A Journey into Shapes & Forms
The Fascinating Realm of Abstraction
Geometrical abstraction in art refers to a style or approach where artists use geometric shapes, lines, forms, and colors to create non-representational or non-objective artworks.
Emphasizes the use of basic geometric elements such as squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles, often arranged in a precise and organized manner.
Found in various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and architecture.
In the early 20th century, artists sought to break away from representational art and explore new forms of expression, Geometric abstraction emerged as a significant movement.
Advancements in Science, Technology, and Mathematics, were the influencing factors for this movement. Including the desire to create art that reflected the rapidly changing modern world.
Geometric art, as we understand it today, emerged with the advent of the Cubist movement in France. While geometry has always been present in art, artists like Pablo Picasso and George Braque challenged traditional notions of perspective and space by simplifying objects into geometric forms.
Kazimir Malevich, a Russian artist was one of the earliest pioneers of geometric abstraction. “Black Square” in 1915, was his iconic work.
This artwork depicted a simple black square on a white background, devoid of any representational or symbolic content. Clearly drawing a line between traditional and modern art.
Malevich’s Suprematist movement further explored the use of geometric forms and emphasized the spiritual and emotional qualities of abstract art.
Geometric abstraction surged in popularity, during the transformative decades of the 1920s and 1930s across Europe and America.
Artists such as Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg in the De Stijl movement, and Wassily Kandinsky in the Bauhaus school, embraced geometric shapes and also used them extensively in their works to create harmonious compositions.
De Stijl artists created paintings, sculptures, and architectural designs focused on minimalist aesthetics. They often used straight lines, right angles, and primary colors, with a preference for white, black, primary red, blue, and yellow.
Seeking Simplicity and Abstraction, the compositions of their works were meticulously balanced, with an emphasis on creating a sense of order and equilibrium.
Bauhaus School aimed to bridge the gap between art and industry, merging creativity with functionality. The work produced at the Bauhaus was characterized by its functional approach, clean lines, geometric shapes, and coherence.
It laid the foundation for modern design and continues to inspire artists, architects, and designers around the world.
During the mid-20th century, geometric abstraction continued to evolve and diversify. Artists like Josef Albers explored the optical effects of color and form in their works.
Ellsworth Kelly and Frank Stella explored the minimalist principles and continued experimentation with geometric shapes and patterns.
Gift, Mr. Irving Blum, 1982.
Geometric Art is still loved and collected by Art Enthusiasts around the world. Artists have continued exploring the possibilities of geometric forms, employing a wide range of mediums and techniques from large-scale installations to intricate drawings.
Islamic Art & Geometry
The origins of geometric patterns can be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Babylonians, who integrated these patterns into their art and architectural designs.
It was the Islamic world that truly elevated this art form to new heights, as seen in the intricate tilework and mosaics adorning mosques and palaces. However, in Islamic culture, these masterpieces serve as testaments to the rich tradition of complex geometric patterns.
Islamic artists use geometric abstraction to create complex designs that can be found in a variety of forms, such as tilework, calligraphy, and textiles, and are admired for their beauty and detail.
The use of geometry in Islamic art is influenced by the Islamic belief in the unity and order of the universe.
Geometry in Islamic art is not only decorative but also has symbolic meanings. For example, the use of stars and star-shaped patterns represents divine light and guidance.
Geometric patterns also reflect the Islamic principle of avoiding the representation of living beings, as they can be created without depicting human or animal forms.
Islamic geometric patterns
often based on a grid system, with circles, squares, and polygons forming the basic building blocks.
these geometric shapes are repeated and interlaced to create complex and mesmerizing designs.
the repetition of geometric motifs symbolizes the infinite nature of God and represents the interconnectedness of all things.
