Exploring Abstractionist Artists: Kandinsky, Af Klint, and Beyond (2023)

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Embark on a journey through the abstract realm, where the strokes of Kandinsky and the enigma of Af Klint transcend mere paint on canvas.

Delve into the genesis of abstractionist art, tracing its evolution from Kandinsky’s groundbreaking compositions to the forgotten brilliance of Af Klint.

Beyond the canvases of pioneers, explore the contemporary echoes in the anarchic movements of artists like Lee Ellis and Barbara Krupp.

This exploration unveils the liberation and power embedded in the brushstrokes of abstractionist visionaries—where art becomes a portal to belonging.

Wassily Kandinsky: Pioneer of Abstract Art

Embark on a journey into the genesis of abstract art with Wassily Kandinsky, a luminary whose early life and influences laid the groundwork for a revolutionary artistic movement.

Born in Moscow in 1866, Kandinsky’s trajectory from a legal career to the avant-garde realm was propelled by encounters with artists like Monet and Matisse.

The pivotal moment crystallized in 1911 with the emergence of Komposition V, a groundbreaking masterpiece that marked Kandinsky as the pioneer of abstract art, ushering in a transformative era in the art world.

Early Life and Influences

Let’s start with your early life and influences, Wassily.

You were born in Moscow in 1866 to a wealthy family.

You studied law at the University of Moscow, but you soon realized that your passion was for art.

You moved to Munich to attend art school, where you were influenced by the Russian avant-garde and theosophy.

In 1911, you painted your first abstract painting, Komposition V, which is considered one of the first abstract paintings in history.

The Emergence of Komposition V in 1911

Following his early life and influences, you’ll learn about the emergence of Komposition V in 1911, which was Kandinsky’s first fully abstract painting.

The painting features a bold color palette of black and white, as well as circles and squares.

The painting was influenced by fauvism and other art movements.

Hilma Af Klint: Forgotten Trailblazer

While Kandinsky is credited as the pioneer of abstract art, Swedish painter Hilma af Klint may have preceded him by five years.

Despite her early experimentations with abstraction, af Klint’s work wasn’t exhibited until after her death in 1986, when it gained posthumous acclaim.

Swedish Painter Predating Kandinsky

Although Kandinsky is credited as the pioneer of abstract art, Swedish painter Hilma Af Klint may have preceded him by five years. Her work, which explored spirituality and theosophy, had a profound influence on later abstract artists and continues to inspire contemporary art.

Delayed Recognition and Posthumous Acclaim in 1986

Despite preceding Kandinsky by five years, Hilma af Klint’s work wasn’t recognized until after her death in 1986.

1. She was a Swedish woman working in a male-dominated field.
2. Her work was considered too spiritual and abstract for the time.
3. She was part of a feminist art movement that wasn’t widely accepted.

Evolution of Abstract Painting

The evolution of abstract painting is traced through key artists and movements.

Piet Mondrian introduced geometric elements, while Jackson Pollock revolutionized technique by pouring or splashing paint on a horizontal canvas.

Contemporary artists like Lee Ellis, Barbara Krupp, and Nick Malone continue to push boundaries, exploring the interplay of surface, depth, form, and the boundary between abstraction and realism.

Piet Mondrian’s Geometric Contributions

As abstract art evolved, Piet Mondrian introduced geometric elements.

He used primary colors, plus black and white, in a grid-like structure with horizontal and vertical lines.

Contemporary artists, such as Lee Ellis, have also incorporated geometric elements in their work.

Jackson Pollock’s Revolutionary Techniques

You asked: How did Jackson Pollock revolutionize the technique of abstract painting?

He did so by using:

• Drip painting
• All-over composition
• Action painting

to create gestural marks and automatism.

Contemporary Explorations by Lee Ellis, Barbara Krupp, and Nick Malone

Following in the footsteps of Pollock, contemporary artists such as Lee Ellis, Barbara Krupp, and Nick Malone continue to push the boundaries of abstract painting, exploring the interplay of surface, depth, form, and the boundary between abstraction and realism.

They use everyday objects and scenes, and experimental techniques to transform traditional cityscapes into high-contrast geometric images.

Abstract Expressionism: an Anarchic Movement

Abstract expressionism is a movement that originated in the 1940s in New York City.

Key artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning are known for their intense and energetic style.

This movement has had a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Origins in 1940s New York City

Abstract expressionism, considered the second wave of abstract art, had its epicenter in New York City in the 1940s. Influenced by surrealism, this movement rejected political messages and emphasized emotional and spiritual truths.

Key Artists Like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem De Kooning

With its origins in 1940s New York City, abstract expressionism was a movement characterized by an anarchic, intense, and energetic style.

• Gestural painting (action painting)
• Color field painting (lyrical effects, all-over compositions)
• Authenticity
• Rejection of political messages
• Influences of post-Great Depression and pre-colonial visual languages

Characteristics of the Intense and Energetic Style

Abstract Expressionism is characterized by its intense, energetic style.

It’s gestural, energetic, expressive, and improvisational.

Artists use bold colors and all-over compositions to convey universal themes.

Matthew Dibble: Continuing the Tradition

Matthew Dibble is a modern-day abstract expressionist who carries on the legacy of the movement’s anarchic style.

• Energetic brushstrokes
• Vibrant colors
• Dynamic compositions

Dibble’s paintings are often infused with emotion and symbolism, and they offer a unique perspective on the human condition.

Modern-day Abstract Expressionist

One modern-day abstract expressionist who carries on the tradition is Matthew Dibble. His paintings are characterized by their energetic brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and gestural marks.

Dibble’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he’s received numerous awards for his art.

Carrying on the Legacy of the Movement’s Anarchic Style

As a modern-day abstract expressionist, your work carries on the legacy of the movement’s anarchic style with its informal techniques, global influences, personal themes, and urban settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)