Question

What does the author most likely mean by "memory is an abstract painting"?

Answer 1

What's the context?

Answer 2

I don't know what you're referencing the question from, but can infer this much:

If the person being addressed in the metaphor has a memory that's expressed as an "abstract painting," it might be more vague than one that's not. To explain further, the word "abstract" within itself, directly means "existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence." With this information, what can you gather? Usually we hear "abstract" in physical terms, though it can be used more generally. An abstract memory may not be neat, clear, reliable, or straightforward, but, rather, it likely can be interpreted in various ways, without a completely known or widely agreed upon vision.