Abstract art is the artistic version of free will.  An abstract artist is aware of conventional art and is free to choose any or no component of it in her/his work.  Kadinsky, an artist from Russia, is the originator of this art genre.

Kadinsky, Miro, and Denevan are abstract artists whose works span the last century and the gamut of mediums from oil pastel to sand.  The three artists may be grouped, ironically, not for their similarity but because of their individuality.

Kadinsky’s works may be related to music.  There is a definite rhythm to his pieces in the repetition of line, form, and color.  He chose to use the conventional techniques of negative space, juxtaposition of color, and composition.

Miro’s works may be related to children.  There is a playfulness to his pieces, a return to art a child might draw on the underside of the kitchen table.  He chose to use the conventional techniques of repetition of color and clean, continuous lines.

Denevan’s works are, perhaps, the most unique of the artists studied in this unit because his medium is beach sand.  Expanding on the common desire to leave an imprint on wet sand, Denevan creates art on expanses of  beach so vast his work has to be photographed by helicopter!  He does use the conventional technique of patterning.  Denevan relates to the freedom of nature and his work is literally wiped out by the incoming tide.

Free will.  God granted it, and abstract artists take full advantage of it.

Vocabulary: 

abstract art:  free will in art – conventions may or may not be used

Kadinsky:  originator of abstract art

Miro:  abstract artist that repeats color and uses continuous lines

Denevan:  abstract artist that uses the medium of sand to repeat patterns.