Abstract versus Non-Objective Art
Dear Artsperts:
My neighbor and I were talking on our morning walk about contemporary art and we can't agree on whether there is a difference between 'abstract art' and 'non-objective art'. Can you help explain the difference, if there is one?
Signed,
Objectively Abstract
Dear Obectively,
There is a lot of confusion over what is meant by abstract art and how it differs from non-objective art. It’s a common mistake to think all abstract art is non-objective. Essentially the difference is abstract art defines art that distorts the actual representation of something, for instance cubism is a type of abstract art where any subject such as a woman’s body will be distorted into geometric shapes. Non-objective, also called non-representational, art defines art that does not represent or depict any identifiable person, place or thing. The content of the work is its color, shapes, texture, size and scale. Color-field painting (think Mark Rothko) is an example of non-objective art. One artist represented by our Gallery, Philip Morsberger, paints in both non-objective and abstract art styles. Each of Morsberger’s paintings begins as a completed non-objective painting of varying colors and shapes. After his non-objective painting is complete he contemplates the completed work. After musing on the work, he will begin to see images from his memory and his imagination form out of the shapes and colors of his non-objective painting. This is similar to seeing shapes in clouds in the sky. He then paints over the non-objective painting, with abstract figures, objects, and words. Most of his paintings take him many years to complete because he will return to a painting as he sees more images within the abstract shapes and colors. Sometimes as in one of the examples here, he keeps a particular work a non-objective painting of color and shape. Can a non-objective painting also be called abstract art? Yes. Is all abstract art non-objective? No. Both examples of paintings by Morsberger can be classified as abstract but only the painting without an identifiable subject can be called non-objective or non-representational art. Sincerely,
The Artsperts 
| FAQs
The clear difference lies in the subject matter chosen. If the artist begins with a subject from reality, the artwork is considered to be abstract. If the artist is creating with no reference to reality, then the work is considered to be non-objective.
Is abstract an objective art? ›
Abstract Art is a non-objective art, which does not have an accurate representation of a visual reality, but uses Forms, Colors, Textures and Gesture Marks to achieve its effect. It was born at the beginning of the 20th century and was completely radical for its time.
Is abstraction vs non-objective art vs cubism? ›
Cubism is an abstract art form, but it is not non-objective because there is still recognizable subject matter. Several artists in the early 20th century followed Kandinsky's path towards non-objective art. They sought to transcend material reality to get to the deeper essence of things.
What is an example of non-objective art? ›
Non-objective, also called non-representational, art defines art that does not represent or depict any identifiable person, place or thing. The content of the work is its color, shapes, texture, size and scale. Color-field painting (think Mark Rothko) is an example of non-objective art.
What makes abstract art different? ›
Abstract art is art that does not represent an accurate depiction of visual reality, communicating instead through lines, shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks. Abstract artists use a variety of techniques to create their work, mixing traditional means with more experimental ideas.
Is abstract art meaningless? ›
For modernists, "abstract" means "non-objective" or "non-representational" or "non-figurative". For them, abstract means that which does not have any meaning outside of itself. In a very real sense "abstract" modern art is actually meaningless.
What are the three main types of abstract art? ›
Abstract art , also called Abstractionism is a broad form of art encompassing many non-realistic artforms like Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and Surrealism.
What is an example of abstraction in art? ›
Wassily Kandinsky, Black Grid, 1922
He made some of the first ever truly abstract paintings, prints and drawings. These amazing artworks removed any trace of the real world entirely. Instead, Kandinsky painted geometric shapes, colors and patterns that made reference to a higher spiritual plane beyond the real world.
How do I know if my art is abstract? ›
Abstract art can be defined as painting, sculpture, photography, design, or any art form that does not objectively nor accurately represent visual reality. Abstraction directly opposes figurative art and anything that directly delineates a subject or object.
Is Van Gogh art abstract? ›
Vincent van Gogh was not an abstract artist; he was a post-impressionist artist. Abstract art is very expressive and uses color, line, shape, and form to express what the artist wishes. This type of art often does not have a reference to something in the real world.
Objective can be proven through obtaining the same results through repitition. If I pour oil on water it will float every time. Abstract is belief, opinion, or faith.
What is an example of an abstract art? ›
What is an example of abstract art? One of the most popular examples of abstract art is Pablo Picasso's Guernica (1937) oil painting. Some others include Composition X (1939) by Wassily Kandinsky and Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow (1930) by Piet Mondrian.
What is a key characteristic of nonrepresentational art? ›
Nonrepresentational art is a type of artwork that does not seek to depict recognizable objects or figures from the real world. It emphasizes color, form, line, texture, and other elements instead.
What is the difference between abstract art and representational art? ›
Key Terms. Abstract art: A style of art that does not attempt to represent the real world as is. Representational art: Artwork that clearly depicts real objects. The artist represents something that is real and the audience is able to easily recognize the objects or figures in the artwork.
