Chance has long fascinated artists, opening up new realms of creativity through unexpected, spontaneous, and uncontrolled techniques. In our 15 years installing… From the early 20th century Dada movement’s experimentation with collage and found objects to the drip paintings of Abstract Expressionists, chance operations have become a powerful force in shaping the evolution of abstract art.
In today’s contemporary landscape, a new generation of painters is embracing the unpredictable through a diverse array of chance-based approaches. By surrendering control and welcoming accident, these artists unlock surprising and revelatory forms, textures, and compositions that push the boundaries of the medium. Let’s explore how chance is shaping the future of abstract painting.
Chance as Catalyst
At the heart of the contemporary embrace of chance is a fundamental shift in the artist’s relationship to their materials and process. Rather than approaching the canvas with a preconceived idea or tight control, these painters cultivate an open, responsive, and intuitive approach. Takuro Kuwata, a Japanese ceramic artist known for his dynamic, cracked, and dripped surfaces, describes this mindset:
“The act of handling, and feeling with my own hands a new interesting material, witnessing the transformation during and after a firing is important to my creative practice. The experience of touching the materials and the process provide inspiration for new works.”
This willingness to be led by the intrinsic qualities and behaviors of the paint itself—rather than imposing a rigid vision—allows serendipitous discoveries to emerge. Kuwata exploits the unpredictable nature of his materials, embracing “cracks that had happened during the first firing” and “bright metallic luster glazes” that develop through the chance interactions of his process.
Embracing the Accident
For many artists working in the abstract realm today, chance operations have become a generative force, unlocking new creative possibilities. Rather than seeing accidents or unintended results as mistakes to be avoided, they view these occurrences as opportunities to be seized and amplified.
Abstract painter Cecily Brown describes this mindset, noting that “…chance and accident are as important as anything I do deliberately.” By cultivating an openness to spontaneous moments, Brown’s vibrant, gestural canvases exhibit layers of unpredictable marks, drips, and blends that create a sense of energy and immediacy.
This embrace of the accidental extends beyond the canvas, informing the very structure of the artist’s practice. As Kuwata observes, “Rigorous experimentation is not incompatible with sheer pleasure (the laugh-inducing quality that the Japanese call tanoshii).” By inviting chance to guide their creative process, these artists unlock a playful, exploratory spirit that infuses their work with a visceral, dynamic quality.
Tapping the Subconscious
Beyond the tangible effects of chance operations, many contemporary abstract painters see these techniques as a means of accessing the subconscious and unleashing deeper wells of personal expression. By relinquishing conscious control, they create a space for intuitive, emotional, and psychological impulses to surface.
As Vaclav Havel writes, “Living within the truth has more than a mere existential dimension (returning humanity to its inherent nature), or a noetic dimension (revealing reality as it is), or a moral dimension (setting an example for others). It also has an unambiguous political dimension.” In the context of abstract painting, this “living within the truth” manifests through an embrace of the unplanned, the uncontrolled, and the unconscious.
Through chance-based approaches, artists tap into a wellspring of authenticity and personal narrative that transcends the merely formal or technical. As they surrender to the unpredictable, they discover new avenues for self-expression and an expanded understanding of their own creative impulses.
Techniques and Approaches
Contemporary abstract painters employ a diverse range of chance-based techniques to unlock new creative territory. Some key approaches include:
Dripping and Pouring: Artists like Jackson Pollock pioneered the use of fluid paint dripped, poured, or flicked onto the canvas, harnessing the randomness of these actions to generate unexpected patterns and textures.
Collage and Assemblage: By combining found materials, collage and assemblage artists allow chance juxtapositions to guide the composition and meaning of their work. The Dadaists were early proponents of this approach.
Experimental Media: From Takuro Kuwata’s use of unorthodox ceramic materials to contemporary painters experimenting with non-traditional paints, gels, and resins, chance operations are often facilitated by the unpredictable behaviors of unconventional mediums.
Automatism: Surrealist artists developed “automatic” drawing and painting techniques that aimed to bypass the conscious mind, allowing the subconscious to direct the creative process. This approach has found new expressions in the abstract works of today.
Generative Algorithms: Some digital abstract artists are employing randomized, rule-based algorithms to generate compositions, colors, and textures, embracing the element of surprise inherent in these computational processes.
Across these diverse approaches, the common thread is a willingness to let go of rigid control and make space for accident, spontaneity, and the unexpected to shape the final work. By inviting chance into their practice, these artists unlock new realms of creative expression and personal authenticity.
Conclusion
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and the illusion of total control, the embrace of chance in contemporary abstract painting offers a powerful antidote. By surrendering to the unpredictable, these artists tap into deeper wells of creativity, subjectivity, and meaning.
As Havel reminds us, “Living within the truth has more than a mere existential dimension…it also has an unambiguous political dimension.” In the context of abstract art, this “living within the truth” manifests through an openness to accident, a cultivation of intuition, and a willingness to be guided by the inherent properties of materials and process.
By championing chance operations, today’s abstract painters forge a bold new path forward, challenging the rigid control and pre-determined outcomes that have long defined the field. In doing so, they unlock a profound sense of authenticity, immediacy, and personal expression—a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unexpected.
To explore these concepts further, I encourage you to visit Pencil and Paint Muse for a wealth of tutorials, techniques, and creative inspiration across a range of mediums and artistic disciplines.
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024