Abstraction—Liberating Space and Time
Abstraction frees up communication between the artist and audience by eschewing the constraints of figuration. Subtly presenting a high degree of spiritual artistry, abstraction calls upon the viewer to intuitively grasp the meaning of the work rather than formulaically identify it. Abstract art does not visually represent real objects, but instead, strongly suggests imagery not observable in the real world. The impact of thinking about and making art on the artists themselves generates unique impressions that are then expressed to the greatest degree. Creating abstract art requires a well developed knowledge of art history, professional expertise, and skills to coordinate materials and composition. This renders abstraction beyond the scope of familiarity and places it at greater distance from the audience. Therefore, to reduce distance between the viewer and artwork, abstraction requires an understanding of art history, and a liberated, objective mentality.
In addition to using material to explicate material itself or create other significance, the abstractionist seeks unique ways of constructing, contrasting or aligning different materials such that they impart a spiritual presence and reach that sublime state of ineffability.
Symbols of both perception and reason abundantly and reliably have their place in abstraction, and can closely unite life with thought and individual character in ways that are not in the least ambiguous. Because the artist is invested in the creative process, his inherent nature cannot be concealed, but rather is fully and involuntarily inscribed on the abstract form, which holds the ideal world sought by the innermost being. In fact, this moment allows artists to grasp the meaning and value of existence, and therefore they are given the ultimate freedom in pursuing the continuation of human civilization.
Abstraction is not an escape from limits imposed by reality or tradition, but rather a solemn quest for pure and liberated painting, in any medium, that reality and tradition are incapable of providing.
Original article published in 1984 in the Independence Evening Post.