"What is that precisely?"
"I don't think it's meant to be anything in particular, it's one of these abstract jobs."
"Yes, but, abstract what though?"
( lines from 'One Fine Day', written by Alan Bennett)
Abstract refers to something that is based on general ideas or concepts, rather than physical real-life objects. Its' Latin roots mean "to pull away", relating to thoughts or ideas detached from concrete reality.
The many different aspects of 'abstract' depend on the context.
In philosophy, 'abstract' refers to entities, concepts, or reasoning processes that exist independently of space-time and physical causality. Metaphysics is about abstract objects, which lack a physical existence. Philosphers who believe such objects have real existence are known as Platonists. They argue that non-physical concepts such as Justice/Beauty/Truth/Love, exist in their own independent realm.
The School of Athens offers some interesting information on this subject, and other matters.
This video explains it so well.
In literature, 'abstract' can refer to either a written summary of a larger text, or a concept describing writing that focuses on intangible ideas, rather than physical reality.
Literature became abstract, according to the latter concept, during the Modernist movement of the early 20th century (1910-1945), influenced by WW1, psychoanalysis, plus visual and revolutionary developments in the arts. Writers abandoned linear plots and objective realities in favor of fragmented, subjective and highly conceptual storytelling, like....
'Finnegans Wake', James Joyce's final novel, published in 1939, two years before his death.
It took Joyce 17 years to complete, and is an extreme abstraction of language, as Joyce abandoned conventional syntax, applied a web of puns, and added multiple languages which created a dreamlike narrative.
I haven't read it, will I ever read it, who knows. One thing I did read and understand, is that Joyce set Ulysses occuring in one day, so then set out to write a book, which was set over one night.
Ximena Perez Grobet, the founder and owner of Nowhereman Press, is a glorious creator of artists books.
Here is her fascinating project inspired by Finnegans Wake.
Take this link and you will see a video of the work in progress. It is set in such a beautifully light peaceful setting. Be prepared to take the time.
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'The Unnamable', Samuel Beckett's 1953 novel , the final work in his post-war trilogy, following Molloy and Malone Dies.
Beckett abandoned traditional plot structure and focused on internal monologues of fragmented identities who struggle with language and existence. And no, I haven't read this one either.
But I have watched Jenny Triggs interpreted short-film of The Unnamable, made in 1999. This little synopsis might help.
The obsessive narrator, who opens the novel asking, "Where now? Who now? When now?" is a disembodied person living in a large jar in a restaurant window in Paris. Essentially "unnamable", the narrator is referred to as Mahood, Worm and Basil in a series of tales. The final sentence in the novel is a long dramatic monologue. The narrator concludes with the desire to continue living despite an inescapable sense of anguish and entropy:"I can't go on, I'll go on."
If the video does not work.
....
'Orlanda a novel', written by Jacqueline Harpman
This novel is about a woman whose subconscious mind splinters and finds itself in the body of a young man. It references VW's Orlando a Biography in both direct and indirect ways. (I have read Orlando and loved it, such a clever piece of work.)
It was the cover that drew my eye, making me think of these 'abstract breasts' I put together.
In art, abstraction involves the emphasis of form, colour and texture over representational accuracy. It wants to evoke emotions, provoke thought and imagination without the depiction of recognisable objects or scenes. The idea is to engage with the art work on an intuitive and subjective level. Shapes, colours and forms communicate ideas and provoke emotional responses.
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| 'Abstract Figures' Joan Miro |
Abstract art came out of the early 20th century, when artists started to challenge the traditional forms of representation.
Cubism, Fauvism and Expressionism laid the foundation for abstraction, by emphasizing colour, form and subjective interpretation.
Alfred H. Barr, in his 1936 book, 'Cubism and Abstract Art', presented a diagramme, which demonstrated the 2 divergent paths abstract art took in the early 20th century.
Key moments in the evolution of abstract art...
- 1910s Wassily Kandinsky created the first purely abstract works, believing art should evoke emotion.
- 1920s - 1930s Piet Mondrian explored geometric abstraction and the search for universal harmony.
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| Tableau I, 1921 |
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| Composition II, 1930 |
- 1940s - 1950s Abstract expressionism emerged in USA, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko emphasizing spontaneity and emotion.
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| Untitled Jackson Pollock, 1948 -49 |
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| Untitled, Mark Rothko, 1944-46 |
- 1960s - Present Abstract art continuing to evolve. especially using digital technologies.
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| Straec 26, Luuk De Haan, 2016 |
- Observe the details: The colours, textures, forms and how they interact.
- Reflect on your emotions: How does the work make you feel.
- Cosider the context: What is the artist's intent or the historical context of the work.
- Interpret freely: There's no right or wrong way to interpret abstract art. Your personal experiences shape your perception.
There is a very good history of abstract art to be found in this interesting video, plus a great introduction to Piet Mondrian's work and how it developed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-08NQ3Zxy3s
Mondrian's abstracts made fashion.
The famous Yves Saint Laurent dresses. There is great information in this link.
Here is a very informative video about the patternmaking and construction of the Mondrian Dress. The presenter has a very good knowledge of the cutting of a pattern, a lot can be learnt from it. (Here's the link, incase the video does not work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBF6Q51ypz8&t=546s )
Abstract and Clothing.
For Rei Kawakubo, a collection is likely to begin with an abstract phrase.
"As she does not sketch or sew, it is up to her team of patternmakers to interpret her concepts as best they can and to work creatively to achieve a solution, even if the idea is to start with something perfect and go backwards." (The New Yorker article, 2005)
'Abstract Excellence' was the Comme des Garcons Spring Summer 2004 collection. Rei Kawakubo provided the title as the conceptual guide. The collection was an exercise in minimalism and focus, as it was stripped down to the pure structural abstraction of a single garment, a skirt, reconfigured in 34 different ways. Fabulous!
This is what Kawakubo had to say, "There's nothing concrete to say about the patterns, they are all abstract...Different abstract shapes were used, and often (I) did not know how the result would come out. There was a lot of experimenting, and the technique of designing was also very abstract. The entire 'abstract' process of creating resulted in strong abstract design."
Wonderful sculptural skirts cut with dynamic folds, circles and clover shapes.
Here are some of them, dancing
An example of the "sculpturalness" of one of the skirts. The black non-woven polyester trim was printed on both sides, and helped to give the skirt its' sculptural effect. So cool.
I had a go creating skirts inspired by aspects of the CdG skirts
And, I even had a go at the amazing headpieces that Kawakubo presented with the collection skirts. The headpieces presented with the collection were traditional headdresses worn by the Herero people of Namibia, in Southern Africa. The shape reflects cow horns, representing the Herero's respect for cattle.
My one...
Here's a connection to view a woman putting one of these amazing headpieces together. I know my construction wasn't as slickly put together as this one!
You might be interested in photographer, Jim Naughten's photo series, 'Hereros'
I love this mobile of the CdG collection ones
Italian Vogue always do very cool fashion shoots, like this one...
could it be a still shot from an avant-garde CdG designed Woody Allen film about 3 sisters...
or Robert Altman's 3 Women?
No, on second thoughts, it's a cool contemporary take on Botticelli's three muses.
When I researched 'abstract excellence', I was led to this explanation, "refers to the tangible, theoretical or conceptual pursuit of being the best, rather than reaching a measurable or physical target, and serves to inspire continuous improvement." I believe that last section is very much Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons.
For her F/W 2026 collection, Kurihara presented 'Abstract Shape'. It was inspired by the work of Dutch artist Ruth van Beek.
Tao Kurihara,
joined Comme des Garcons in 1998. In 2002, she took on the responsibility for the Tricot CdG designing. In 2005 Rei Kawakubo encouraged her to establish her own CdG brand, TAO, which she worked with until 2011, when she returned to managing Tricot CdG. In 2021 Tricot CdG was renamed and rebranded TAO, with Kurihara at the helm.
For her F/W 2026 collection, Kurihara presented 'Abstract Shape'. It was inspired by the work of Dutch artist Ruth van Beek.
Ruth van Beek works with photography and collage, a very interesting artist, and where her work has come from.
To get an idea of that, watch this video, which was made in 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1382axKGV0
I think Tao Kurihara's inspiration may have come from works created after this video was made. Maybe her 2023 work "The Oldest Thing', where abstract painting is placed side by side with a photograph of an everyday object. Check it out http://www.vanzoetendaal.com/books/the-oldest-thing/
I think Tao Kurihara's inspiration may have come from works created after this video was made. Maybe her 2023 work "The Oldest Thing', where abstract painting is placed side by side with a photograph of an everyday object. Check it out http://www.vanzoetendaal.com/books/the-oldest-thing/
And, definitely what is considered her masterpiece, The Spell.
The Spell is a series of repetitive compositions of oval shapes, born out of a 2021 screen-printing residency Ruth van Beek attended. Cut-out pictures showing all sorts of everyday things placed on ovals of different tones of pink.
Van Beek said, "I am attracted to the oval shape, because it is so intuitive and feels very human....The shape looks like an egg or a fruit, it could be ripe or not.....It feels fulfilling, like something is getting full of life....I feel that oval can express that."
In 2024, an exhibition centred around 'The Oldest Thing' was held at the creative gallery, laboratory and event space, Vague Kobe, Japan. Is this where Tao Kurihara was inspired?
In the collection 'Abstract Shape", Kurihara was attempting to create clothing using the a circular motif. There were tops made by sewing together circular pieces, there were wonderfully circular skirts, and some glorious balloon skirts. (I actually wonder if Tao Kurtihara was there in the creation of some of the Abstract Excellence skirts.)
Check out the actual collection show in this link https://thefashiondb.com/collections/tao-aw-2026-womenswear-abstract-shape
Tao's use of circular pieces makes me think of my own use of circular pieces.
A shirt,
when worn, drapes like this.
I think some of Tao's wonderful 'Abstract Shape' skirts could be cut from the pattern used for this skirt.
Abstraction and clothing continues.
Abstraction and clothing continues.
For me, something in both of these abstract images, each displaying a face, happy or sad, take your pick,
is reflected, in its' own way, in these kimono-like garments. (Remember, abstract appreciation is subjective.)
This is a gorgeous abstract patterned cottoned shirt of a boxy shape, and a nice complementary coloured placket.
The skirt really sets the shirt off as a cool ensemble. The way it is cut on the grain compliments the boxy shirt shape, and that placket. Very nice.
Art Spiegleman, take it away...
SLTSLTBsigning off abstractly.
These 2 cool casual summer dresses with abstract face images,
take me to a t-shirt I created.
This is a gorgeous abstract patterned cottoned shirt of a boxy shape, and a nice complementary coloured placket.
It's TOAST, a British lifestyle brand founded in West Wales, in 1997. The big thing about this brand is it is consciously made clothing that celebrates craftmanship and longevity. They pursue a circular economy approach, which is impressive. I also really like that they work closely with Traid.
French photographer, Marie Valoynes, under the pseudonym 'mise en', creates wonderful abstract sculptures from various high fashion runway garments. These various images came out 2015/2016 collections. Lots of creative abstract fun.
scenarios.
I am going to leave the last word with an abstract thought from Art Spiegelman.
Abstract thought is the ability to conceptualise ideas, principles and patterns that are not physically present or directly tied to sensory experience.
Abstract thought is the ability to conceptualise ideas, principles and patterns that are not physically present or directly tied to sensory experience.
If you want to know a lot more https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/abstract-vs-concrete-thinking-what-you-need-know-tha%C3%ADs-silva-
Abstract thinking allows you to grasp the "big picture", understand metaphors, and think about intangible concepts like freedom, love or other hypothetical scenarios. For example, understanding that the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, whereas simply seeing it as a large copper statue is concrete thinking. (Where's Trump at!)
