Abstract Quote by Theo van Doesburg
“We speak of concrete and not abstract painting because nothing is more concrete, more real than a line, a color, a surface.”
About This Quote
The quote emphasizes that tangible visual elements—lines, colors, surfaces—are the most real aspects of painting, surpassing abstract concepts.
In simple terms: Concrete visual elements are the most real in art.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the material qualities of art.
Themes
art
visual perception
materiality
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
descriptive
philosophical
When to use this quote
- painting critique
- art education
- gallery curation
- visual design
Key Concepts
aesthetics
concreteness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize form versus concept in your work?
- What does ‘real’ mean in visual art?
A Different Perspective
Abstract ideas can also convey deep meaning, not just concrete elements.
![“The word 'abstract' comes from the light tower of the philosophers. One of their spotlights that they have particularly focused on 'Art'. [Abstraction was] not so much what you could paint but rather what you could not paint. You could not paint a house or a tree or a mountain. It was then that…” quote by Willem de Kooning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/df9/willem-de-kooning-12563_abstract_the-word-abstract-comes-from-the-light-t_1161081.jpg)
