Abstract Art is Ancient & New

Abstract art is not actually new.  It was created by the earliest indigenous people all over the world. They used simple lines, shapes, and forms to communicate with symbols. Children even create abstract art. They are known to enjoy finger painting, very intuitively actually, purely for the love of color and abstract form.  But, when it comes to genres in art movements and what exists in art museums, yes, abstract art (from recognized and celebrated artists only) came into existence around the 20th century.  So abstract art is ancient, primal, child-like, but it has been accepted in fine art museums only quite recently.