Galerie Stein Magazine

What Is Abstract Art? The definition of abstract art refers to a style of visual expression that does not attempt to accurately represent the physical world. Instead, it uses colors, shapes, lines, and textures to convey emotions, ideas, or concepts. Unlike realism, which depicts objects and scenes as they appear, abstract art moves away from the recognizable, which allows for a more personal interpretation. 'By You'—abstract art by Galerie Stein's Kevin Goddess. See more of...

Norman Lewis (1909-1979) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century American art. He navigated the complex social landscape of the art world during the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, and the postwar rise of abstract expressionism. His unique style blended abstraction with figuration and social commentary. 'Roller Coaster' by Norman Lewis, 1946.   Norman Lewis: Key Postwar Abstract Painting Although I'm most fond of his purely abstract expressionist work, I love how his 1945 painting "Untitled...

My last article about expressionism in architecture reminded me of Austrian abstract artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000). Hundertwasser is best known for hating straight lines (he is said to have monikered them "the devil's tools") and his expressionist architectural designs, like the Waldspirale in Germany (below). Although most famous for his whimsical buildings, I'm interested in Hundertwasser the painter of vibrant color explosions and organic (not straight!) forms.  Waldspirale, a residentical building complex in in Darmstadt, Germany, designed by...

Expressionism in architecture, like its counterpart in painting (abstract expressionism), aims to convey raw emotion and inner feelings through form and structure. The movement rejects the constraints of classical order and embraces the dynamic and the expressive. Instead of seeking harmony and balance, expressionist buildings seek to evoke powerful emotions. This is usually achieved through dramatic forms, exaggerated shapes, and a focus on the psychological impact of space. Think soaring, angular forms, asymmetrical compositions, and...

For the modern art enthusiast, the world is a vast and exciting canvas. Beyond the well-trodden paths of the MoMA and the Tate (noted in Part 1), lie hidden gems and innovative spaces showcasing the best in contemporary art. Here are another 5 must-visit galleries to add to your art-loving itinerary:   1. Serpentine (aka Serpentine Galleries) — London, UK Nestled in Hyde Park, Serpentine (formerly known as the Serpentine Galleries) offer a unique blend...

Despite its inherently radical foundation, abstract expressionism often celebrates a masculine bravado in both its art and artists. Significant contributions from some artists, however, injected the movement with alternative narratives. While male figures like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning dominated the abstract expressionist landscape, artists like Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, and Helen Frankenthaler challenged its male-centric discourse and representation. 'Imperative' by Lee Krasner, 1976. Lee Krasner (married to Pollock) developed a unique style...

Jackson Pollock's "drip paintings" were more than just a new way to apply paint—they were a radical act of artistic liberation. How?  Well... to start, Pollock abandoned the traditional artist setup (e.g., propping a canvas on an easel). By embracing the canvas as a horizontal plane (i.e., on the floor), Pollock transformed the fundamental method of painting. He moved around the canvas, dripping, pouring, and flinging paint, allowing the process to become a performance of...

The interplay of modern art and architecture has resulted in some truly radical structures around the world. Abstract art has undoubtedly influenced modern architecture in profound way, enabling the blurring of boundaries between aesthetics and structure. 'Intersecting Lines' by Wassily Kandinsky, 1923. Early abstract artists like Wassily Kandinsky (above), with his bold, non-representational works, resonated with architects who wanted to break free from traditional classical forms. Kandinsky's theories on color and form, along with other early...

In the 20th century, China experienced tremendous social and political upheaval, from the fall of the Qing Dynasty to the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to Mao's Cultural Revolution. Amid this turmoil, abstract art emerged as a subtle yet powerful form of resistance. While traditional Chinese art focused on representational landscapes and calligraphy, abstract art provided a creative means to express dissent, navigate censorship, and reflect on their complex realities. 'To the Front!' by Hu...

If you think about it, the beautiful, intricate geometric patterns found in Islamic art and architecture represent some of art history's earliest examples of abstraction. I'm talking about patterns of shapes that are rooted in mathematical precision and created with spiritual intention. Such abstract art has been a central feature of the Islamic aesthetic since Islam's inception in the 8th century. Geometric patterns on tiles at the beautiful Alhambra palace/fortress in Grenada, Spain. Construction of the Alhambra began in 1238.   Islamic Geometric Patterns:...

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 Abstract Art Rhythm in music—whether steady or syncopated—creates an energy that moves through a piece, guiding the listener’s...

Guest article by Beth W. Stewart. Beth is a Vancouver-based scholar-activist abstract artist, and one of our own here at Galerie Stein. Beth has shared her process of abstract artivism at academic institutions and events worldwide and has published on the subject in academic journals. Her own practice as an abstract painter began out of an urgent need to express the complexities she encountered in her academic research in post-conflict northern Uganda. Abstract artivism. I feel the world needs it...