Third Abstraction: Motives and techniques

Area of Science:

• Visual Arts Theory
• Aesthetics
• Perception Studies

Background:

• Traditional abstraction often retains elements relatable to the real or imaginary world.
• Viewer interpretation is frequently guided by pre-existing associations and concrete references.
• A gap exists in understanding purely abstract visual stimuli that transcend conventional recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and explore the concept of the 'Third Type of Abstraction'.
• To investigate how images devoid of recognizable elements can generate meaning.
• To examine the potential of such abstraction in provoking viewer freedom and uncontrolled states.

Main Methods:

• Systematic removal of all elements within an image that suggest concrete associations.
• Focusing on creating a state of visual suspension and uncertainty.
• Analyzing the resultant meanings and effects generated by these highly abstract images.

Main Results:

• The creation of images that are fundamentally unrecognizable.
• These images successfully generate meaning and emotional responses without concrete anchors.
• A demonstrable increase in the subjective freedom of interpretation among viewers.

Conclusions:

• The 'Third Type of Abstraction' offers a new paradigm in visual art.
• Completely abstract imagery can stimulate profound meaning and emotional engagement.
• This approach effectively liberates the viewer's interpretive capacity, fostering uncontrolled creative thought.