Abstract Composition in Modernist Art
Abstract composition is a key feature of the modernist art movement. Abstract art is the use of visual language in which artists create an independent composition of line, shape, and color from the references of the visual world. Abstract art is unique is it does not attempt to depict an actual depiction of a visual reality but rather relies on the use of shapes, colors, and lines to achieve its effect. Since abstract art is not obvious, it allows the viewers to decide what the artwork is about from a personal level. Abstract art thus provides for the full appreciation of artworks, as it allows for an understanding of the reasoning behind the creation of the artwork. In the above, collage, abstract composition is the keyword, especially since Calder employed the use of abstract composition in the artwork, The Brass Family, as a means of conforming to the modernism art movement. According to the article, Art After Modernism: Rethinking Representation, Wallis emphasizes that the use of abstract art is significant as it reflects a culture in motion while giving artists the freedom to assign meanings to their artworks (Wallis 189).
Shapes and Lines in Calder's Artwork
The above collage uses different shapes and lines as is a common characteristic of abstract art. In the Brass Family artwork, Calder capitalizes on the use of lines and wires as his characteristic mode of art portrayal. Calder's use of wires serves as his illustration of the abstract outlines of the figure. Thus, the collage, which is composed of a collection of varied lines and serves as a assemblage of different outlines, which Calder may have considered in his formation of the final art piece. Furthermore, balance is a key feature that Calder explores in his Brass family artwork, and the collage echoes the same, where the different shapes are interrelated thus illustrating the importance of unity and balance, which is a key subject matter explored in Calder's artworks. The use of the shapes and lines was primarily prompted by Calder's inclination towards modernism and abstract composition, where he associated with abstract art upon his realization that he was most comfortable with the abstract composition type of art as opposed to other artworks. Overall, therefore, the use of abstract composition, as the keyword in the above collage, serves as a critical reinforcement of Calder's works which were based on the aesthetic use of wires in creating connections between the different characters. The collage thus strongly imitates Calder's juxtaposition in the creation of the Bliss Family artwork.
Works Cited
Alexander Calder. The Brass Family. 1929
Wallis, Brian. Art After Modernism: Rethinking Representation.
Tucker, Marcia, Wallis, Brian, Edits. New York, Boston: New Museum of Contemporary Art, 1984. pp 189-201.
