The Transition from Portraits to Abstract Art: Fact or Fiction?

The world of art has seen many transformations over the centuries, among the most significant being the shift from portraits to abstract artworks. This metamorphosis, driven by the rise of photography, has often been misunderstood or maligned. This article aims to uncover the truth behind this transition, separating myth from reality.

The Rise of Photography and its Impact

Photography's arrival in the mid-19th century marked a turning point in the art world. Many artists, particularly illustrators and photographers, saw their roles diminished. Newspapers, once filled with hand-drawn illustrations, suddenly saw these replaced by quicker and more accurate photographic images. This shift forced artists to reconsider their purpose and find new ways to distinguish their work from the mechanical reproducibility of photographs.

The Birth of Impressionism and Abstract Art

To differentiate from photography, artists such as the Impressionists focused on capturing the essence of a scene through color and light, rather than strict adherence to visual accuracy. This approach paved the way for subsequent movements, including abstract art. Artists who later embraced abstraction sought to go even further, simplifying forms until they became nearly unrecognizable, leading to works that some saw as mere splatters of paint.

The Abstract Art Scam and its Mechanisms

By the late 20th century, abstract art had become the subject of a massive scam involving artists, collectors, and galleries. The core of the scam was the concept that abstract art could not be evaluated based on skill or quality, making its value entirely arbitrary. This allowed for manipulation of prices, often leading to astronomical sums. Here's how it worked:

The worse the painting, the easier to scam. Paintings were overvalued and sold at auction; the seller would repurchase it at a higher price, establishing a new value. This inflated value then drove the prices of similar paintings in the collection, with the cycle continuing as the paintings were resold at ever-increasing prices. This infatuation with abstract art, despite its lack of intrinsic value, allowed collectors to avoid taxes and secure low-interest loans, further inflating market values. The scam perpetuates due to the continuously rising attractiveness of abstract works to collectors.

The Resurgence of Realism in Contemporary Art

Despite the abstract art scam, many artists have never abandoned realism. The skills honed over centuries have continued to be relevant. The 1990s saw a resurgence in realistic art, with the contemporary realism movement gaining widespread popularity. Today, the demand for realism in art is higher than ever, with many magazines and ateliers focusing on this trend. The plein air movement, or outdoor painting, has become the largest movement in art history. Even art schools are starting to revise their curricula to reflect this shift, acknowledging that the abstract art movement is no longer relevant or current.

Conclusion

Art has always evolved, and the transition from portraits to abstract works was a natural, albeit controversial, part of this evolution. While the abstract art scam may exist, it is important to recognize the true values and skills present in the art world. The resurgence of realistic art in contemporary times speaks to a deeper appreciation for the intricate techniques and beauty that traditional art forms offer.