What Makes Art Abstract

This lesson defines what makes art abstract and helps you separate abstraction from simple simplification. You will learn how abstract work can move away from direct representation while still being intentional, structured, and visually clear.

We will look at the role of shape, colour, line, rhythm, scale, and composition in non-representational painting, and why a painting does not need to show a recognizable subject to communicate meaning. By the end, you should be able to identify abstraction in artworks and explain the choices that make a piece feel abstract.