abstractionism

American  

[ab-strak-shuh-niz-uhm] / æbˈstræk ʃəˌnɪz əm /

noun

Fine Arts.

1. the practice and theory of abstract art.

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abstractionism British  

/ æbˈstrækʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory and practice of the abstract, esp of abstract art

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Other Word Forms

• abstractionist noun

Etymology

Origin of abstractionism

1905–10, for an earlier sense; abstraction + -ism

Example Sentences

Mr. Khrushchev, who had simple tastes and was facing serious political challenges, flew into a rage against abstractionism and made threats of coercion.

From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2017

Harris's book tells the story of English art's journey away from pure abstractionism to a tactile, particularising concern with the local and the contingent, with "stones and leaves".

From The Guardian • Dec. 2, 2010

It can be taken as a sign, among others, that the long reign of abstractionism is over and that a new generation is looking for and exploring other modes.

From Time Magazine Archive

Now, Institute scouts, back from a 24,000-mile trip around the U.S., had convinced Rich that abstractionism is "the prevailing mode for most artists under thirty."

From Time Magazine Archive

It is in this charge that the vicious abstractionism becomes most apparent.

From Meaning of Truth by James, William