
In geometric abstraction, for instance, one is unlikely to find references to naturalistic entities. Total abstraction bears no trace of any reference to anything recognizable. altering color or form in ways that are conspicuous, can be said to be partially abstract. Even art that aims for verisimilitude of the highest degree can be said to be abstract, at least theoretically, since perfect representation is impossible.

This departure from accurate representation can be slight, partial, or complete. They have similar, but perhaps not identical, meanings.Ībstraction indicates a departure from reality in depiction of imagery in art. Ībstract art, non-figurative art, non-objective art, and non-representational art are all closely related terms.

The sources from which individual artists drew their theoretical arguments were diverse, and reflected the social and intellectual preoccupations in all areas of Western culture at that time. By the end of the 19th century many artists felt a need to create a new kind of art which would encompass the fundamental changes taking place in technology, science and philosophy. Western art had been, from the Renaissance up to the middle of the 19th century, underpinned by the logic of perspective and an attempt to reproduce an illusion of visible reality. Robert Delaunay, 1912–13, Le Premier Disque, 134 cm (52.7 in.), private collectionĪbstract art uses visual language of shape, form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.
