How did Ad Reinhardt’s philosophy of 'pure abstraction' align with the Platonic ideal of beauty?

Question

Ad Reinhardt’s philosophy of pure abstraction aligns with the Platonic ideal of beauty through its rejection of the particular in favor of the form. For Reinhardt, the form is a painting stripped of representation, figuration, and expression, existing purely as art itself. Echoing Plato’s quest for the eternal and unchanging "Forms," Reinhardt’s "pure abstraction" can be seen as an artistic realization of Plato’s philosophical ideals, offering a modern interpretation of the timeless pursuit of beauty and truth.

Answer 1

Ad Reinhardt's philosophy of "pure abstraction" is a fascinating interplay between his vision of art and Platonic ideals. Plato proposed that the highest form of beauty and truth exists in the realm of the eternal and unchanging "Forms," which are perfect and immutable ideas or concepts, rather than their imperfect representations in the physical world.

Similarly, Reinhardt's "pure abstraction" seeks to strip art of all representation, figuration, and expression, leaving only the essence of what art is. By doing so, Reinhardt aims to transcend the mundane and achieve a form of artistic purity. His work, characterized by monochromatic and minimalist compositions, attempts to engage with the viewer on a level that goes beyond the superficial and material aspects of art, resonating with the notion of the eternal and unchanging that Plato celebrated.

In essence, Reinhardt's philosophy and artistic practice can be seen as a modern interpretation of Plato's pursuit of beauty and truth, offering a way to experience the universal and timeless through the purity of abstract forms.