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abstract art

abstract art

3 3.9
Work made with shapes and colors that does not show real things
  • noun
  • /ˈæbstrækt ɑrt/
translation icon : arte abstracto
  • Celia hated abstract art, except Rothko and Franz Marc, in whom she thought the spirit moved.
  • works of abstract art
  • American abstract art

So we go from abstract art to precise mathematics, precise engineering drawings and things like that.

Examples

  • Well, clearly, she's trying to create another memory with her abstract art.

  • I didn't know you were even interested in abstract art.

  • And thus, modern abstract art was born.

    Blog text (22)
  • And she makes a living painting abstract art.

  • This painting is called abstract art.

  • By World War One, abstract art had made representative painting itself irrelevant.

  • Mirvish's planned museum for abstract art is likely to attract.

    Blog text (6)
  • At other times, some scoffed at abstract art, and before that, impressionistic art.

    Blog text (17)
  • For Greenberg, in his 1959 essay "The Case for Abstract Art," the virtue of abstract art is that it encourages a meditative form of viewing.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The gallery showcased a stunning collection of abstract art, filled with vibrant colors and unique shapes.

Synonyms

abstraction
vsabstract art
6 8.0

A painting that uses shapes and colors instead of realistic pictures

is the broad practice of favoring form and color over realistic portrayal
Abstract Expressionism
vsabstract art
  • Specialized
1 9.1

A style of painting from 1940s New York using large, free, abstract shapes and emotional brush strokes

covers many styles beyond this expressive, historical movement
op art
vsabstract art
1 8.2

Art that uses patterns and color to make the eyes see movement or depth

is broader, including works not focused on optical illusion effects
nonobjectivity
vsabstract art
  • Specialized
9.9

A style of art that does not show real people or things but uses shapes and colors

allows some altered or suggestive reference to real things rather than none
abstractionism
vsabstract art
9.8

An art movement that uses shapes, colors, and forms instead of real objects to show ideas or feelings

aims for visual effects using shapes and marks rather than realistic depiction

Antonyms

65 4.1

Showing things as they are in real life

How Abstract

nonobjectivity
  • Specialized
9.9
abstract art
3 3.9
stylized
11 5.9
realistic
65 4.1

Surface Forms

abstract art singular
abstract arts plural

Morphology

abstract + art

The meaning of 'abstract art' is directly compositional: an average B1 learner who knows 'abstract' (non-representational) and 'art' (creative visual work) will readily infer it denotes art that is non-representational or emphasizes shapes/colors. This adjective+noun combination follows standard English and cross-linguistic patterns, so the sense is immediately understandable from the parts.

Etymology

Abstract art comes from the idea that artists abstract — they leave out exact real details and use shapes, colors, and marks instead of a clear picture. That's why abstract art means art that shows 'feelings or ideas' rather than a picture of 'real life'.