Geometric Abstraction – The History
Among the modern genres of painting, Geometric Abstraction stands as a purportedly simplistic and precise, non-figurative sect. Although, some schools of thought believe that it came into being around 1950, but actually, it has been there throughout various cultures, since ancient times. Islamic Art and architecture dating back to as early as the seventh century have shown the examples of prevalent Geometric Abstraction, which had some impact on the development of Western Art. In the twentieth century also, some of the contemporary art forms like Minimalistic Art, adopted Geometric Abstraction, partially or wholly.
The Details
The signature characteristics of Geometrical Abstraction were tightly patterned geometrical figures, vibrant colors, and an effective use of space. These abstractionists continued the work in two-dimensions to produce flat designs. Synthetic Cubism, characterized by abstract space, synthesized shapes, and constructional layout, became the defining influence on Geometric Abstraction. Other Cubist techniques of papiers colls and collage also had a profound impact on this style, where the inherent flatness of the composition and the interrelation of the various Geometric components ‘spoke’ a pictorial language. The ‘realistic’ existence of forms and spaces ceased to have relevance for the Geometric Abstractionists, who made conscious attempts to strip down their portrayal to the linear existence of the visible aspects. Like most of the Abstract Art genres, Geometric Expression put a primer on the color schemes. The themes of the works mainly drove the color choice.
The Artists & Artworks
Kazimir Malevichs ‘Black Square’ is a monochrome design, whereas Piet Mondrian’s ‘Composition No. 10′ (1939-42) is composed of the sections of fundamental colors – red, blue, and yellow. Among the leading names associated with Geometric Abstraction included Frank Stella, Josef Albers, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Frantisek Kupka, Ellsworth Kelly, Tony DeLap, Wassily Kandinsky, Ronald Davis, Kazimir Malevich, Sndor Bortnyik,Alexander Rodchenko, Theo van Doesburg, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Piet Mondrian, Peter Graham, Victor Vasarely, Lajos Kassk, Peter Laszlo Peri, Max Bill, Nadir Afonso, Vieira da Silva, Kenneth Noland, Jack Reilly, Gordon Walters, John Levee, Thomas Downing, Burgoyne Diller, Leon Goldin, Sean Scully, Gnter Fruhtrunk, Ilya Bolotowsky, George Johnson, and Larry Zox.
In 1965, an exhibition named ‘The Responsive Eye’ was held in the Museum of Modern Art, New York, which bolstered the cause of Modern Art, particularly Geometric Abstraction, greatly. According to the famous art curator William Seitz, the purpose of this exhibition was “….. to dramatize the power of static forms and colors to stimulate dynamic psychological responses.”
Conclusion
Geometric Abstraction, through its revolutionary expressions, became a strong influence on fashion, object display, commercial designing, and various other elements in the contemporary society.
