Modern Definition Of Figurative Art
Figurative Art uses real life objects to create a likeness of it somewhere between realism and abstraction. In other words the real life objects will hold an abstract expression of what the artist creates.
Due to this abstract nature, and relatively broad definition, many works of art can fall into its category. Since the early 20th century the argument to Figurative Art and its definition can be influenced by different schools of thought.
History Of Figurative Art
Historically Figurative Art was not always considered to be abstract in nature. At least this perspective holds true based upon our present day categorization and definitions.
The Greek culture would use ideal geometric representations within their art that were classified as Figurative Art within their time. Today we see this Classical Art through a different lens than they did in their time.
Further evolution would happen with time. Through the Roman era not much changed. It would take the Renaissance to create new boundaries.
While some abstraction began to emerge within the Renaissance, it was minor when compared to more modern works such as Picasso post 1920. The Renaissance was still largely focused on geometry and ideal models of art.
It would require Impressionism and the post Impressionist era to push Figurative Art into its broader evolution. As abstract art came into its maturity what was Figurativism fell into boundaries residing between realism and nonobjective art.
Expressionism held great influence in this regard. Artistic expression would become the greater focus allowing the artist more freedom.
The flow of what would become Figurative Art is progressively seen. Where Expressionism would influence Romanticism, and Impressionism led to the post Impressionist era, these ideas matured into something new.
This freedom would introduce more emotion, thought, and deeper reflection. The point was to reach beyond the subject matter of the art and into the why behind it.
Confusion Pertaining To Figurative Art
It can be easy for some to confuse Figurative Art with Figure Art. These two are different. Figure art can fall into two categories most commonly.
The focus of Figure Art resides with emphasis on the human body or animals. This has remained a constant. Today in Great Britain there are still two societies dedicated to these art forms.
Figurative Art on the other hand is defined within our time to have a figurative representation or likeness. In other words it can loosely represent the parent object yet be distorted, altered, or represented in a new way.
Is Figurative Art The Same As Abstract Art?
If one is not careful it can be easy to use the terms Figurative Art and Abstract Art synonymously. This is an error.
Abstract art would be more closely associated with Non Objective Art while these two also share unique distinctions. As stated before, Figurative Art exists on a scale between Realism to Abstract.
Once the artist moves from pure realism and begins to inject personal interpretation into the art, it begins its path on this scale. The art will retain shape or form in its realism from its key subject matter.
Abstract Art on the other hand will possess less of this shape or form. So then when does Figurative Art become Abstract?
The answer to this question has been an argument since its modern introduction in the early 20th century. It is difficult to draw a clear distinction to what is definitively Figurative or what is Abstract.
Alternatively if art is void of shape or form its technical classification is no longer Abstract but rather becomes Non Objective.
Here we begin to step into semantics by definition and the schools of thought which are behind them. If one continues to research, each argument can hold validity to their claims.
More importantly an artist should recognize the essence of what this art form is. Likewise the opportunities we possess in its use through expression and communication is what is the key.
Modern Figurative Art And Its Popularity
Modern Figurative Art is perhaps the most used creative art today. There are many artists who still practice Classicism or are Naturalists.
Nevertheless most artists today exist on this scale between Realism and Abstraction. New Media Art is a prime example of how digital formats allow for broad interpretive uses.
Photography is perhaps the most widely used art form today for this. Ideas such a merging multiple images through time lapse can yield impressive art.
While we use other names to describe these specific methods of art, in a broad sense each can fall under a larger general umbrella within art.
It is neither pure Realism, Naturalism, nor is it Abstract. It is Figurative based upon how the artist wishes to express the art content.
Traditionally painting and sculpting were the two core mediums of art which evolved Figurativism. Today its uses within these mediums are still as ever popular as before.
To this end many artists would reside within the broad boundaries of its definition. While most would not claim to be an artist of this genre, more specific terms are used to better define the artists work.
Key Differences Between Figurative Art And Modern Realism
In more recent history over the past few hundred years Realism could be more closely associated with Naturalism. The difference between these two could often be as simple as the subject matter involved.
Historically an artist who’s main focus was on realism would attempt to recreate a scene as accurately as possible. This attempt could be seen as someone taking a photograph.
As time moved forward through the eras of art shifting with its influence we arrive at Modern Realism. There is often close ties between Figurative Art and this new Realism.
What then defines the boundary where the art becomes Figurative? This boundary is generally simple to understand but can be difficult to always apply.
Generally, when art begins to subjectively alter, distort, or introduce more abstract elements it then becomes Figurative.
Generally, when art holds true to its realistic properties but only allows inflection through some artistic expression then it remains as Modern Realism.
How does this apply? Modern Realism could allow a painting of an individual although with a facial expression that the artist chose to represent.
In this case the artist created the expression and perhaps the setting the subject is within, yet it retains all the qualities of Realism.
Where this becomes Figurative Art is where the artist may add distortions such as appearing cartoonish, and it is no longer Modern Realism.
A boundary exists between these two ideas yet that boundary can be subjective in of itself. Again various schools of thought can hold influence as to where it lay.
Common Influences Found Within Figurative Art
Influences which surround Figurative Art exist largely for artistic expression. Art symbols is a great example to this end where additional meaning is desired to influence the subject matter.
Alternatively elements of art can be isolated to create influence. Emphasis within art can be placed through the use of things such as color.
Additionally principles of art can be used to add greater emphasis to reach the artists end. As elements build upon each other to form principles, one goes with the other.
At the core of Figurative Art are these foundational tools which the artist will call upon to create with.