Types of Art Subject

Summary

This video lesson explores three types of art: representational, abstract, and non-representational. Representational art depicts identifiable objects, such as landscapes or portraits, while abstract art distorts reality but remains derived from real-world subjects. Non-representational art, on the other hand, completely detaches from recognizable forms, focusing solely on color, shape, and line to convey emotions or concepts. The instructor highlights examples from famous artists like John Singer Sargent, Paul Cézanne, Piet Mondrian, and Wassily Kandinsky. The lesson concludes by emphasizing the diverse beauty and meaning behind these different art forms.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Representational art depicts recognizable subjects from real life, such as trees, apples, or people.
• 🖼️ Representational art doesn't need to be a realistic depiction; it can be abstracted but still identifiable, like Claude Monet's painting of a bridge.
• 🌳 John Singer Sargent’s watercolor of a white ox and Paul Cézanne’s painting of four apples are examples of representational art.
• 🎨 Abstract art represents a departure from reality and can vary in degrees of abstraction, with the subject still being somewhat recognizable.
• 🖌️ Abstract art can range from loose brushwork to highly distorted forms, like works from the Impressionist movement.
• 🌀 Non-representational art does not depict recognizable objects from real life; it focuses on form, color, and line to express emotions or ideas.
• 🟦 Piet Mondrian’s use of geometric shapes and primary colors in his work exemplifies non-representational art.
• 🔺 Wassily Kandinsky's 'Composition 8' is a perfect example of non-objective painting, focusing solely on geometric shapes and lines.
• 🎭 Non-representational art allows for subjective interpretation, as the viewer is left to derive meaning from the piece without a clear subject.
• ✨ The video concludes by summarizing the differences between representational, abstract, and non-representational art, emphasizing their unique approaches to visual expression.

Q & A

What is representational art?

Representational art refers to art that clearly represents something recognizable from real life, such as a tree, apple, or human figure. It does not have to be a realistic depiction but must still be identifiable as a representation of something existing in the world.

Can representational art include elements of abstraction?

Yes, representational art can include varying levels of abstraction. Even if the colors or shapes are distorted, like in the works of Paul Cézanne or Claude Monet, the art is still recognizable as something real.

What are common examples of representational art?

Common examples of representational art include portraits, landscapes, still life paintings, historical or mythological works, and figurative statues.

What is the difference between representational and abstract art?

Representational art depicts objects or scenes from the real world, while abstract art departs from reality and can exist on a continuum from slight abstraction to a complete departure from recognizable forms.

How long has abstract art been a part of the art world?

Abstract art has been around for over 100 years and is considered a vital, longstanding tradition in creative culture. Some even trace its roots back to prehistoric cave paintings.

What is non-representational art, and how does it differ from abstract art?

Non-representational art does not depict anything from the real world. Unlike abstract art, which distorts real-life objects or figures, non-representational art is purely about form, color, and line, without any recognizable subject.

What are the primary visual elements used in non-representational art?

Non-representational art uses fundamental visual elements such as form, shape, color, and line to express emotions or concepts without depicting a specific subject.

Can non-representational art convey meaning, and how is it interpreted?

Non-representational art leaves meaning open to the viewer's interpretation. Although it does not represent anything specific, viewers can derive personal emotions, thoughts, or interpretations from the use of shapes and colors.

Who are some artists known for non-representational art?

Artists like Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky are known for non-representational art. Their works, such as Mondrian's 'Blue One' and Kandinsky's 'Composition 8,' focus on geometric shapes and colors without depicting recognizable objects.

How does the subject matter of non-representational art challenge traditional views of art?

Non-representational art challenges traditional views by not representing any recognizable subject matter. This can be unsettling for viewers used to seeing identifiable objects, as the focus shifts entirely to abstract forms, lines, and colors.