Home & Garden
Embracing the Abstract
Take your cues from the abstract expressionists for a look that is both cheery, individual and modern.
There are a multitude of reasons to invite abstract art into your living space – after all, where art is concerned, colour, texture and design is known to lift spirits, provoke creativity and stir interaction, so with that in mind you may as well surrender and let a little weirdness into your home. For the likes of Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, abstract expressionism was a way to defy the confines of postwartime life in 1940s New York through an artform that was deeply personal, spiritual and often unfathomable to anyone but the artist. To understand the misunderstood The abstract era represented the energy and creativity of the artist, and didn’t give much consideration to how others interpreted the work. After all, we all interpret Constable’s The Hay Wain or da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in different ways, so personal perception is ultimately at the epicentre of all art.
Abstract art uses emotion rather than the pursuit of image. As Pollock once said, “It’s not about what you paint, it’s about how you feel about what you paint.” Why abstract art works in the home Getting a little abstract with your décor can be a great form of escapism and personal expression. Easily created, and with the ability to synchronise and complement existing elements of a room, be that the colour of a wall, the texture of furniture or the period features present, all that removes you from a bespoke piece of harmonising art is your own ability to translate ideas into reality. Remember as well, abstract isn’t solely achieved on a flat of a canvas – this form of expressionism can be achieved by the collation and presentation of anything that syncs into a home environment.
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How to pull off the look If your current colour scheme feels a little neutral, adding a bold print – be it a throw, cushion or framed picture – is a great way to apply a little abstract flair. If patterns aren’t your thing, consider livening up your lounge with block colours; perhaps a Rothko-inspired wall of two shades or a bright-coloured velvet sofa (citrus hues are particularly hot right now). The beauty of this trend is that it requires no ambitious makeovers, and can be achieved with the addition of a few key pieces. Let a simple geometric print or a statement piece of furniture become the star of an otherwise forgettable room. Alternatively, dedicate an entire space to retro hues, bold designs and metallic highlights. Either way, the invigorating energy of the abstract movement is bound to fill your heart and your home with joy.
