Sometimes in life, there are things that are better left ambiguous. Abstract art is one of those things.
Abstraction has been an integral part of the visual arts for over 100 years. From Kandinsky's Expressionism to Pollock's Action painting, abstract art is the quintessential style of the 20th century – an irreplaceable component of modern art.
Since the early years of Abstract Expressionism, abstract art constantly evolved, giving rise to new movements and styles, and reinventing itself time and again.
Any self-respecting art collector cannot ignore this art movement. One could almost postulate that non-figurative works are the hallmark of every modern, contemporary art collection.
Even when furnishing a tasteful living space or representative business premises, an abstract work of art truly completes the interior design.
Anyone who claimed in recent years that this art form had long since passed its peak has been proven wrong by the unbroken upward trend.
As a designer favorite and darling of art collectors, curators, galleries, and interior designers, this established trend has not only defended its position but has further enhanced its radiance and appeal. It has evolved into virtually endless facets and styles, becoming more emotional, subjective, and immersive than most other art and design trends.
Here are seventeen trendy abstract art styles that you should definitely know about.
Since 2019, an increasing number of paintings featuring bold, wild lines have appeared. This type of line represents disordered chaos and confusion.
These works may reflect our state of mind or our spontaneous and unstructured thought processes during complex decisions.
This ruthlessly honest and unfiltered look at our inner selves is probably what makes this style so fascinating.
Line Work Artworks – A Selection
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2. Maximalism
In art, maximalism, a reaction against the austerity-oriented minimalism , is an aesthetic of abundance. Its philosophy can be summarized as "more is more," in contrast to the minimalist credo "less is more."
Are you simply fed up with yesterday's white-on-white minimalism?
Then this trend should fill you with pure joy. It's characterized by intricate patterns, bold colors, and an elaborate layering of accentuated elements. Gallery walls are a prime example of maximalism . So fill your space with striking artworks and embrace a bold, abundant style.
3. Soft focus
With his blurred lines, flowing layers and indistinct surfaces, Rothko was the pioneer of "soft focus" and remains the outstanding example of this style to this day.
Over the years, his work has evolved towards more structural pieces (like those of Gerhard Richter). Contemporary works continue in this vein.
Works in this art form deliberately eschew sharp geometry in favor of ethereal forms and seemingly boundless dimensions. The artists achieve this style using various techniques, including blurring (applying a thin layer of paint in a semicircular motion for a softer look).
Dense textures and picturesque shapes are further characteristics.
4. Gentle color scheme
Let's stay in the soft and gentle category: the use of soft and subdued colors in abstract art attempts to convey a sense of calm and to slow down the viewer's world.
An atmospheric combination, for example, is the use of acrylic paints such as pink, beige, grey and azure blue, enhanced with a little gold leaf.
This principle is also reflected in the art and design trend "New Nordic Neutrals ." Scandinavian design—aka Scandi Chic —is reinventing itself with earth tones and sculptural motifs in neutral colors. Bold shapes are combined with shades like sage and blush to create an inviting and elegant space.
5. Gypsum plaster
Plastered surfaces are currently experiencing a revival. Their seemingly simplified, uncomplicated look offers a welcome change from glitz and glamour.
Since apparently few people were interested in replastering entire walls, gypsum plaster as a surface texture has found its way into art.
This technique intentionally uses thick acrylic strokes to create seemingly unplanned, random patterns with exciting, uneven textures.
The result is a kind of spade texture and a fascinating element of the play of shadows that reveals itself with changing light conditions.
6. Deep Black
Abstract art is not just about vibrant colors and sharp shapes. This is demonstrated by the increasingly popular use of deep blacks in abstract art.
Deep, rich blacks can create a very calming atmosphere. They also add depth to the image and make other colors truly pop.
The interplay with gold, pink and other light colors is particularly effective.
7. Black and white
I don't need to say much about this timeless and uniquely elegant combination of "non-colors".
Black and white artworks are incomparably versatile and effortlessly make a room look modern in any style.
8. Monochrome color palettes
Black and white is not the only monochrome color combination. Also known as tone-on-tone painting, this style uses only one color. A monochrome painting, therefore, is painted only in shades of gray or gradations of a single color.
Monochrome is undoubtedly the universal color palette for abstract artworks. Neither too bold nor too passive, this style manages to retain all the edges for which modern and abstract art is known, while remaining timeless.
9. Multi-piece painting sets
While not entirely new, multi-part photo sets have earned their place on this list. Over the past 12-18 months, there has been an increasing number of two- or three-part photo sets offered for sale.
The possibility of dividing a single work or motif across several separate canvases offers the artist a novel, fragmented medium to capture his thoughts and muses on canvas.
On the other hand, art buyers are given the freedom to arrange and compose individual pieces on the wall as they see fit. A vibrant gallery wall is a fabulous opportunity to express individual style and unleash one's own creativity.
10. Line Art / One Line Drawings
Line art, also known as lineart, was originally a technique widely used in cartoon, comic, and manga art. It involves creating an outline drawing that is already inked but not colored.
Line art is a special form of graphic design, illustration, and drawing that consists exclusively of lines and contains no colored areas.
A modern variant of this drawing technique can be seen in the immensely popular One Line Drawings, which come as ink drawings, art prints, wall art or posters.
The most famous example comes from the early 20th century: the single-line drawings of Pablo Picasso . He took a complex, realistic example and simplified it to a single, unbroken line.
These drawings may look relatively simple, but capturing the true essence of the form in just one line can be quite a challenge.
Exquisite single-line drawings create a new kind of illustration that has a very special effect on the viewer. Through suggested shapes and flowing lines, they invite the human eye to read, follow, and discover.
The result is seamless, lightweight, abstract artworks.
11. Dimensional Art
Dimensional art photo by USGS @usgs, Unsplash
Dimensional works are paintings that you literally feel drawn into. They unfold an astonishing depth and plasticity.
Sometimes hypnotic, sometimes elusive, but always fascinating.
This style is a real eye-catcher and creates a magnetic focal point in any apartment.
Steamy, hazy designs are mysterious and can have an intense effect in dynamic interiors as well as a calming effect in neutral interiors.
12. Colour Blocking
A modern collection of abstract art without color misses a great opportunity to help the groundbreaking art movement of the 20th century achieve its full impact.
Feel free to draw inspiration from Cubism, Suprematism, and Bauhaus, and complete a room with a geometric splash of color.
Bold and angular color blocking works best without restrictions from patterns or textures.
Combined with modern furniture, the look appears sharp and sophisticated in interiors. When paired with antiques, it creates the feeling of a space layered with history.
13. Abstract representations of nature
Nature has always been a prominent motif in art. It has always been a great source of inspiration for artists.
In recent years, the increase in diverse abstract nature paintings has been striking.
We can expect to see more of it this year. Forests, mountains, landscapes, wildlife, and more—who can deny Mother Nature's calming and grounding effect?.
Our strong need for closer contact with nature is being unleashed, not least in the urban jungle and garden room trends. Plants are definitely having their moment.
Expect to see more interiors with rich green tones in the coming years, tropical paradises within your own four walls with botanically inspired art in natural colors.
14. Gestural Art / Gestural Abstraction
Think of Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and Willem de Kooning. Gestural abstraction in painting blends passionate emotions and free movements, culminating in a high degree of the artist's wild devotion during the creative process.
De Kooning once wrote: “I paint this way because I can put everything into the work – drama, anger, pain, love – through your eyes it then becomes an emotion or an idea.”
Gestural works are channels of human emotions, using decisive brushstrokes, winding swirls, and bold stripes.
This art unfolds an incredible effect, especially in highly structured, minimalist, or sterile interiors, by forcefully disrupting the planned and intended order. A wide selection of works for sale can be found in the online gallery of eventART – The Art Makers. Purchase paintings by national and international artists, originals, unique pieces, editions, and sculptures.
Gestural artworks – A selection
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15. Metallic tones
Mixing metallic colors is currently very popular.
This trend combines and harmonizes gold, silver and other metals – and is not limited to a specific medium or substrate.
I've already mentioned the use of gold leaf. The Golden Boy by Gustav Klimt immediately springs to mind. However, more recently, we've increasingly encountered art that incorporates a wide variety of metallic colors, elements, and painting materials.
For example, sculptures with metallic surfaces can be specifically refined by working with paints that shine with metallic tones.
Artworks with metallic tones – A selection
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16. Graffiti
Graffiti art by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jean Dubuffet, and more recently Banksy, respected not only on the street. Graffiti has become an important abstract art form.
The style is similar to that of gestural painting in its use of natural movements, but retains a grainy, almost destructive quality.
The spray marks of graffiti art, the bleeding paint, and the drops created by gravity make it a casual, effortlessly cool art form. A powerful form of expression for young people rebelling against established systems.
17. Craftsmanship Aesthetics
Craftsmanship and artisanal aesthetics are making a major comeback.
Handcrafted materials and texture are central to this style, creating a unique look.
Art is created using materials such as fibers, ceramics, and other natural substances. A touch of vintage characterizes these works.
… Forgot the trend?
Have we overlooked an important trend or significant style in our brief trend report? If so, we welcome your suggestions, ideas, and comments in the comments section.
Abstract art from our online gallery
In our virtual art gallery, of course, you also have the opportunity to acquire unique and colorful abstract works of art - directly from the artist or gallery partner.
Each one of these paintings was created with passion and outstanding skills by a talented artist. Explore the diversity of the most artistic forms in your most abstract form and be inspired by pictures that tell your personal story.
Dive deeply into a world full of creative inspiration with our extensive range of exquisite abstract masterpieces.
Get inspired – Our large collection of abstract art on Pinterest
Want to delve deeper into the online world of abstract art? Then we've compiled a large collection of works by important, emerging, and young, unconventional artists from around the world on our Pinterest board “Abstract Art – Contemporary Masterpieces Worldwide .” This collection is dynamic and constantly being expanded and updated.
We hope you enjoy yourselves!
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Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
The art style or also the direction in artworks refers to the uniform expression of the artworks and cultural products of an era, an artist or an artist group, an art movement, or an art school.
This is a tool for categorising and systematising the diversity of art. It denotes similarities that distinguish it from others.
The term is thematically related to the Art Movement, but it should not be viewed solely within a temporal framework and is therefore much broader.
In this section, we would like to help you gain a better understanding of styles and movements in art.
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Terracotta belly vase with rattan details, black (size: M)
54,95 €
