Figurative art and figurativism are antipodes of abstractionism and conceptualism

Figurative art is a genre of visual art in which real objects are always clearly present in the works. Figurativism is just one style of figurative art; these definitions are not synonymous. In figurativism, the primary subjects of depiction are human or animal figures.

Figurative art. Jan van der Heyden. The Church in Veer, 1692

Figurative art, in essence, is the opposite of abstract art, which denies the necessity of depicting realistic things in an artist's works. On the contrary, figurativists seek to reflect their surroundings with maximum accuracy in their creations.

Varieties of figurative art

Figurative art is based on the real world rather than deeply hidden illusions in the artist's subconscious. Advocates of this genre believe that artists should create representative, recognizable images in their works.

Figurative art. Giorgione. Sleeping Venus, 1510

Objects for creative expression can be diverse, encompassing both animate and inanimate subjects: people, houses, animals, cars, plants. However, the artist is free to use all available means to realize their ideas:

• A broad color palette.
• Whimsical and original forms of objects.
• Contrast combinations, the role of light and shadow.
• Perspective and volume.

Figurative art. Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The Harvesters, 1565

Therefore, figurative art can encompass works of many genres:

• Portrait.
• Historical.
• Animalistic.
• Landscape.
• Everyday life.
• Battle scenes.
• Nude.

Figurative art. Johann Anton Eismann. The Battle, 1656

Similarly, figurative art brings together a multitude of diverse styles in which the primary subject of depiction is the real world, including:

• Realism.
• Classicism.
• Romanticism.
• Impressionism.
• Baroque.
• Rococo.

Figurative art. Canaletto. The Bucintoro in Venice on Ascension Day, 1729

Moreover, figurative art is always aimed at the emotional perception of the viewer through the representation of recognizable forms of objects and subjects. This sets it apart drastically from conceptualism, whose proponents see the communication of ideas as their main goal, with little importance given to the form of creative expression.

History of figurative art

Historical roots of figurative art can be traced back to ancient times. Even primitive people in their cave paintings often sought to accurately depict the surrounding world.

Figurative art. Rock art, 7,000 B.C.

But artists have always had a tendency to slightly distort, or more precisely, embellish reality. Masters of the ancient era consciously idealized the features of the human figure in their works. In the Byzantine Empire, icon painting became the primary form of visual art, where body proportions were distinctly stylized, and the symbolism of colors and objects played a crucial role.

Figurative art. Thomas Gainsborough. The Harvest Wagon, 1767

During the Renaissance, artists saw their purpose in celebrating the ideals of humanism and anthropocentrism. Therefore, the greatest masters of that time created beautifully stunning but not always realistic works. This trend continued into other historical epochs, extending to the advent of Impressionism.

Figurative art. Jacques-Louis David. Oath of the Horatii, 1784

The characteristics of figurative art, despite the emergence of new styles and genres, have always remained discernible in the paintings and sculptures of artists. However, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, revolutionary avant-gardism emerged in world culture. Many artists decisively rejected millennia-old academic traditions, including figurativism. Abstract painting began to gain popularity, gradually taking the lead in contemporary global culture.

Figurative art. Claude Monet. Étretat sous la pluie, 1886

In the 21st century, the ratio of adherents of abstract and figurative art is constantly changing. Some artists actively advocate for the return of old traditions in painting and sculpture, while their opponents ardently defend the opposite point of view. The outcome of this struggle is uncertain, even for art professionals.

Figurative art. Kenyon Cox. Nude study in graphite, preparatory drawing for the allegorical figure of Romance in The Arts mural at the Library of Congress Jefferson Building, 1896

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