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”.
Do you ever look at a painting in a modern art museum and wonder “what am I looking at?” We’ve all experienced that moment when we want to know more about the unusual artwork we’re seeing. Modern artwork is mysterious and thought-provoking, making it an exciting form of expression for artists around the world. But what… Continue reading What is Modern Art — Definition, History and Examples
Constructivism art is an experimental and dynamic form of modern art that has been changing the way we think about creativity for decades. This unique style combines elements of painting, sculpture, architecture, and design to create a unified visual image that conveys conceptual ideas through abstract shapes and forms. What is Constructivism art and how has… Continue reading What is Constructivism Art — Definition, Artists & Their Work
For a large portion of art history, artists used various mediums to create accurate portrayals of the external world. Art often evolved in a way that pursued more accurate depictions of light, subjects, and environments. All of this began to change, however, with the Post-Impressionism movement. What is Post Impressionism and how did it influence artists… Continue reading What is Post Impressionism Art — History, Examples & Artists
One of the more popular types of galleries major cities are seeing in the modern day is that of installation art. Viewers and participants enter these galleries and experience installations in which the art surrounds them nearly on all sides. In fact, some classic works of iconic artists are even being adapted into installations. So, what… Continue reading What is Installation Art — Definition, Examples & Artists
Cubism is one of the most revolutionary art movements of the twentieth century. Its influence reaches across artistic mediums throughout history. What is cubism in art? In this article, we’ll dive deep into this question by analyzing the origins of cubist art, the artists who pioneered the artistic movement, as well as why the philosophy… Continue reading What is Cubism — Definition, Examples, and Iconic Artists
There are few art forms without rules. Even though many forms of media demand artistic discretion and a level of subjectivity, typically artists agree to learn the rules before breaking them. Street art is unique that way. But what is street art, exactly? Unlike screenwriting or cinematography, the technical knowledge of street art is limited… Continue reading What is Street Art — Definition, Artists & History of a Movement
The history of art is overwhelmingly dense. Scholars, artists, and historians have spent lifetimes studying, discovering, and preserving art throughout history. In this article, we’re going to narrow out focus on one facet of the art history timeline — art movements in the Western world. And while there are undoubtedly more art movements left off this… Continue reading Art History Timeline — A Guide to Western Art Movements
It’s an art style that had roots in the late 19th century but came into full force in the 20th century. Rejecting objective impressions for a subjective look at the world around them, expressionism art was much more than a traditional art movement or even a group of expressionism artists. This was a rejection of… Continue reading What is Expressionism Art — Definition, Examples & Artists
Classicism is an important term to understand for anybody interested in art – but what is classicism art? We’re going to answer that question by looking at the classicism definition, as well as some classical art examples from a variety of different historical periods. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize and appreciate classicism… Continue reading What is Classicism Art — Definition, Examples & History
Abstract art is perhaps one of the most popular styles that circulates in the fine art world. While its predominance 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 emergence as a movement was forged… Continue reading What is Abstract Expressionism — Definition & History
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 examples to… Continue reading What is Conceptual Art — Definition, Examples and History
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
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
Renaissance (1400-1600)Open menu Gothic Art Baroque (1600-1750)Open menu Rococo Classical (1750-1827)Open menu Classicism Neoclassicism Ukiyo-e Romantic (1827-1900)Open menu Art Nouveau Kinetic Art Post Impressionism Primitivism Modern (1900-1970)Open menu Abstract Express. Avant Garde Bauhaus Conceptual Art Constructivism Art Cubism Dadaism De Stijl Expressionism Harlem Renaissance Magical Realism Suprematism Contemporary (1950-)Open menu Contemporary Art Fluxus Installation Art… 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
