Why You Can’t Help But Find Familiar Shapes in Abstract Art
Abstract art has the power to grab our attention and spark our imagination. At first glance, it might seem like a chaotic blend of colors, lines, and textures. But if you spend just a little time with it, you'll find yourself spotting familiar shapes and patterns—maybe a face, a tree, or a dancing figure. Why do we have this urge to recognize things in abstract art?
The Brain's Pattern-Seeking Nature
Our brains are wired to seek out patterns. It’s a survival mechanism that's been honed through evolution. Recognizing a predator hiding in the bushes or spotting ripe fruits in a dense forest could mean the difference between life and death for our ancestors. Fast forward to the present, and that same instinct is at play when we look at abstract art. We unconsciously try to make sense of the seemingly random, connecting the dots to form something meaningful.
When I am painting I tend to put horizon lines in when I don’t intend to paint a landscape. But as soon as the horizon is there I feel more comfortable. Now I have something I am familiar with and I see instant form and meaning. It is very hard not to paint land/seascapes. They keep drawing me back to that comfort zone.
Pareidolia: Seeing Faces Everywhere
One specific type of this pattern-recognition is called pareidolia, where we perceive faces in inanimate objects or abstract forms. Think about the "smile" you’ve seen in a cloud or the "eyes" on a car’s front grill. Faces are among the most important patterns for us to recognize because they help us identify individuals and understand emotions. So, it’s no surprise that when faced with abstract art, our minds might hunt for human-like forms.
The Joy of Interpretation
Abstract art thrives on ambiguity. Unlike realistic art that presents everything clearly, abstract art invites viewers to bring their own interpretations. Finding something familiar in an abstract painting gives us a sense of accomplishment and connection. It’s like solving a puzzle—we feel joy in discovery and take ownership of what the artwork means to us.
A Portal to Creativity
When we recognize shapes in abstract art, it also sparks our imagination. That cluster of brushstrokes might become a flock of birds in flight, or that swirl of colour might remind us of ocean waves. These moments of recognition may prompt a memory or feeling. This in turn allows us to engage with the painting and see our own meaning.
The Magic of Abstract Art
Ultimately, what makes abstract art so powerful is its ability to simultaneously challenge and comfort us. It asks us to embrace uncertainty while offering the thrill of recognition. The shapes we see may not have been intended by the artist, but that’s the beauty of it—abstract art becomes a collaborative experience, where the viewer completes the story.
So, the next time you find yourself gazing at an abstract painting, embrace the hunt for the hidden. Recognize, imagine, and interpret to your heart’s content. After all, the magic lies in what you see.