Geometric Abstraction Piet Mondrian

When we think about abstract art we think about shapes and designs that do not represent real life objects. There are many sub-categories under the term abstract art and the one with the strictest rules is Geometric Abstraction. Geometric abstraction is art that uses non-representational shapes and lines based on geometric forms to create a composition. There is a purposeful mathematical intent behind each piece of artwork.

In the 20th century artists like Wassley Kandinsky and then Piet Mondrian who followed the De Stijl movement opened modern artists to the idea of purely communicating through shape and designs. Some artists like Mondrian became purists and used only the primary colors red, yellow and blue. He described the primary colors as true colors.

Looking at two of Mondrian`s paintings we can clearly see the difference between Geometric Abstraction (Broadway Boogie Woogie) and other abstract art movements such as Cubism (Gray Tree).

Piet Mondrian, Gray Tree 1912

This is an example from his early works that still holds representational qualities. The real tree is abstracted with shapes or planes of color and shadows to create the composition.

 

 

Piet Mondrian, Broadway Boogie Woogie 1942 -1943

In this geometric abstraction Mondrian is fully immersed in the geometric abstract style using shapes and lines to evoke a feeling and sentiment. The title of this painting is key to helping the viewer identify the artist`s intent.