" Reality " Is Your Frame Of Reference

One fascinating aspect I find in regards to abstract art is what a person may "see" when viewing a particular work.  People will many times look at a piece and say " that reminds me of a ..."  or  "that painting makes no sense to me".   As it is said, "it" is in the eye of the beholder.

In the history of abstract art, artists have tried to lead the viewer toward a certain idea or just indulge in the exploration of color and texture combinations.  My work obviously falls into the category of leading the viewer to a particular point of view.  That point of view being what one can imagine is out in the far reaches of outer space. Adding white and yellow tiny spots to fields of beautiful color is a sure way to create a possible space reference in the viewers mind. Without those tiny spots of white and yellow, one may think of the depths of the ocean or some other image.

One famous abstract painter that comes to mind who gave us obvious reference in his work was the Spanish painter Joan Miro.  He would add quarter moons, bird like objects, and other childhood type images to give us a feel of a dream state.  A warm, simple point of view that will give you a smile.

On the other side, a famous abstract painter who gave us no references but a full sense of motion was Jackson Pollock.  Many people look at Pollock's work and either say "I don't get it" because it lacks reference or they might say " Wow, look how that color moves! It's very intense."

And that, in a nutshell, is what makes abstract art great. The eye of the beholder is beholden to nobody but himself to see what whatever he wants to see.