​

Abstract art has been here with us for almost a century now and has proved to be the longer-standing essence of the debate on culture and self-renewing tradition of creativity in the society.

One thing which we can all agree on for sure is that these works of art and painting are a playground of visual delight and can have at least some effects on you. Abstract art allows an artist to use form, texture, color, pattern, composition, line, and process to create different ideas that evoke emotions in a way that is not only poetic but in a nonlinear fashion as well.

​

The main strength that abstracts have over other visual arts is that it can express what the latter cannot. For instance, it has the ability to address some concepts which are theoretical and are intangible, ideas that exist only in mind and spirit as opposed to reality.

​

Without getting entangled by different storylines and sceneries, abstract artists can use different colors, shapes, and forms to express different ideas. Through this, such art can touch your emotions in a fresh direct, and raw manner that is hard to resist.

​

Human brains are known to process abstract art visual inputs in unique ways compared to realistic art. This makes lots of sense, taking into consideration the fact that paintings that have objects that are recognizable give brains of humans clear visual information. For instance, in a similar way that we can see images of things such as people, a house, a car, or a ship.

​

Our brains categorize this information, in the same manner, it does to an actual object.

Abstract art reduces the complexity in the visual world that we live in into form, color, line, and light.

It trains our eyes and brains to interpret images differently from what they are used to, making it easy for us to learn how to distinguish stuff. While this seems the right way of training our brains, some people may feel intimidated by abstract art.

​

We can blame this on the nature of our brains that are hardwired to love images that we can identify quickly. What we need to understand, however, is that our survival relies mostly on our ability to distinguish things.

​

Just like visiting a gym for a workout, the experience of working with abstract art is good for us.

It challenges our brains to interpret things, therefore, stimulating different areas of the brain which are responsible for creativity, reasoning, and imagination. Challenging ourselves with this form of art teaches us how to look at various forms of art and the world differently.

Secondly, abstract art exposes us by improving our tolerance of both less and unfamiliar situations. It also enables us to remove ourselves from reality, which in the process creates imaginative and creative responses.

​

In a hospital set up, healthcare professionals have found out that wall art on healthcare facilities promotes healing, minimizes stress, and improves the overall experience of the patients.

This is backed up by many studies that have found it to be true. For example, a study carried out by Arts for Health, which involved the installation of some pieces of art in hospital rooms, found out that patients felt more comfortable, cared for, and at home.

​

However, what we need to understand from this is that not all art is created equally. In fact, figurative wall art has some effect that is different from abstract art.

​

Regardless of the difference in the type of art, all of them have a positive impact on patients. A recent study carried out by Stine Maria in Denmark found that both figurative and abstract art has a positive effect on the wellbeing of patients.

​

Pieces of art that are brightly colored have a positive impact on the feelings of patients, no matter if it is abstract or figurative.

​

What makes them different is that some abstract work may require prolonged exposure than others since the most simple ones which are meditative may require some time to process.

What makes a piece of art stand out is that it is open to interpretation, which makes it one of the beautiful things out there.

​

As opposed to other pieces of art that may show what they are all about, abstract art requires you to approach it with an open mind that allows you to inquire and see what is hidden.

As such, it gives you the freedom to explore it and extract your own meaning from it. This enriches the experience of the viewer in observing artwork. This is a good thing because understanding art is not everyone’s natural gift.

​

It is the type of art that makes one attracted to it and gives them the urge to want more.

Abstract art allows artists to express their creativity to the world around them.

The majority of abstract artists have excellent drawing abilities and understanding that enables them to compose and draw pieces which express different feelings and gives amazing visual experience.

Unlike what some people may have been told, abstract art is not about nothing; rather, it is about form, color, texture, process, pattern, and composition.

​

These are the formal qualities of abstract art, which perfectly defines what the piece looks like, how it is created, and the impact that the art has.

​

In summary, seeing abstract art in person is what you really need.

​

This will aid you in understanding and appreciating it as opposed to looking at a small piece of it in a book or an image that is pixelated. Seeing it in person allows you to feel the effect and the strength of the art piece across the room.

​

It allows you to imagine what the thoughts of the artist might have been when coming up with the masterpiece.

​

You can stand next to the painting and imagine the thoughts which may have been running in his/her mind upon every stroke and the impact that the work has on those who look at it.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​