Abstract vs.
Representational
Art
Abstract vs.
Representational
A
rt
Richard Burgess
American, 1914-1946
At your table, take a moment
and write a paragraph (3-5)
sentences, about what you think
Abstract Art is.
Abstract vs.
Representational
A
rt
CHARACTERISTICS
• Simplification of
subject
• Reduced to
Elements of Art
• Exploring the
medium and
compositional
design
“Untitled”
Jean-Paul Basquiat. 1981
Abstract vs.
Representational
A
rt
Abstract is defined as describing an
artwork based on an identifiable
subject, but with few or no details,
and whose visual elements are
simplified or rearranged.
Abstract Art is art that is stressing
the form of its subject rather than its
actual appearance. The subject is
broken down to the Elements of Art
but not necessarily resembling the
subject itself.
In other words, Abstract is a
process of simplification of a
subject rather than precise
resemblance.
Abstract vs.
Representational
A
rt
Persimmon, Berry and Crawfish Claw
Stephanie Wooster
At your table, take a moment
and write a paragraph (3-5)
sentences, about what you think
Representational Art is.
Abstract vs.
Representational
A
rt
CHARACTERISTICS
• Resembles reality
• Natural color
schemes
• Subjects are drawn
to resemble reality
“The Gleaners”
Jean-Francois Millet. 1857
Abstract vs.
Representational
A
rt
Representational Art is defined as
art which depicts subject matter in a
realistic manner without
simplification, distortion, and or
exaggeration.
For example, during the 19th century,
In other words, the subject
an art movement called REALISM
matter is representing trivial
surfaced in which artist turned to
painting familiar scenes and events subject matter and approaching
the innate state to which we
as the actually appeared in nature in
view it.
the belief that subject matter should
be shown true to life.