A few weeks ago we looked at primitive abstraction. Using today’s Midjourney prompt we are going to go one step further to create futurist abstract art fit to grace any wall.
Futurist Abstraction
Futurist abstraction, also known as abstract futurism, is an artistic movement that combines elements of abstraction and futurism. It emerged in the early 20th century and was closely associated with the broader Futurist movement, which originated in Italy.
Futurism as a movement celebrated the dynamism, speed, and energy of modern life, embracing technological advancements, industrialization, and the concept of progress. Futurist artists sought to capture these ideas in their work, often depicting the movement, speed, and fragmentation of modern life through dynamic compositions and bold, vibrant colors.
Abstract futurism took these concepts further by incorporating abstraction into the artistic language. Rather than representing objects or scenes in a realistic manner, abstract futurist artists focused on conveying emotions, energy, and the essence of their subjects. They moved away from literal representation and embraced non-representational forms, often using geometric shapes, lines, and colors to create compositions that evoked a sense of movement and vitality.
The works of abstract futurists often exhibit a sense of fragmentation, with objects and forms being broken down into geometric shapes or intersecting lines. This fragmentation was meant to reflect the rapid pace of modern life and the constant flux of the surrounding environment. Artists also experimented with different techniques and mediums, incorporating elements such as collage, assemblage, and the use of industrial materials.
The movement found its roots in the works of artists such as Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carrà, and Gino Severini, who were key figures in the broader Futurist movement. Boccioni's famous sculpture "Unique Forms of Continuity in Space" (1913) exemplifies the fusion of abstraction and futurism, depicting a figure in motion transformed into a dynamic, streamlined form.
Abstract futurism influenced subsequent movements such as Constructivism, Suprematism, and later abstract expressionism. It emphasized the importance of capturing the spirit of the modern age and the transformative power of technology through non-representational means.
While the initial wave of abstract futurism subsided by the 1920s, its impact can still be seen in contemporary art. The movement's exploration of the interplay between abstraction, motion, and technology continues to inspire artists to this day, as they strive to capture the essence of our ever-evolving world.
Example Images
Here is what we are going to create….
Midjourney Prompt
So here is the very simple prompt I used:
Base Prompt
people, futurist abstraction, graffiti
What Next?
As always, make the prompt your own and try a little tweak or two.
My favorite from the bunch so far…
Thanks for this, Andy. The output produced by this term is very similar to certain results I’ve had with the art brut style. I didn’t realize there was a name for it. i’ve been interested in art all my life, but i’m still discovering new information via your newsletter, which is one of the things I most appreciate about it.