What term is used to describe art that lacks any reference to recognizable objects?

The term that describes art that lacks any reference to recognizable objects is nonrepresentational. Nonrepresentational art does not depict specific objects or scenes and instead focuses on form, color, and texture to convey meaning or emotion. This approach allows artists to explore the visual elements of art without being bound by the constraints of representing the physical world.

In nonrepresentational art, viewers are invited to engage with the artwork on a more emotional or conceptual level rather than identifying familiar subjects, creating a unique experience for each observer. This style is distinguished from representational art, which includes recognizable subjects, and abstract art, which may still echo real-world forms but does not strictly adhere to their realistic representation. Figurative art typically refers to art that maintains a connection to the human figure or other identifiable subjects, further emphasizing the unique categorization of nonrepresentational work.