Creative Spirit Blog October 16, 2026 Abstract Art, Is It a Misunderstood Art Form?
“To abstract is to draw out the essence of a matter. To abstract in art is to separate certain fundamentals from irrelevant material which surround them" Ben Shawn
I am frequently asked why I do abstract paintings when so many people have a difficult time understanding abstract art? People misunderstand abstract art because it removes recognizable objects from the substrate, forcing the brain to process the work through a completely different system than traditional painting. It helps when the artist can explain their process and intent.
Under the umbrella of “Abstract Art” fall many art movements: Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art. Most of the paintings in these movements are based on recognizable subjects. They have been altered to present a different viewpoint of that subject. The movements have different names because of the intent of the artists, their use of color, strokes chosen, social factors, and the time frame is which they were created.
However, under this big umbrella called “Abstract Art” is subcategory called “Non-Objective Art.” “Non-Objective Art” takes nothing from reality. It is part of the Kinetic, Op Art, Action Painting, and Minimalistic movements. The paintings during these movements have no recognizable subject. They rely on the viewer to enjoy the positioning of varied shapes, lines, colors, textures, presented in the work.
Art that does not have a recognizable subject at first sight can be very confusing, even threatening to people who are not used to having to assign their own meaning to what they see before them. If it is a subject which is distorted or re-framed it can also have the same effect. These viewers are usually used to living in a very orchestrated environment.
Since many people do not understand the vision of other people or are not open to different ideas, Abstract Art has been dubbed the most misunderstood form of art. However, many people who are not fans of the modern movement can be drawn to the colors used by the artist and react to the lines, shapes, or textures that are used.
Artists involved in working in these art forms need to be experts not only in the application of the medium they choose but in their own vision, and how they present it. The viewer may never relate to the artist’s deep meaning, but they may enjoy the basic elements that are used.
Abstract and other types of Modern Art do encourage our brain to respond in a less restrictive and stereotypical manner. It helps if the viewers are open to exploring new associations and alternative paths to emotional responses.
Viewers are an interesting study. They all bring a different set of baggage. Each is looking for different things because of what makes them tick, where they came from, and what their needs are.
Even when we as artists, open minded creative people, become viewers, we have our likes and dislikes. We have our favorite periods of art. As “creatives” we are just more accepting of the right to free expression than the average viewer. Carolyn
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