Abstract Art Makes No Sense

You’ve probably heard people say “abstract art makes no sense” more times than you can count. I get it – I’ve been there too. In fact, I titled one of my abstract paintings “Makes No Sense” as a playful nod to this common reaction. But here’s the thing: abstract art does make sense, just not in the way we’re used to.

Let me explain.

What’s the Deal with Abstract Art?

So, what exactly is abstract art?

Well, it’s not about painting recognisable objects like trees or people. Instead, it’s all about colours, shapes and textures that don’t represent anything specific from the real world.

It’s like the artistic equivalent of jazz – it might sound chaotic at first, but there’s a method to the madness.

You know how Pablo Picasso once said, “Everyone wants to understand art. Why not try to understand the song of a bird?”

I love this quote because it reminds us that not everything needs to be “understood” in a logical way. Sometimes, it’s more about feeling and experiencing.

Now, I’m no art history professor, but I’ve been creating abstract art for years. If you want to dive deeper into what abstract art is all about, check out my blog post “What is Abstract Art” for more info.

Speaking the Language of Abstraction

Here’s the thing about abstract art – it’s like learning a new language.

At first, it might seem like gibberish, but once you start to get it, it’s a whole new world opens up. Abstract art is the language of emotion, and let’s be honest, emotions don’t always make logical sense, do they?

Jackson Pollock, another abstract art superstar, once said, “It doesn’t make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said.”

A great and simple quote that explains abstract art is all about expression, not perfection.

Seeing Beyond the Familiar

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that when I started out, even I thought “abstract art makes no sense.”

Our brains are wired to recognise familiar objects, so when we see something totally out there, it’s natural to feel a bit lost.

But here’s a little secret: try looking at abstract art the way you’d look at clouds. You know how you can see shapes and figures in clouds if you let your imagination run wild? It’s the same with abstract art.

Focus on the colours, the shapes, the textures. What do they make you feel?

If you’re interested in learning how to really see abstract art, I’ve got a whole blog post about it called “How Can I Learn to Actually See Abstract Art.” Give it a read – it might just change how you look at things.

Abstract Art: Your Brain’s Gym

Okay, here’s something cool: looking at abstract art is like a workout for your brain.

It challenges you to think creatively and imagine new possibilities. It’s not about finding the “right” answer, but about exploring different interpretations.

In a world where we’re always rushing from one thing to the next, abstract art forces us to slow down and really look. It’s like a mental vacation from the everyday grind.

Want to know more about why we’re drawn to abstract art? Check out my post “Why are We Attracted to Abstract Art.”

Abstract Art: The Antidote to “Too Busy”

Speaking of being busy, doesn’t it feel like everyone’s always in a rush these days?

I hear “I’m so busy” all the time and I bet you do too. Here’s where abstract art comes in handy – it’s like a pause button for your mind.

Picasso nailed it when he said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

Taking a moment to look at or create abstract art can be incredibly refreshing. It’s not about understanding every little detail, but about letting yourself feel and experience something different.

I’ve written more about this in my post “The Beauty of Abstract Paintings“ if you want to dive deeper.

Appreciating Abstract Art: No Expertise Required

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But I’m not an artist! How can I appreciate abstract art?”

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy abstract art. It’s not about analysing every brushstroke or understanding the artist’s life story (though that can be interesting too).

Abstract art is all around us – in office buildings, hotels and even on book covers. Next time you see an abstract piece, take a moment to really look at it.

What catches your eye? How does it make you feel? There’s no right or wrong answer here.

Curious about what other people see in abstract paintings? I’ve got a blog post for that too: “What Do People See in Abstract Painting.”

Busting Abstract Art Myths

Let’s address the elephant in the room – the idea that “abstract art makes no sense” often comes with other misconceptions. Some people think it’s not “real” art or that anyone could do it.

Here’s my take: abstract art is very much real art. It takes skill, emotion and intention to create a powerful abstract piece. And while anyone can splash paint on a canvas, not everyone can create a piece that speaks to people’s hearts.

I’ve written more about this in my post “Is Abstract Art Real Art“ if you want to explore these ideas further.

The World of Abstract Art

Abstract art isn’t just one thing – it’s a whole universe of styles and approaches. From the geometric patterns of Mondrian to the colourful brushstrokes of Joan Mitchell, there’s so much variety to explore.

Abstract art has a pretty cool history. It all kicked off about 100 years ago.

Back then, most artists were trying to paint things exactly as they looked in real life. They’d spend hours getting every little detail just right. But some artists started to think, “Why do we have to paint everything exactly as it is?”

These artists had a wild idea. They wanted to paint their feelings and ideas instead of just copying what they saw. It was like they were saying, “Let’s paint what’s in our hearts and minds, not just what’s in front of our eyes.”

These artists wanted something really important: freedom. Freedom to express themselves without any rules telling them what they could or couldn’t paint. They wanted to let their imaginations run wild.

Think about it like this: Have you ever had a feeling that was hard to put into words?

Maybe you were so happy you felt like you could fly or so sad it was like rain clouds were following you around. Well, these artists wanted to paint those feelings.

They also wanted to paint ideas. Big ideas about life, the universe and everything in between. Ideas that you can’t take a picture of, but you can definitely feel.

So, they started experimenting. They used colours in new ways, made weird shapes and sometimes didn’t paint anything you’d recognise at all. It was all about expressing what was inside them, with no restrictions.

This new way of making art gave artists the freedom to really be themselves. They could put their dreams, fears, joys and crazy ideas right onto the canvas. And that’s pretty cool, if you ask me!

If you’re curious about the different types of abstract art out there, check out my post “Exploring the Amazing Non-representational Art.” It’s a great starting point for your abstract art journey.

Let’s Get Interactive: Your Turn to Explore Abstract Art

Now that we’ve talked about abstract art, let’s have some fun with it! I’ve got a little exercise for you that might just change how you see abstract art.

A Simple Exercise for You:

I’ve included images of some of my abstract paintings in this blog. Have a look at them. Do they make any sense?

Probably not at first glance. But here’s the cool part – if you give yourself a little more time, something magical might happen.

Here’s what you could do:

1. Pick one of the paintings that catches your eye.
2. Look at it for a full minute. I know it sounds like a long time, but trust me on this.
3. As you look, let your mind wander. What does it remind you of? How does it make you feel?
4. Try to make up your own story about what’s happening in the painting.

Remember, there are no wrong answers here. Your interpretation is just as valid as anyone else’s – even mine. Maybe you’ll see a stormy sea, a busy city or a peaceful garden. Whatever pops into your head is perfect.

Give it a go and see what happens.

You might surprise yourself with the stories and ideas you come up with. And who knows? You might just start to see how abstract art can make a whole lot of sense in its own unique way.

I’d love to hear what you see in these paintings. Feel free to share your interpretations in the comments below.

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Wrapping It Up: Abstract Art Makes No Sense

So, does abstract art make sense now?

Maybe not in the conventional way, but I hope you can see that there’s more to it than meets the eye. It’s about feeling, experiencing, and opening your mind to new possibilities.

Next time you come across an abstract piece, give it a chance. Take a moment to really look at it. You might be surprised by what you discover.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have you had any experiences with abstract art that changed your perspective?

Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it.

And, if you’re hungry for more art talk, don’t forget to check out my other blog posts. There’s always more to explore in the wonderful world of abstract art.

Remember, art is a journey, not a destination. Keep exploring, keep feeling, and most importantly, keep an open mind.

Who knows? You might just find that abstract art makes perfect sense to you after all.