Definition

1. Noun:
   • An abstract genre of art; artistic content depends on internal form rather than pictorial representation: "Abstract art" refers to a style of modern art that does not attempt to represent external reality accurately. Instead, it emphasizes shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.

Usage

• As a subject or topic: "Abstract art" is used to discuss the genre as a whole.
• As a modifier: It can describe specific works, movements, or exhibitions within this genre.
• The term is typically used in singular form when referring to the genre, but can be pluralized ("abstract arts") in broader, less common contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The museum has a new exhibition dedicated to abstract art.
  • She finds abstract art more emotionally powerful than realistic painting.
  • Understanding abstract art requires a different approach than analyzing a portrait.

Advanced Usage

• "In the tradition of abstract art": Referring to works that follow the conventions of this genre.
  • His latest paintings are firmly in the tradition of abstract art.
• "Pure abstract art": Emphasizing non-representational work with no recognizable objects.
  • The artist moved from figurative work to pure abstract art.

Variants and Related Words

• Abstraction (n): The process or result of creating abstract art; a specific abstract work.
  • This painting is a beautiful abstraction of the landscape.
• Abstract expressionism (n): A major post-World War II art movement, often considered a type of abstract art.
  • Jackson Pollock was a key figure in abstract expressionism.
• Non-representational art (n): A synonym emphasizing the lack of recognizable imagery.
• Non-objective art (n): A synonym for abstract art with no reference to the visible world.

Synonyms

• Non-representational art: Art that does not depict recognizable scenes or objects.
• Non-figurative art: Art that does not represent figures or objects from the natural world.

Related Phrases

• Geometric abstraction: A type of abstract art using geometric forms.
  • The gallery specializes in geometric abstraction from the 1960s.
• Lyrical abstraction: A type of abstract art emphasizing expressiveness and personal gesture.
• To create/make abstract art: The act of producing work in this genre.
  • She has been creating abstract art for over a decade.

Related Idioms

• "It's just abstract art": Sometimes used informally to dismiss something as incomprehensible or lacking clear meaning.
  • I don't understand this design document—it's just abstract art to me. (Note: This is a figurative, sometimes pejorative, use.)

Noun

1. an abstract genre of art; artistic content depends on internal form rather than pictorial representation