Abstract art is a popular form of artistic expression that has been here for centuries. It is a “non-objective,” “non-representative” form of creative expression with a strong tradition of self-exploration and creativity. Some people argue for its legitimacy since the age of the cave, where abstract art held its ground against all traditions, cultures, and scripts.
Abstract art has very recent foundations, tracing 100 years back. Aided by many other events, the wave of independence duly promoted it. Artists were free to experiment with their art as the public commissioned them, and they started getting recognition for “abstraction” in their artwork. Abstract art can deliver different meanings for different people. For some people, it is a perspective to view the world, while for others, it is a therapeutic and creative outlet for their emotions and thoughts. For some artists, it is one of the means to discover themselves, while for others, it is a way to represent themselves visually in the world.
Apart from how abstract art serves one to understand themselves, it also provides us an insight into another person by looking at their choice of abstract art. According to research, people struggling with mental health disorders such as Schizophrenia and Neuroticism find abstract art more appealing than other art forms. Abstract art can also mitigate stress in individuals. According to another research, not only does producing abstract art provide stress relief, but it also improves creative growth and aids in emotional development.
Unlike other forms of art, abstract art is a recent phenomenon that attracts us due to its cognitive and emotional role in deciphering our deep and unconscious thoughts and desires. This allows our brain to develop new associations and discover new realms, making abstract art quite rewarding and therapeutic.