Also called non-objective and non-representational art. Abstract artworks, known as abstractions, are artworks without recognizable subjects.
KANDINSKY is recognized as the leading pioneer of this movement, and accredited with the earliest abstract works, between 1910 and 1913. Abstract art has remained the preferred art form through the end of the 20th century, in styles as different as EXPRESSIONISM and MINIMALISM.
Generally speaking, abstractions have two elementary variations: the more lyrical version, emphasizing colors and personal expression of the artist and the geometric version, emphasizing simplification and mathematic rigor of the forms depicted, such as works by artists like MONDRIAN.