Introduction
Pioneers like Alfred Barr Jr. and Lawrence Alloway developed the art of history. The two historians were critical in establishing critical ideas that defined abstract art. For example, Barr Jr developed non-geometrical abstract theory, while Alloway developed biomorphic art. The two abstract arts use different aspects to show their differences in the art of history.
Non-Geometric Abstract Art of Alfred Barr Jr.
Non-geometric abstract art is considered the purest form of abstract art. Alfred Barr Jr. believed that non-geometric abstract art rejects any form of connectivity to the natural world; therefore, it should be devoid of any recognizable form (Barr 12). The existence of non-geometric abstract art is described as independent and autonomous from the outer part of the world, which does not interfere with forces from the outside.
Barr describes non-geometric abstract art as a pure idea that does not contain exterior segments. Barr Jr. argues that non-geometric abstract art was intended to design a contemporary visualized language, considered distinctive and incomparable to any visual language. The subjective experience could be used to create the model and be characterized by essential features like lines, shapes, and color (Barr 13). The non-geometric abstract was intended to be unique and pure by not interfering with the outside world.
Non-geometric abstract art consists of the artistic work of people like Malevich, Kandinsky, and Gabo. The artists found it appropriate to use shapes and elements in their work, which was intended to use nature to explode its message (Barr 12). The public enjoyed Barr’s artistic work, which evoked emotions in the viewers.
Biomorphic Abstract Art of Lawrence Alloway
The inspiration for Lawrence Alloway’s notion of biomorphic abstract art was nature, which was used to design the art of nature. Alloway argued that abstract art could be connected to any form of nature that could be used as an inspiration tool (Alloway 251). Biomorphic abstract art was developed from organic elements, resembling biological organisms. The work and shapes of biomorphic abstract art resembled those of animals, humans, and plants.
Alloway used the biomorphic artistic approach to bridge the gap between artificial and nature (Alloway 250). This was done by creating a unique visual language to connect to the outer world. Alloway’s art differed from non-geometric forms, using micro-organisms such as bacteria and cells. This made Alloway believe that his work increased enthusiasm for technology and science at the end of World War II, which created new insights into world development (Alloway 253). Alloway was interested in developing art that linked technology and nature, which was intended to diversify world technology dynamics.
Comparison of Two Movements
The difference between non-geometric and biomorphic abstract art is their abstraction approach. The ideology of absolute detachment from the outer world developed non-geometric abstract art. In contrast, biomorphic abstract art was developed to create connectivity and inspire the outer world. Pioneers of non-geometric abstract art believed that the approach was intended to design a new visual language by incorporating natural elements (Barr 16). This was proposed to serve as an escape route from the natural world.
There was a difference in the formation approach in the two abstract arts. The non-geometric approach did not contain recognizable elements, while the biomorphic abstract art incorporated recognizable elements of nature. The non-geometric abstract art consisted of key features like lines, shapes, and colors used to design the visual language. Biomorphic abstract art consists of natural elements that are fundamental to designing contemporary elements that act as a bridge to the outer world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lawrence Alloway’s biometric art and Alfred Barr Jr.’s non-geometric abstract played a critical role in the artist’s work. The development and design of the abstracts were made differently. Barr’s artistic work uses organic elements and shapes to design the art, expressing emotions. Biomorphic abstract art uses scientific nature to design art, which connects and inspires the natural world. The non-geometric abstract detaches from the outer world, while the biomorphic approach emphasizes connectivity with the natural world. The abstracts give art-related information which can be understood and interpreted differently.
Works Cited
Alloway, Lawrence. “Reading Abstract Expressionism: The Biomorphic ‘40s.” Edited by Landau, Ellen. Yale University Press, 2023, pp. 250–256. Web.
Barr, Alfred. “The Museum of Modern Art, New York.” Arno Press, 1936, pp. 11-19