In the visual arts, style is a “… distinctive manner which permits the grouping of works into related categories” or “… any distinctive, and therefore recognizable, way in which an act is performed or an artifact made or ought to be performed and made”.
Contemporary art is often defined as “art of the current day.” But is that all contemporary art is? Or is it something more? We’re going to explore the world of contemporary art by looking at some examples from prominent contemporary artists around the world. By the end, you’ll know what contemporary art is, and what… Continue reading What is Contemporary Art — Definition, Artists, and Examples
What is suprematism in art? Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with supremacism. The suprematist art style is an important one with a storied history that requires a great deal of context to fully appreciate. We’ll get started with an overview definition before drilling down into the history of the movement, then we’ll wrap… Continue reading What is Suprematism — Art Movement Characteristics
Swiss philosopher Carl Jung theorized that all people are connected by a collective unconscious; which dictates we understand a collection of archetypes and symbols. But how do we understand these archetypes and symbols? Where do they appear? And how are they used? We’re going to answer those questions by exploring “repetition in art,” from character… Continue reading Repetition in Art — Patterns, Meanings & Techniques Explained
Is there power in nonsense? Some might say that nonsense is by definition meaningless. But for Dada artists, nonsense was the ultimate political tool to smash existing power structures and artistic norms. In this article we’ll look at the historical context in which Dadaism artists arose, what Dada looked like, and how it still casts… Continue reading What is Dadaism Art — Movement, Style, and Artists Explained
What do you think of when you think of Gothic Art? Imposing cathedrals? Creepy baby Jesus paintings? Teens in black eyeliner and JNCO jeans? Gothic art and architecture is more than its stereotypes (and if you’re thinking of modern goth fashion… it’s kind of a misnomer). This art movement was a dominant style for centuries… Continue reading What is Gothic Art — History, Characteristics & Major Artists
Our world would look a lot different without the Bauhaus. From sleek modernist buildings to advertisements on subways, it’s hard to avoid seeing the influence of the Bauhaus art movement in everyday life. So how did a small art school in Germany have such an outsized effect on the appearance of our modern world? And… Continue reading What is Bauhaus — Art Movement, Style & History Explained
De Stijl is one of the most iconic and influential artistic movements of the 20th century. Its members’ strict rules and lofty ambitions resulted in a style that still resonates today. To some, De Stijl paintings might just look like a collage of rectangles. But knowing the aims behind De Stijl design can help illuminate… Continue reading What is De Stijl in Art — Movement, Artists & Famous Works
What is kinetic art? Unlike with other artistic styles, kinetic art as a term has less to do with how a piece of art is made and more to do with how it is presented when finished and how it is experienced. In this post, we’ll provide a definition, break down the various types of… Continue reading What is Kinetic Art — Movement, Artists, and History Explained
Ukiyo-e was one of the most influential movements in all 0f Eastern art – but what is ukiyo-e? We’re going to explore ukiyo-e art by breaking down its definition – and by looking at some famous examples from Katsushika Hokusai, Kitagawa Utamaro, and more. By the end, you’ll know what ukiyo-e is and why it’s… Continue reading What is Ukiyo-e – Artists, Characteristics & Best Examples
What is Primitivism? The answer is complex and requires some historical and cultural context to fully understand. Primitivism bridges the gap between art and philosophy and has a tumultuous history. We’ll get started with an overview definition, then dig into the roots of the artistic style and the group of artists who pioneered it in… Continue reading What is Primitivism — Movement, Style & Artists Explained
In the middle-part of the 18th century, the art world ditched the gaudy baroque style and went back to the classics. This period (and style) is known as Neoclassicism; or Neoclassical art. But what is Neoclassicism really? We’re going to break down Neoclassicism by looking at its history, with examples from Jacques-Louis David, Angelica Kauffmann,… Continue reading What is Neoclassicism — Movement, Artists & Art Explained
What is Fluxus? Or rather, what was Fluxus? It’s a complicated answer to unravel with a colorful history and far-reaching cultural ramifications. We will explore the inception and evolution of the movement, take a look at the founder and other notable Fluxus artists, and break down the historical significance of the movement. But first, let’s… Continue reading What is Fluxus — The Fluxus Art Movement & Works Explained
What does avant-garde mean? What does it mean for a piece of artwork, a book, or a film to be labeled as avant-garde? We’ll be breaking down the term, exploring what constitutes the movement and why it is important. We’ll also take a look at some important examples of avant-garde art, books, and films. But… Continue reading What is Avant Garde — Movement, Artists & Works Explained
What was the Harlem Renaissance? The Harlem Renaissance was a landmark art movement that changed the course of music, literature, and culture. We’re going to explore the history of the Harlem Renaissance by looking at its pioneers. By the end, you’ll know how the Harlem Renaissance started, how it ended, who its leaders were, and… Continue reading What Was the Harlem Renaissance — And Why It Mattered
What is Photorealism as an art style? The name might sound self-explanatory, but the truth is a bit more complicated, and there are a number of details and historical insights that present photorealism in a new light. The term can also mean slightly different things depending on the context. We’ll be telling you everything you… Continue reading What is Photorealism — The Art of the Real Explained
We often describe a movie we’ve seen, a novel we’ve read, or even a video game we’ve played (such as Red Dead Redemption) based on how “realistic” it seems — how closely it hews to real life experiences or feelings. But movies, novels, and games are by their definition not real. They are fictional creations… Continue reading What is Realism in Art — Examples & Characteristics Explained
What is land art? In this post, we’ll be providing a definition and overview of this artistic movement, then digging into the history of the style and taking a look at some of the most prominent voices and important pieces in this expansive medium. First up, let’s get started with a comprehensive definition.Continue reading What… Continue reading What is Land Art — History of Earthworks & Land Art Movement
The Rococo movement is marked by levity and and an excitement for life. Branching out after a more stern artistic period (Baroque), Rococo art and architecture changed the landscape of French art forever. As such, Rococo and its legacy have made a lasting impact on a number of art forms today. Read on to discover… Continue reading What is Rococo Art — Style, Artists & Famous Works Explained
Conceptual art can often be a controversial art form riddled with differing opinions and open ended debates. It directly addresses the age-old question “What is art?” In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of conceptual art and the art movements that influenced it. We’ll also take a look at some iconic conceptual art… Continue reading What is Conceptual Art — Definition, Examples and History
Abstract art is perhaps one of the most popular styles of art that circulates in the fine art world. While its predominance in the art world is undeniable today, its emergence as a movement in the mid-twentieth century was simultaneously revolutionary and controversial. In this article, we’ll examine the history of abstract expressionism and how its… Continue reading What is Abstract Expressionism — Definition & History
