Abstract Thinking
Reframing non-figurative art and investigating the validity of abstraction
Abstract Thinking, by Mercedes Smith, published in DRIFT Cornwall magazine, investigates the validity of abstract art.
What is the meaning of abstract art?
It turns out this is a highly googled phrase.
During my seven years working as an art consultant in California, before I became an artist, I found that many people find abstract art hard to understand. I’ve often wondered why this is?
Perhaps it’s because we aren’t taught in school how to decipher its visual language? We feel lost without the 'right' key or code to unlock its secrets.
Perhaps we bring the wrong tools to the job: a dominant left brain analytic approach when a Right brain intuitive approach (or gut response) would be more appropriate?
Whatever the reason, it’s not uncommon for art viewers to experience and invisible wall between them and abstract art; its meaning just out of reach.
If you’ve ever wondered what the big deal is with abstract art, you may find this new article by arts writer Mercedes Smith to be helpful. Published in Cornwall’s DRIFT Magazine; 'Abstract Thinking: Reframing non-figurative art and investigating the validity of abstraction', offers a fresh approach to unpacking the gold to be found in abstract art.
DRIFT Magazine, vol 27. Cover art by John Hersey.
In Abstract Thinking, Smith shares her secrets for viewing and interpreting abstract art in a simple 3-step approach, which she compares to a good 3 course dinner.
"This is what I love most about Abstraction, it is pure heroin for the heart and mind,” Mercedes Smith, contributing arts writer, DRIFT Magazine.
What's your approach to understanding abstract art?
With many thanks to Mercedes Smith and DRIFT Magazine for including my abstract painting, Shape Shifter, in the article.
Shape Shifter, acrylic on birch wood panel, 60 x 60 cm, by Trudy Montgomery
The article appears in volume 27 of DRIFT Magazine, a publication for all things luxury in Cornwall, UK.
