painting – ARTVOICE ONLINE

Recently I was at an event and stopped at a picture, looked at it for a long time … The energy emanating from the canvas was strong and warming. However, specific figures and objects were missing. As if the quintessence of the subconscious was ejected at the viewer … Such is the peculiarity of abstract art.

Abstractionism (Latin abstractio – “removal, distraction”) is a non-narrative art, or in English terminology Abstract Art is an art that has abandoned narrative.

Abstract language in art appeared in the most ancient times, as evidenced by abstract ornaments on the surfaces of ancient artifacts. Until now, the debate remains the question of what appeared earlier, abstract or realistic art. Abstract painting appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, when the idea of drawing abstract forms took possession of the consciousness of painters, that is, the consciousness of people who paint mainly with oil paints on canvas (Briefly: the viewer himself thinks out the meaning).

Let’s remember the founders of Russian abstract art: Vasili Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich. Universalism characterizes the art of abstractionists; abstract art is presented as a universal model of the world order. Working with the primary elements of the pictorial language, artists turn to general and fundamental compositional principles. Abstract art undergoes significant changes over time. Popular trends appear, such as surrealism and cubism.

What makes a real artist different?

First of all, recognizable style. The artist avoids copying the masterpieces of the past and develops his own concept, the expression of his unique self.

How is abstract painting created?

The artist conveys on the canvas the phenomena of his inner world, forcing the viewer to think, to draw realia from his subconsciousness. However, they may differ. Someone can see a face, and someone – a figure. Pure and bright colors are often used (expressive abstraction).

The colors used in the painting directly affect our emotions, while at the same time conveying the emotional message of the artist.

Sometimes the outlines of real objects are visible in the abstract pictorial element, sometimes conventionally interpreted elements of the real world appear in it – landscapes, architecture, still life, animals, people. With such a system of creativity, the factor of chance is of great importance. This spontaneity is extremely valuable for the artist.

The basic principle of abstract art is freedom of self-expression, the use of various combinations of materials and the absence of a unified strict rule for creation. This art translates openness to a new world and new ideas.

Born 1954 in Moscow into the Muntz family of well-known artists and architects, Andrey has firmly established himself as leader of its third generation, working as an architect, a painter and a graphicist. He is a member of the Russian Architects Union, the International Federation of Artists and the Union of Russian Artists. Having been the winner of ten different architectural competitions, many of his designs may be seen in and around Moscow, such as the “Kopernik” and “Donskoye Podvorie” Apartment Houses, the Mechsherkoe Housing Estate, and various large country houses and villas in the periphery.
       Andrey has participated in more than 50 exhibitions, both in Russia and abroad – especially in Poland, France and the USA. In all of these countries, his works may be may be found both in art galleries and in private collections. He teaches Architectural Design in the Moscow Architectural Institute, and teaches Drawing in the Moscow “Start” School of Architecture for Children.
       Andrey Muntz produces paintings as well as drawings. His approach is always one of “free improvisation”. Being an architect, he is very conscious of the practical limitations governing structural art. That is why he values freedom so much in his painting and sketching, where an artist can express himself without needing to think about the laws of Physics and social compliance. He is especially fond of imaginative art, which does not have anything to do with the constraints of the real world.
      Andrey Muntz’s painting is considered to continue the great tradition of the Russian avant-garde: Abstract Expressionism. He believes the expression of emotions to be the most important purpose of art, and he attaches special value to expression through experiment and improvisation. His pictures provoke many different interpretations, and in them people often see very different things. Andrey thus entices his audience into his own artistic world. Although his pictures may consist of numerous small details, apparently placed at random, the observer still perceives the image of the whole thing.
       Andrey takes the same approach in both his painting and drawing, involving free improvisation, open expression of feelings and brightness of colors. He considers color to be the strongest means of expression, using it freely and without being afraid of clashing combinations, reserving the use of black paint to give strength and depth to his palette.
       There is no single theme to be found in the works of Andrey Muntz. “My conception of art is rather the lack of any single conception – I can do anything I like, whatever comes into my head, and I always try to be completely open to new ideas,” says the artist. He experiments in all directions over the fields of pure abstraction, aiming at a strong emotional impact, combined with images of the real would. He likes to experiment with different techniques, painting in oils and acrylic, sometimes in combination with pastel, on canvas, on cardboard, or even on iron. But he is also fond of the more traditional graphical techniques, sometimes using etching, dry-point, water-color and charcoal. Such methods are not so frequently found nowadays, because they require long, expert training.

Lear more on the artist’s page Andrey Muntz – ARTVOICE ONLINE