GEOMETRIC ABSTRACTION

The art movement known as geometric abstraction is based on simple geometric forms usually placed in non-illusionistic space and often combined in non-objective compositions. The subject of these artworks, rather than being an object, figure or scene, are the formal properties of the image itself – colour, line, composition, light, texture and space. Form is emphasized over content. The artwork is considered to have an intrinsic value based on the qualities of the paint, or other materials used, which is not dependent on the external value of the content of the image. The viewer’s aesthetic experience extends from the artist’s ability to use these formal qualities of paint to their best advantage.

Although it was most popular in the early 20th century up into the 1960’s, formalism and geometric abstraction are still practiced today. In some cases, the artists is exploring the effect of colour and combinations of light, colour and shape on the eye of the viewer. In other cases, the artist hopes to express some subjective emotion or experience through the formal qualities of an image. In Geometric Abstraction, the concepts of formalism, expressionism, composition and colour theory are explored through the works of artists represented in the collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Artists represented include J.K. Esler, Harry Kiyooka and Marion Nicoll among others.

Geometric Abstraction was curated by Caroline Loewen, Manager/Curator, Alberta Society of Artists, Region 3 of the AFA Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX).