Art that occupies the space between abstraction and representation offers a fascinating interplay of the familiar and the ambiguous. These works balance recognisable forms with the evocative power of abstraction, inviting viewers to engage emotionally, intellectually, and imaginatively. For collectors, such art is an opportunity to acquire pieces that defy traditional categories, prompting personal interpretation while remaining grounded in a visual language that is both intriguing and accessible.
This guide explores the unique allure of works that traverse this liminal space, weaving in ideas from art philosophy and the practices of contemporary artists represented by Aleph Contemporary, including Gordon Dalton, Lindsay Mapes, Polly Morgan, and Lucie Winterson.
Understanding the Appeal of Art Between Abstraction and Representation
Art in this category exists in a tension between what is seen and what is suggested. Representation offers grounding—a familiar visual anchor—while abstraction introduces freedom and ambiguity. This interplay allows viewers to project their own thoughts and emotions onto the work, creating a deeply personal experience.
Philosophically, this duality recalls Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s writings on perception in Phenomenology of Perception (1945). Merleau-Ponty argued that perception is not merely about recognising objects but about engaging with them through lived experience. In art, this concept translates into an active relationship between viewer and artwork: when representation gives way to abstraction, the viewer must fill the gaps, completing the narrative in their own mind.
For collectors, such art holds enduring value because it offers both clarity and mystery. It resists fixed interpretation, rewarding repeated engagement and evolving with the collector’s own perspective over time.
Gordon Dalton: Evocative Landscapes of Memory
Gordon Dalton’s works offer an exquisite balance of abstraction and representation, drawing on landscape as both subject and inspiration. His paintings appear to hover between the real and the imagined, layering painterly gestures with subtle references to natural forms.
Dalton’s use of colour and texture evokes a sense of place while deliberately avoiding direct representation, allowing viewers to connect with the emotional and sensory essence of a landscape rather than its specific details. His practice echoes the ideas of John Ruskin, who wrote in Modern Painters (1843) about capturing the “truth of impression” rather than a mere likeness. For collectors, Dalton’s work provides the perfect example of how art can capture the intangible—memories, emotions, and atmospheres—within a seemingly abstract frame.
Lindsay Mapes: Abstracted Narratives of Urban Life
Lindsay Mapes creates layered, semi-abstract works that reflect the chaos and vibrancy of urban environments. Her practice blends geometric abstraction with hints of architectural structures, streetscapes, and urban rhythms, producing compositions that are both dynamic and contemplative.
Mapes’ approach aligns with the philosophical ideas of Henri Lefebvre, particularly his Production of Space (1974), which explored how human experiences and social dynamics shape the perception of space. Mapes abstracts the urban environment, transforming it into a fluid interplay of forms and colours that speak to the complexity of city life.
For collectors, Mapes’ work is a compelling choice: it captures the energy of urbanity while offering an abstraction that allows each viewer to connect with the work in their own way. Her art rewards extended viewing, with new layers of meaning emerging over time.
Polly Morgan: Blurring the Boundaries Between Life and Art
Polly Morgan’s sculptural practice explores themes of mortality, transformation, and the natural world. While her work often incorporates recognisable organic forms—feathers, bones, and animal parts—it abstracts these elements through unexpected compositions, colours, and juxtapositions.
Morgan’s art recalls the ideas of Gaston Bachelard, particularly his book The Poetics of Space (1958), which examines how objects and spaces resonate with memory and emotion. By taking familiar forms and placing them in surreal or ambiguous contexts, Morgan encourages viewers to question their assumptions about nature and life.
For collectors, Morgan’s sculptures are an invitation to engage with the poetic and the uncanny. Her work bridges the representational and the abstract, making it both intellectually stimulating and emotionally evocative.
Lucie Winterson: Gestural Abstraction Rooted in Nature
Lucie Winterson’s paintings are grounded in nature but translated into gestural abstractions that prioritise movement, texture, and emotion. Her dynamic brushstrokes and layered compositions capture the essence of natural phenomena—light, wind, and water—without directly depicting them.
Winterson’s work is reminiscent of the ideas of Wassily Kandinsky, who argued in Concerning the Spiritual in Art (1911) that abstraction could express universal emotions and inner truths. Like Kandinsky, Winterson uses abstraction as a way to distil the sublime qualities of the natural world into a visual language that transcends representation.
For new collectors, Winterson’s work offers an excellent example of how abstraction can evoke the sensory and the sublime, making her paintings a striking addition to any collection.
Tips for Collecting Art in the Space Between Abstraction and Representation
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Start with Emotion: Choose pieces that resonate with you on an emotional or intuitive level. Art in this category often speaks directly to the senses, so trust your instincts.
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Research the Artist’s Intent: Learning about the artist’s practice and philosophical underpinnings can deepen your appreciation. For instance, understanding the role of memory in Gordon Dalton’s landscapes or the urban dynamics in Lindsay Mapes’ paintings can enrich your connection to their work.
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Consider Versatility: Art that balances abstraction and representation tends to suit a wide range of settings and tastes. Its ambiguity allows it to evolve with your collection, complementing both abstract and figurative works.
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Engage with the Artwork: Spend time with each piece. Works in this category often reveal new details and meanings over time, rewarding repeated viewings.
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Invest in Emerging Artists: Artists like those represented by Aleph Contemporary—Dalton, Mapes, Morgan, and Winterson—are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of art. Their works are both innovative and accessible, making them ideal for new collectors.
Why the Space Between Matters
Art that exists between abstraction and representation challenges us to see the world differently. It asks us to engage actively, to bring our own thoughts and emotions into the conversation, and to find meaning in ambiguity. For collectors, this type of art offers endless possibilities—personal connections, evolving interpretations, and a timeless appeal that transcends trends.
Whether you’re drawn to the atmospheric landscapes of Gordon Dalton, the urban abstractions of Lindsay Mapes, the transformative sculptures of Polly Morgan, or the gestural dynamism of Lucie Winterson, these works demonstrate the boundless potential of art that inhabits the space between.
By embracing this genre, you’re not only investing in remarkable pieces but also joining a centuries-long dialogue about the nature of perception, reality, and imagination.
