Abstract & Surreal Wall Art

Love it or loathe it, abstract wall art has a place in many people’s hearts and indeed in renowned art galleries around the world.

What makes art abstract?

The term abstract by definition avoids classification, modern abstract wall has been around for over 100 years, but the roots go back way further.

It may be in a class of its own, but abstraction and surrealism can be traced back through the centuries, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Cubism. These art eras and genres got the thought process moving in the direction that indeed, art could be non-representative.

Abstract art doesn’t try to represent an accurate depiction but uses geometric shapes, colours, forms, and strokes to create a truly unique piece of artwork.

The Rules of Abstract Art

Here’s the point, there are no rules to abstract wall art!

And this is why many people don’t understand the concept of abstract art and surrealism. Some even say composition goes out of the window, and the use of whatever the materials and technique is wide open. Creativity is the key to abstract art, there are no hard and fast rules. Beauty is, after all in the eye of the beholder.

Abstract versus Surrealism

Abstract art has an element of vagueness that can confuse the observer but allows the artwork to be interpreted subjectively. Surrealist art has more dreamlike and bizarre characteristics or surreal qualities.

Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch artist of the Northern Renaissance is famous for painting surreal wall art such as Garden of Earthly Delights, depicting biblical figures and fantasy creatures.

Surreal art can be very confusing, even threatening to some. Take Goya’s – The Great He Goat, even back as far as the late 18th century, surrealism was alive and well in this haunting picture.

Surrealism disregards the conventional and is less of a style of painting, but maybe more of a state of mind.

Why is Abstract Wall Art Popular?

Abstract art tends to cause an emotional response, rather than an appreciation for fine art and design. The fact that a piece of abstract or surreal wall art is open to interpretation, is what makes abstract art so personal.

Whether a way to demonstrate and convey a meaning or to influence feelings, abstract wall art is a popular choice. It has the power to evoke strong feelings, moods, and atmospheres. So maybe, abstract art is not so different from other genres of art after all!