How can highly sensitive people benefit from understanding the history of abstract art?

What are lines? | Abstract art by Dr Pranita Rao

What does science and history say about abstract art?

Abstract art has existed since the late 19th century, when artists would experiment with non-representational art forms. In the 20th century, artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich began advocating for non-representational art. Here, non-representational art can be defined as art that is focused on color, texture, and pattern. Kandinsky and Malevich considered abstract art to have a spiritual essence, something that was missing in art forms that were solely focused on the physical world. In fact, Kadinsky considered abstract art to be a key to understanding one’s inner world and emotions. 

From the 1920s to the 1930s, abstract art forms like surrealism came into focus, wherein artists such as Joan Miró and Max Ernst created abstract art related to dreams or the subconscious and unconscious mind. Later, artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning began making huge, expressive, and gestural artworks. In the 20th century, the world was introduced to other abstract art forms like minimalism (inspired by simplicity and reduced form) and pop art (inspired by popular culture).

Today, abstract artists are creating new variations of older abstract art forms and inventing abstract art using artificial intelligence and machine learning too.

Clearly, abstract artists and the form of abstract art have come a long way! :)

---

Why could highly sensitive people benefit from understanding the history of abstract art?

As a highly sensitive person, I experience significant emotions and states of awareness from time to time.

Can it be too much? Yes and no.

It can be a lot to handle if I am not processing the information I receive through my emotions and awareness, and it can be a joyful experience if I am able to process the information I receive through my emotions and awareness.

When we look at the paintings of Jackson Pollock, we can notice that a lot of his work involves using random strokes of paint, texture, color, and lines. In fact, if we look at the artwork of Kandinsky, we can notice that he used shapes and lines that might make no sense to most people; however, I feel that he must have been successful in processing the information that his creative self was trying to process.

Artwork by Jackson Pollock (Credit - istock images)

Artwork by Wassily Kandinsky (Credit - istock images)

Similarly, in my experience with making abstract art, I've noticed that I use random colors and brush strokes to express my suppressed emotions and thoughts. It helps me process what feels 'too much to handle'.

Highly sensitive people can be greatly artistic. I am assured that there are highly sensitive people who are abstract artists too. So, if you are a highly sensitive person who likes abstract art or non-specific art, I encourage you to use your sensitivity and artistic gift to your benefit.

I encourage you to express yourself!

Please know that we don't have to be famous like Kandinsky or Pollock to express our repressed emotions and thoughts through abstract art. We just have to begin to make abstract art.

Who knows, you could well be the next Jackson Pollock or Wassily Kandinsky!

Now, here's to starting points! :D

Until next time, dear reader.

-3, 2, 1, Cheers,

Pranita Rao

Science communicator | Intuitive abstract artist | Energy worker

---

Reference: Steg C. A Brief Synopsis How Abstract Art Evolved. A Brief Synopsis How Abstract Art Evolved. Published 2023. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.academia.edu/98929231/A_Brief_Synopsis_How_Abstract_Art_Evolved

---

‌‌Please Note:

The word count for this post is 515.

Did you enjoy my post or learn something? Leave a rating, comment to show your appreciation, or please fill a form to leave a feedback about my writing and blog quality.

Are you a highly sensitive abstract artist?

I welcome you to email me at pranitarao62@gmail.com, or please view my one-on-one service page to work with me long-term.

Are you an art collector or wish to buy abstract art?

Visit my Shop to purchase your favorite artwork or read my blog posts to understand my artistic perspectives.

My favorite pick and related post:

Can highly sensitive people benefit from making abstract art intuitively?

Disclaimer  - Please note that the information on this site and blog is not medical information. Expressive Sensitive is a space to inform, educate, and engage highly sensitive people about the relationship between abstract art and high sensitivity. Please be advised that I utilize my education and experience as an artist, self-healer, energy worker, and a science communicator to create authentic content in this space.

To get medical support, please reach out to a qualified medical professional. Please reach out to authorized educational professionals to replicate my artistic or emotional coping methods.