What does "abstraction" mean in art?

Abstraction in art refers to the simplification or distortion of reality to emphasize visual qualities such as color, shape, form, and line rather than depicting subjects as they appear in the real world. This artistic approach often involves removing or altering details to focus on the essence or characteristics of an object or concept, allowing artists to explore themes and ideas that transcend traditional representation. As a result, abstract art can evoke emotional responses and provoke thought by presenting forms that are not necessarily tied to recognizable subjects.

In contrast, the other options describe different artistic approaches. Imitation of real-life subjects without alteration aligns more closely with realism. Strict adherence to realistic representation emphasizes accuracy and detail, which is contrary to the idea of abstraction. Lastly, while creating artworks to provoke emotional reactions can occur in various forms of art, it is not an exclusive definition of abstraction, which specifically pertains to the manipulation of visual elements rather than direct emotional evocation.