It’s not just painters who create art these days. Anyone who creates visual works that make us think and feel, is an artist.
And in the past decade, the art industry has seen tremendous growth. But what art is most in demand? It’s impossible to answer that question definitively as it depends on the trends of the moment, collector’s tastes, and sheer luck.
Below, we explore a selection of art types that have been popular in the last few years.
Oil Paintings
Oil paintings have been popular for a very long time. Some of the timeless classics like the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Starry Night’ continue to captivate audiences across the world. This classic art form is timeless, but it still appeals to contemporary art collectors.
Today, oil paintings are often used to recreate the scenes of times gone by. Artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso become popular all over again when emerging oil painters recreate their famous works.
Oil paintings are ideal gifts for special occasions and are often bought by art collectors and interior designers. One of the main reasons why people love oil paintings is because of the color, depth, and texture of the paint that sets it apart from other mediums. Oil paintings come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and you can often buy them online.
Moreover, custom oil paintings have also become very popular in recent times. People can order one-of-a-kind oil paintings from established artists, often at very reasonable prices.
Digital Art
Digital art is considered to be a modern form of art and a step up from traditional art forms. It involves creating art using digital mediums such as computers, tablets, and other connected devices.
The basis of digital art is in computer-generated images, such as 3D graphics, raster graphics, as well as video and animation. Many digital artworks are created by combining digital elements with photography or by creating digital paintings. The best part about digital art is that it is constantly evolving and improving, as well as being easily accessible.
It is also very versatile, allowing artists to express themselves in any number of mediums. Digital art is also popular with art collectors as it usually involves a lot of details and originality.
Moreover, art lovers can find digital works by prominent contemporary digital artists that are quite affordable.
Street Art
Street art has taken over the world of art in the past few years. It involves creating art via street signs, murals, graffiti, and other forms of public artwork. This type of art became especially popular when people realized its political and social implications.
These days, street art can be found in the form of commissioned murals, graffiti, and other expressions of protest or of celebration. It can also be found in public parks, including pop-up galleries, and other such public spaces.
Street art often points to the issues of today, from human rights and politics to climate change and social movements. Its popularity is based on its ability to bring attention to those issues and create a conversation. Street art is often a collaboration between a street artist and other people who are involved in the project.
As such, street art often reflects multiple perspectives and voices.
Pop Art
Pop art is another popular contemporary art form. It burst onto the scene in the 1950s as a reaction to the post-war zeitgeist, and it has been popular in the art world ever since.
Pop art typically combines elements of popular culture and everyday life. This can include images of celebrities, iconic figures, movies, advertising, and other everyday images. It often incorporates aspects of popular culture and kitsch elements into the art.
Pop art is often brightly-colored and vibrant, incorporating a variety of media. Typically, it is bold, humorous, and ironic.
Pop art pieces are often bought by art collectors and people looking for a conversation piece in their home. Pop art is often created by contemporary artists, who use their pieces to comment on society and culture.
Abstract Art
Abstract art is a form of art that focuses on form, color, and line rather than representing an object or a scene. This form of art has been popular for centuries, and it is often seen as a form of expression for abstract artists.
Abstract art often uses shapes and colors and a variety of mediums to portray an image. It can also be used to create an emotional or spiritual experience for the viewer. Abstract art can also be incredibly simple, with minimalistic elements like single lines and dots.
Abstract art can be found in both traditional and digital forms. It is widely appreciated by art lovers, and paintings and prints in this style are popular gifts and highly sought after by art collectors.
Photography
Photography is a form of art that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Photographers focus on capturing moments in time with the use of a camera, although some now use their phones or tablets as well.
Photography is highly diverse, ranging from classic black and white images to colorful and vibrant action shots and still lifes. Art types like aerial photography and macro photography are also becoming increasingly popular. Photographs often tell stories or evoke emotions.
As such, many people buy photographs as gifts for their loved ones or for their homes. They are often used in digital displays and as decorations. Many photographers offer both traditional and digital prints of their photographic works.
Sculptures
Sculptures are three-dimensional works of art that are made from a variety of materials. These days, sculptures are often created with materials such as metal, stone, wood, and ceramics.
Sculptures can be found everywhere from public parks and gardens to museum exhibitions. Many sculptures are popular with art collectors and are bought as a way to commemorate an event or to add a conversation piece to a home or work space. Sculptures come in all shapes and sizes, and many artists today create modern and abstract sculptures.
The popularity of sculptures is largely due to the fact that they can represent a number of different things, such as symbols, figures, or animals.
Prints
Prints are reproductions of artworks that are made to be affordable and accessible to everyone. They are usually printed on paper, canvas, or metal and come in a variety of sizes. Prints have become incredibly popular in the past few decades, especially in the age of easy access to digital prints.
They are often bought to decorate a home or office space and as gifts. Prints can come from a variety of art styles, from classic oil paintings and photographic prints to modern abstract works and pop art prints.
They can also be personalized depending on the tastes of the buyer.
Conclusion
Many other art styles are also incredibly popular, from video art and installation art to mixed media and textile art. But some of the art forms that are most popular right now are oil paintings, digital art, street art, pop art, abstract art, photography, sculptures, and prints.
One thing is certain, however, the trends in art are constantly changing, so it’s hard to know exactly what will be in demand in the years to come. But whatever the trends, art will always be an important part of our lives.