists like Joan Mitchell and contemporary artists Cy Twombly (below) use bold brushstrokes and lines and vivid colors to convey their inner experiences and emotions, in a mostly non-figurative manner.
'Untitled' by Cy Twombly, 1964.
Emphasizing simplicity and the essence of form, minimalism strips away the noise to focus on the purest of artistic fundamentals. The works of artists like Frank Stella and Agnes Martin (below), for example, highlight the beauty and power of simplicity and the impact of subtle variations in form and color.
'Little Sister' by Agnes Martin, 1962.
Founded by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, cubism breaks down subjects into geometric shapes and reassembles them from multiple perspectives. I love this deconstruction of and resistance to traditional forms and perspectives.
This style uses shapes, lines, and colors to create compositions that are both orderly and open to interpretation. Contemporary artists like Jennie C. Jones (below) and pioneering abstract artists like Sonia Delaunay, for example, are renowned for their work in this category, where precision and balance dominate.
'Fractured Crescendo, Rest' by Jennie C. Jones, 2019.
Emerging in the late 20th century, this movement represents a revival of emotional intensity and vivid imagery in abstract art. Neo-expressionists like Jean-Michel Basquiat (below) and Julian Schnabel use dramatic colors, bold brushstrokes and/or lines, and symbolic content to address personal and social issues. I find that the impact of the art in this category is often raw and visceral.
'Untitled' by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1985.
The way I see it, abstract art is as profound as it is diverse—in their own beautiful way, each of these types of abstract art is a unique lens through which to view our world.
Pete Stein
Founder, Galerie Stein
Montreal
Galerie Stein will be presenting several contemporary abstract expressionist artists both virtually at GalerieStein.com and in our gallery in Montreal in 2024.
Contact: Pete Stein at peter@GalerieStein.com