Introduction
It can be said for sure that any artwork is unique. However, visual images can be divided into three groups: representational, abstract, and non-objective. The distinctive feature of non-objective art is that it does not borrow from reality. Both representational and abstract art uses objects from reality, but the former preserves their natural qualities and the latter deforms them to deliver the author’s message.
Main body
A representational artwork, in my understanding, is an artwork that aims to present an object, person, or event to a viewer with the preservation of its natural qualities. Even though some artworks with such an aim include the elements of abstraction, they are still representational. A perfect example of representational art is Madonna of the Rocks by Da Vinci. The painting presents persons (Virgin Mary, Jesus, John the Baptist, and an angel) with such natural details as fabric texture, light, and volume (Cunningham, Reich, and Fichtner-Rathus 30).
The Starry Night by Van Gogh can also be considered a representational artwork. Despite its steps towards abstraction, the goal of the artist is to depict actual objects (stars) with their qualities (light) (Thomson 24).
Abstract visual images are similar to representational ones in taking objects from reality. However, unlike representational artworks, abstract pictures present real objects in an unreal way: with altered lines, unnatural colors, or unusual shapes. Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Picasso is an example of such art. The painting depicts young prostitutes from Avignon street, i.e. something that exists in reality. Moreover, the depicted women are racially diverse. However, the figure and facial features are unrealistic, which helps to deliver the author’s message (Gantefuhrer-Trier 26). Another example is Nude Descending A Staircase by Marcel Duchamp. Duchamp has depicted a real person, but the shape of the figure is abstractionist (Auping 147).
The primary feature of non-objective visual images is that they are not connected with reality, and their goal is to demonstrate aesthetic or philosophic concepts of their authors. One of the most widely known non-objective artworks is Black Square by Kazimir Malevich. The depicted square is not an actual object or an abstract interpretation of such an object; instead, it is believed to present the philosophic views of the artist (Hick 102). Similarly, Black Lines by Wassily Kandinsky has nothing to do with the real world. Apparently, the artist meant these black lines to give a viewer purely spiritual feelings (Houlgate 72).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while non-objective art is not concerned with reality, representational art reflects it, and abstract art uses it with specific alterations to emphasize essential points.
Works Cited
Auping, Michael. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. London, UK: Third Millennium Information, 2002. Print.
Cunningham, Lawrence S., John J. Reich, and Lois Fichner-Rathus. Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities. Wadsworth, California: Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.
Gantefuhrer-Trier, Anne. Cubism. London, UK: Taschen, 2004. Print.
Hick, Darren Hudson. Introducing Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art. New York City, New York: Continuum, 2012. Print.
Houlgate, Stephen. “Presidential Address: Hegel and the Art of Painting.” Hegel and Aesthetics: An Anthology of Experience. Ed. William Maker. New York City, New York: SUNY Press, 2000. 61-82. Print.
Thomson, Richard. Vincent Van Gogh: The Starry Night. New York City, New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 2008. Print.