Biomorphisms

Biomorphisms

Techniques. Resources. Creative Processes. Genres

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Biomorphisms

They are invented figures that make us think of the microorganisms that are observed through a microscope, for example, or of fantastic animals or of an extravagant vegetal world.

They were first used in decoration —shapes inspired in nature have always been used in decoration— and then in art and in industrial design and in great works of architecture.

We start to see biomorphisms in painting as abstraction progressed. Painters of Abstract Surrealism (Surrealism without “real figures”) used biomorphisms. We can think of the works of Joan Miró, Jean Arp, Yves Tanguy, Willi Baumeister, Roberto Matta. Kandinsky’s biomorphisms were influenced by Surrealism too.

We can understand the characteristics of biomorphisms by comparing them with geometrical abstract art. The latter uses straight lines and geometric figures; biomorphisms use the curve, they are “free, deformed,” irregular figures and they generally seem to be in movement.

Image: Sky Blue (1940). Kandinsky

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