Abstract Art

Abstract art does not try to look like real things. It uses colors, shapes, and lines to make pictures. Abstract artists want you to feel something when you look at it. You might see a painting of just red squares and blue circles. Every person might see the art in a different way.

How It Started

Abstract art began in the early 1900s. Before this, most art showed real people, places, and things. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky wanted to try something new. He painted with bright colors and simple shapes. Many people thought his art was strange at first. Now abstract art hangs in museums all over the world.

Famous Abstract Artists

Many artists have made famous abstract art. Jackson Pollock dripped paint all over big canvases. Piet Mondrian used only straight lines and the colors red, yellow, and blue. Mark Rothko painted huge blocks of color. Their art can look simple, but each piece shows a strong feeling. Kids can make abstract art too with just paint and paper.

Fun Facts

• Jackson Pollock laid his canvases on the floor to drip paint on them.
• One abstract painting sold for over 140 million dollars.
• Kandinsky said he could 'hear' colors when he painted.

Did You Know?

Some scientists think abstract art can make people feel calm because our brains try to find patterns in it.