Definition Of Representational Art
Representational Art in its most basic definition, is a depiction which can be recognized by symbol, imagery, or other artistic rendering. A painting of a person or object for example can be identified for what they are.
While this may seem obvious in terms of meaning, there is a wide scale which resides within this concept. This scale resides within the variations between realism to stylized art.
The use of the words Representational Art came to popularity in the Mid 20th century with the rise of abstract art concepts.
Before this period most arts were focused on some degree of representing something from the world around us whether from Realism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Classicism, Naturalism, or others.
The early 1900’s brought with it a major shift in thinking as to what art was or could be. Technology with film opened new concepts behind how subjects could be represented to an audience.
Perception of art with men like Lev Kuleshov brought focus on message and emotion seeking to impact an audience by how a subject was represented in brief film images.
What Types Of Art Fit Into This Category?
For ease of understanding I will break this down into two simple categories. All art will fit into either one of two categories. It is either Representational in some way, or it is Nonrepresentational to varied degrees.
In other words a child’s stick figure art picturing their family members could loosely be categorized as representational. Yet with this it lacks any form to impress anyone.
Beyond this an outsider could recognize it is a representation of a person. At its basic level we know it is not a dog, cat, zebra, or another object.
What this child’s drawing lacks is what is called realism within the visual depiction of art. This gives us a very basic and foundational understanding to the concept.
The more elite of critics would laugh at this simple example. Its power can be found in graphic art today for corporations which take a symbol to define their brand.
The question becomes whether or not the art can be recognized in its shape or form. A very simple representation can become quite powerful as proven by marketing.
Degrees Of Realism In Representational Art
Within Representational Art there are many avenues which one can take. Among the most often recognized is how life like the art appears.
This is called realism as compared to stylized art. Know that realism itself has different meanings within time. This concept became a movement to define an art period of history.
Context is everything. While arguments can be made as comparing realism to naturalism, here I am not focused on those meanings.
Rather as a work begins to move towards stylized art, it is moving along a scale. Some artists prefer to mix representational with abstract concepts in their work.
Additionally many misunderstand what realism defines. Some assume that non objective art cannot have realism within its composition.
This is not true. It is important to note that the idea of realism merely relates to the ability to recognize objects within art.
As this scale begins to shift away from realism, on the other extreme we find what is called stylized, and also non objective. This would be like comparing a portrait to a caricature, and then at the end of the scale the child’s stick figure.
The caricature is more stylized but can still be recognizable as the subject intended. With the stick figure the subject is obscure if one does not know the intended meaning. Nevertheless the form and shape of a person is recognized.
It is on this scale where Representational Art exists. It will depend on who you talk to, and what academic backgrounds they are from, as to when or where one stops calling art representative to the subject at hand.
Styles Of Representational Art
Renaissance Art gave us the more ideal form of representation. Its roots can be traced to an older time within Classical Art.
Representations of the human body were created in ways to perfect what should be, as in the ideal body, rather than what was. Perfection was sought in the work for the unity of art.
Consider this the more ancient photo filters used by people today.
This was about more than people wishing to appear better than they were. Rather it was a mindset of what a society should aspire to become. Some artistic creations were larger than life.
In this period humanism was in focus while religious meaning or symbols were often downplayed. Rather the art was portraying what the people saw as self worth or value within the human form. Clearly this fell short of the true story as ideal images do not capture the natural state.
At around 1530 AD another style emerged called Mannerism. Here art was more representative to the real state of the subject.
This broke away from the more Italian ideal versions of artwork where the ideal was most popular. The last major period of mankind being shown in the natural state dates back to the Hellenistic Period.
Yet still these works did not capture the truth until the Realism Movement came onto the scene. Here is where confusion can come in when discussing realism.
While one can describe a degree of realistic art, the other can define a movement within art history.
At around 1790 with the onset of the Industrial Revolution we find the Realism Movement come into the world. Here artists sought to create works which were more like photograph representations of what they saw.
This art style though was met with competition. The Victorian Era would soon begin in earnest and by the latter part of the 1800’s Impressionism would be on the rise. Nevertheless the Realism Movement would continue and survive.
The core agenda with this movement would be to advocate for art which was more centered and focused on Naturalism. Here art would not merely be created which appeared realistic but also represented people or objects as they were in the natural environment.
By comparison this style continued forward in time as Romanticism and Idealism eventually died at the Art Deco period of the early 20th century.
Modern Influences On Representational Art
As men like Picasso came onto the scene and the Art Deco period came into full swing, Representational Art began to mature in new ways. Artists began to revolutionize the world with new ideas.
By the 1950’s monochromatic art found its popularity and abstract arts were coming into focus through the 1960’s. Here a new distinction in what was representational and classified as realism began to once again change.
It is from this era, and the soon coming digital age, that Representational Art by definition and meaning reached beyond a period or era of history. The classification became a fixture within art and a measurement within different styles.
While the opposing spectrum of Nonrepresentational Art is often used synonymously as a catch all for abstract arts, it too holds a wide spectrum. Within these two containers reside the arts as we know them today as they move forward in time.
Representational Concepts The Foundation Of Visual Art
Representational concepts are the foundation of visual arts. In terms of education and training it is this foundation which is used to aid students or artists along their path. It is here the building blocks come together to make art what it is.
Form, shape, contour, color, and shading are mere components and elements. Each element holds its place in how the artists perfects the use in their skills. The more proficient an artist becomes the more representational their art is related too.
Those who achieve high degrees of realism in representation can reach into arts which others cannot. Naturalism itself can be one of the most difficult art styles to perfect. It is due to nature itself that we find shades, colors, and shadows which are quite complex to replicate.
The transition of color within a sunset as it paints the sky is difficult to capture. A lake that mirrors the mountain peaks with its snow caps no painting can quite measure its majesty. Yet it is here that an artist may find the greatest lessons to be learned and push themselves to new heights within their work.
Within education the foundations are built around this idea of representation. Where it exists on the scale of realism to stylized may vary, yet it is always within the realm of representation. No art can exist without it unless it is purely abstract.
Whether one enjoys Impressionism, symbolic art, Idealism, Romanticism, each holds a representation which is the vehicle of the art. It is used to convey the message of the work with its meaning to those who look within the work.
Boundaries Between Representational And Nonrepresentational Art
There are boundaries which exist between Representational Art and its Nonrepresentational counterpart. It has been unfairly said by some that abstract art is for those who cannot create real art. This could not be further from the truth and is a blind statement.
Misconceptions between the two exist due to this natural barrier which exists. To understand why we must first know what this barrier is and what causes it.
Representational Art is easy to recognize by the general public. Yet with this one must understand that the general public is not educated within the arts. Due to this it is easier for people to see, understand, and accept representational works.
It is due to this representation that symbols can have universal meaning among peoples who have never met nor share the same culture or language. Through these symbols a basic language which both can understand can be created.
Nonrepresentational Art is another world of its own. The works are often built around intent, emotion, and reflection. More education is required to understand the meaning for its subject is often not plainly seen.
It is due to this barrier and ease of interpretation with representational works that they are more popular. Relational meaning and definition is quick to grasp and is easily understood. Yet this difference should never downplay the role or importance of abstract works.
Which Style Of Representational Art Is Best?
To answer what style of Representational Art is best would require an answer to another question. What is it that the artist seeks to represent? If one wished to convey a message through emotion rather than an object then is a representational work the best to use?
If one is seeking to duplicate a setting much like the Naturalist Movement within history then naturalism is what is desired. Yet its goal is to eliminate as much influence from the artist as possible. It allows for no room in personal interpretation, emotion, or influence of perspective.
If one wishes to portray a lesson, or convey a meaning, then symbols are easy to use and achieve this. Perhaps one wishes to portray an ideal world or vision that one has. In this case art of a more idealistic nature is needed.
As each of these styles reside within representational art it cannot be said that one is better than the other. Rather the important question to answer is what is it that the artist wishes to achieve.
If one were to ask where on the scale of realism to stylized is best to be within art, most would say to stay as close to realism as possible. Yet here too much can be questioned and the focus again returns to intent and message.
Throughout the ages of art we find many eras of classification. Each person will have their personal choice in favorite and the reasons why. Yet within our present modern world we do not have to be bound by these old models.
With the access to the resources of education and many methods of art we can truly define ourselves. The choice of where to reside within the world of art should be that of passion and message rather than popularity.
The digital age we live within will further push these boundaries. We are already seeing the impact of how technology is furthering art and blending many concepts and styles like never before. Now is not the time to become stuck within a historical model of the past.
Should Artists Seek To Do Representational Works Alone?
Due to the barrier which can exists between realism and abstract concepts artists can be pegged too easily into some styles. An artist who thrives and is good at representational art may never explore more abstract concepts.
There are also artists who struggle at achieving realism. Due to this struggle they accept their assumed role within a Nonrepresentational means. These two worlds should not exist as a parallel where an artist does not cross over into the other.
Art itself is ultimately about expression. No artist can remove this expression from their work. If one can duplicate a natural setting within their art the impression of how they saw this setting will be reflected within their art. It is unavoidable.
Artists should explore the spectrum of art found within the representational world. Along that scope of realism to stylized there are lessons to be learned. This is also true for strictly abstract works.
Within the world of abstract art is found the ultimate expression of emotion. The artist who prefers realism will learn much from how to convey a message of concept by the lack of form or subject. Color, intensity by value, and use of space become key.
It is through exploration that the artist is able to further their preferred work. Each path has something to offer in its lessons and the furtherance of ones skills. It is important to break the barriers which creep up all too naturally within our world.