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Tracing the Evolution of Abstract Art
Abstract art is a captivating form of artistic expression that represents a revolutionary departure from traditional forms of representation. Throughout history, the success of an artwork was often judged based on the artist’s ability to accurately depict the natural world. However, as artistic expression evolved throughout the 20th century, the definition of what constituted “art” expanded to include intentional distortions of reality. This shift ultimately culminated in the complete elimination of figurative references in both painting and sculpture.
The philosophical foundations of abstract art can be traced back to the teachings of Plato, who espoused the idea that beauty lies in the straight lines and curves independent of any recognizable form. However, its evolution as a distinct art form was spurred on by two significant developments in the latter half of the 19th century. Firstly, the widespread popularity of photography, which seemingly provided a scientifically precise representation of reality, and secondly, the romantic notion that art should aspire to the emotional, non-representational qualities of music. This idea was articulated by Apollinaire in 1912, who argued that abstract art would occupy the same relationship to traditional art as music did to literature, paving the way for a new realm of artistic expression.
