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Shape language is a form of visual communication that utilizes familiar shapes to convey meaning or establish a connection. It is a technique used in character design and animation in order to give an initial idea of personality before the story has fully developed or has been released. Visual language can also be used to explain and make connections between art and the images we dream or imagine, as in dream states, we experience visual representations of emotions, much like when viewing works of art. Abstract art is based on visual and shape language, as it is an art form that uses line, color, proportion, and shape to convey meaning without realism. Early abstract artists such as Hilma af Klint and Wassily Kandinsky explored shape language before it was officially defined, which in turn inspired later abstract artists. You can see the inspiration from Klint and Kandinsky in the work of Jason Stopa, as well as Kamrooz Aram and many of the other abstract artists featured in the curated show “Angel of History”. The different types of shapes used are known to have specific emotional connotations. Round shapes are inviting and approachable, square shapes are strong and supportive, and triangular shapes are sharp and unpredictable. These shapes can be used in comparison or in contrast. Sometimes in character creation, designers will put contrasting shapes together to indicate an underlying nature -- such as a round and inviting person with sharp features, or a sharply-dressed individual with a round face. In the world of fine art, you'll find that abstract artists also often take advantage of the contrast. For example, artist Heather Lee Birdsong, who was featured in the January 2025 exhibition “Other World/s”, uses sharp polygons, but places them in natural environments so they become welcoming. Similarly, the glowing triangular form featured in the center of Kamrooz Aram’s painting Angelus Novus (Renegotiated) (2011) is inviting because of the holy light that surrounds it. Spiritually, triangles are used to represent the mind, body, and spirit, as well as masculine and feminine energies. The angel includes both masculine (upwards facing triangle) and feminine (downward facing triangle) shapes, allowing it to encompass the whole of the human spirit. The central triangular form is surrounded by round floral shapes and shadowed polygons that invite a sense of danger and unease. Despite its contrast, the nature of the triangle means that this angular angel still remains unpredictable, in alignment with the common rules of shape language. In this work, he puts shapes in conversation with each other, creating a variety of possible emotional responses. The rules of shape language here are observed, but Aram does not let them control his work. Circles can easily become black and cold voids, and squares can become restrictive boxes that categorize and classify. The language of shapes is ever-changing, especially within the world of abstract art. Visit the Schneider Museum of Art to see four pieces by Kamrooz Aram, featured in the show "Angel of History", currently on view until December 13th. Check out this interview with Aram, where he discusses his uses of color and shape, as well as environment -- an interesting connection to the work of Jason Stopa.
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/artists/kamrooz-aram-arts-club-of-chicago-exhibition-1234624405/
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