Abstract painting as a form has been around for a long time. Historically speaking, the earliest abstract art was produced by expressionists around the time that the Second World War was underway. This art form has been both praised and put down by early critics but has settled in to being one of the most practiced forms of art and painting today.

The question: why does it still matter?

Why Does Any Art Matter

Why indeed does any kind of art matter? Why does music matter? Why does theater matter? Why does painting scenic landscapes with oil on canvas matter? It matters because as human beings, we need to feed our minds and souls with things other than the structured, normative and routine drudgery of day to day life.

We need to express ourselves and our individuality. We need to communicate. We look for windows into the minds of others in search of things we can relate to. What better way to achieve all the above than art?

Why Abstract

When it comes to art forms, abstract art allows the artist creative freedom unlike any other art form in ways. This is not to say that the skill and talent required to create a piece of abstract is any less than that required for any other form. Creating an abstract masterpiece for instance is far from everybody’s piece of cake! Here are some reasons why abstract in particular matters so much in the world of today.

Personal Meaning

As you know abstract art is not driven by meaning, political agenda or any other such reason for the most part. That being said, for the beholder (and the creator) the work does have meaning. This meaning is subtle, personal and not tethered by more structured societal boundaries.

You Shut Up

Abstract painting has the strange ability to make people just stop and stare. This in contrast to the current millennial driven climate of commenting, giving opinions and dissecting things to kingdom come is a much needed break from the same. Abstract art even today is something you can look at, take in, enjoy but cannot really be pedantic about!

It’s Beautiful

Last but not least, abstract art is beautiful. You’re talking about medleys of colors, shades, shapes and images. Lines and structures that might resemble things in reality come together to form gorgeous images that can be studied and taken in for hours on end if need be! Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that abstract art is yet another way for you to beautify your personal spaces and the spaces around us.

Bottom Line

You really don’t need justification for art. As many artists and curators would tell you sometimes art for the sake of art is okay! Don’t sit over thinking things! Look around you, see if there is abstract art for sale or on display that interest you and beautify your space as well as the world while you’re at it!