An abstract drawing in a Beat magazine (Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Beat Collection, Art Book Room, PS 1 .F6632 NO. 1-37, 1961-1969)

While the written word is bound to certain limitations in the extent of an artist's expression, physical art can go beyond linguistic barriers to express ideas otherswise too abnormal for literal depiction. Abstract art fundamentally exists to critique other art as well. By rejecting pre-established norms of what art should be, every seemingly nonsensical aspect of abstract art is a metaphorical attack on literal art.

Similarly, the scope of abstract art can extend to a much larger range of ideas than literal art. While visual art with more typical and literal subjects tends to have a specific interpretation and meaning, abstract art can have a wide array of meanings. For instance, the drawing to the right includes a strange collection of objects and images that contribute to an array of unclear and diverse potential meanings, with possible references to history, religion, and even wealth. However, these more concrete images are thrust into the same view as seemingly nonsensical shapes that on the surface seem to only aid in the confusion of the viewer, not any decisive meaning or greater purpose.

Beat painting by Basil King (Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Beat Collection, Art Book Room, PS 1 .K853 NO. 1, SPRING, 1960)

Interestingly, abstract art also can be a scathing critique of an individuals first impulses when viewing art. When art is observed, most people tend to immediately try to make sense of the image infront of them by focusing on specific details or symbols. However, abstract art tends to intentioanlly not make any logical sense or have any specific meaning or purpose. For instance, the drawings of an abstract artist Basil King were explained as:

"They should be seen entirely. The eye will not wander. It will see it all. Where he circles and works means center. It will be there. Then it moves."[1]

This statement attempts to deconstruct the tendencies of individuals to over-think art. Abstract art criticizes society by making individuals question what art is and can be and subsequently demands that these preconceived notions be discarded. Instead of narrowing a piece of art down into specific details, the art should be viewed in its entirety as a whole, cohesive object. The existence of abstract art serves to criticize both other artists and interpreters of art by rejecting artistic norms.