hard-edge

American  

[hahrd-ej] / ˈhɑrdˌɛdʒ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a style of abstract painting associated with the 1960s and marked chiefly by sharply outlined geometric or nongeometric forms.

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hard-edge British  

adjective

1. of, relating to, or denoting a style of painting in which vividly coloured subjects are clearly delineated

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Etymology

Origin of hard-edge

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Since the 1950s, key figures launched important genres, including hard-edge abstract painter John McLaughlin, harbinger of Light and Space perceptual art, and assemblage master Wallace Berman.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2025

Sonic Industrialism: Sound elements are more popular than ever, and this mode blends intangible noise with the hard-edge materials of industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

But where Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein emulated the clean, hard-edge look of commercial art, Guston continued to paint in a messy, intuitive fashion.

From Washington Post • Apr. 18, 2023

On songs like the Creedence Clearwater Revival-tinged “Rich Daddy,” the band made the move from hard-edge barkers to uniquely grooving blues-punk dynamo.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2023

Mulholland, who was dressed in classic rockabilly style in head-to-toe denim, plays gritty rock music that recalls hard-edge Michigan legends such as the Stooges and the MC5.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2023