Analysis of Nonobjective Art - Essay Example

Wassily Kandinsky’s Several Small Circles: An Analysis of Nonobjective Art It is somewhat difficult to generate a of nonobjective artwork because it does not include figurative imagery. How can we use the literal, design, and expressive qualities to guide our analysis of these works? ??Write a 400-word description that uses these aesthetic qualities to analyze Kandinsky’s Several Circles. ??After writing your description, write your thoughts on the experience of analyzing nonobjective works.

How does this process differ from analyzing figurative or representational artwork? I. Introduction It is possible to use literal, design, and expressive qualities to guide one’s analysis of works such as Wassily Kandinsky’s painting Several Circles. Afterwards, a reflection on the analysis of nonobjective works will be provided, describing how this process differs from analyzing figurative or representational artwork. II. Literal Qualities Kandinsky used the circle because he thought it represented various concepts, including peace, wholeness, and perfection.

He epitomized the form of the circle in this sense, his work being like a form of visual poetry. “The use of the circle occurs…in [several] variations…in Kandinsky's work…”1 In effect, the use of circles is effective, especially because of the pleasing aesthetic placement of circles of various colors. For example, primary colors red and yellow are used with the secondary color orange in the same general perimeter. In addition, the primary color blue is used effectively because it is close to the secondary colors green and purple.

The literal qualities of the work include strong usages of primary and secondary colors to convey various effects. III. Design Qualities The circle as design was considered to be an epic and most complete shape out of all of the shapes available one could work with, in turn. “The circle, thought to be the perfect form by Kandinsky, appears several times in [his] work…”2 Kandinsky certainly saw the design possibilities with the usage of the circle shape—and not only used color effectively—but also incorporated different sizes of circles to vary the observer’s visual field.

The fact that the circle is used many times with varying sizes and colors in groups which are pleasing to the eye says volumes about the kind of artistic talent that was necessary in order to create such paintings. IV. Expressive Qualities If anyone was known for the expressiveness through one’s paintings, Kandinsky was definitely an exemplary figure of that element. “Kandinsky was interested in the expressiveness of color.”3 Kandinsky was very instrumental in utilizing aesthetic colors which were not only complementary but visually interesting.

As such, his work, which tended to be nonobjective in nature, was widely recognized precisely because he used the color wheel so expertly. Indeed, Kandinsky’s work is expressive to the extent that it could be compared to a visual manifestation of poetic works. That notwithstanding, Kandinsky completed an inspirational body of work which still is revolutionary in the age in which we now live. V. The Analysis of Nonobjective Works Analyzing nonobjective works—versus analyzing representational or figurative art—is no doubt a more difficult and consuming task.

Since there is no specific form trying to be created or recreated, in nonobjective works one faces the task of having to critique other elements—such as shapes, design, and tone—in order to appropriately assess the quality of the artwork being evaluated. VI. Conclusion The literal, design, and expressive qualities of Kandinsky’s work are apparent, and, yes—even evident—when one studies them. Additionally, in lieu of analyzing objective works of art, analyzing nonobjective works of art can be more challenging, but well worth the effort.

In Kandinsky’s case, his piece Several Circles is an artwork to remember and be treasured forever. WORKS CITED Droste, Magdalena, et al. Bauhaus, 1919-1933. Germany: Taschen, 2002. Pp. 67. Duchting, Hajo. Wassily Kandinsky, 1866-1944: A Revolution in Painting. Germany: Taschen, 2000. Pp. 92. Fisher, Sandra E. Early Childhood Themes Using Art Masterpieces. U.S.: Teacher Created Resources, 2001. Pp. 49.