Vincent van Gogh is not typically classified as an abstract artist. He is best known as a post-impressionist painter whose work is characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and a deep emotional resonance.
While there are elements in van Gogh’s paintings that suggest a departure from naturalism—such as his use of color and swirling forms—his work generally retains a representational aspect. He often painted landscapes, portraits, and still lifes that reflect real subjects, though he infused them with his unique emotional and psychological insights.
Abstract art, on the other hand, emerged later in the early 20th century and is defined by a departure from direct representation. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian are among the pioneers of this movement, focusing on form, color, and lines to convey feelings or concepts rather than depict recognizable subjects.
In summary, while van Gogh’s style contains expressive elements that might resonate with abstract ideas, he is primarily recognized as a post-impressionist painter rather than an abstract artist.