What are the changes between realisum and abstraction in Europe ?
To understand the changes between realism and abstraction in Europe, we need to examine the historical context and characteristics of each artistic movement. Realism and abstraction are two distinct periods in the development of European art.
1. Realism:
Realism emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to Romanticism, which focused on idealized and fantastical subjects. Realist artists sought to depict everyday life and contemporary society with detailed accuracy. They aimed to represent the world as it truly appeared, free from the influence of personal emotions or subjective interpretations. Realism often addressed social, political, and economic issues, reflecting the changing times of industrialization and urbanization.
To identify realist artworks between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, you can look for the following features:
- Depictions of ordinary people engaged in everyday activities.
- Detailed and accurate representation of people, landscapes, or objects.
- Subjects based on contemporary life and social issues.
- Use of natural light and tonal gradations to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- Focus on capturing a momentary snapshot of reality.
Examples of notable realist artists from Europe include Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, Honoré Daumier, and Édouard Manet.
2. Abstraction:
Abstraction, on the other hand, emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the representational nature of realism. Abstraction sought to move away from the imitation or depiction of visible reality and instead focused on expressing emotions, ideas, and concepts through non-representational forms. It aimed to break free from the constraints of traditional art forms and create a visual language of shapes, colors, lines, and textures.
To recognize abstract artworks, you can look for the following characteristics:
- Emphasis on non-representational or non-objective forms.
- Distorted or simplified shapes that may not resemble anything from the physical world.
- Use of color, texture, and form to convey emotions or ideas.
- Expression of the artist's subjective experience or inner world.
- Departure from traditional perspective and composition.
Notable European artists associated with abstraction include Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich, and Joan Miró.
By understanding the historical and artistic developments of realism and abstraction, you can identify their differences and how they reflect the changing attitudes and perspectives of European artists during different time periods.