If you're on the hunt for some fresh art inspiration, it can be hard to know where to start. The art industry is packed with so many different styles, each boasting its own special charm.
To help you out, we've put together a list of the top 5 different types of art styles that every art lover should definitely check out.
Let’s dive right in.
What Is Art?
Art is a vast and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of mediums, styles, and techniques. Some popular forms of art include:
The Seven Common Forms of Art
Painting
Painting has long been celebrated as one of the most significant forms of art. This includes everything from classic oil paintings to contemporary abstract works.
Sculpture
Sculpture has also been a significant part of human history, dating back to prehistoric times. It involves three-dimensional art pieces made of materials like stone, metal, and wood.
Photography
With its roots in the early 19th century, photography has evolved dramatically as an art form. Today, it offers an endless array of styles to explore – from street shots that capture the essence of everyday life to landscapes that showcase the beauty of our natural world.
Music
Music is one of the oldest and most powerful art forms. It consists of expressing emotions and feelings through sound and rhythm.
Literature
Literature is another art form that encompasses a wide range of written works like poetry, novels, and plays that are created to convey a message or tell a story.
Theater
Theater is an art form that combines the power of the spoken word, music, movement, and visual elements to create a captivating experience.
Cinema
Cinema is a form of art that involves creating stories and visual experiences through motion pictures.
5 Different Types Of Art Styles
Though the art forms we've mentioned so far are undoubtedly popular, there's a whole world of creativity that extends far beyond them. Within each art form, you can find a diverse array of styles that set them apart.
Each of these styles carries its own unique characteristics, techniques, and historical context that make them worth exploring.
Let's dive into our top 5 art styles that deserve a spot in your collection!
1. Abstract Art
Abstract painting plays with shapes, colors, and textures to convey emotions or ideas. Whether your home boasts a minimalist or modern aesthetic, abstract pieces are perfect for sparking conversation, showcasing your personal taste, and serving as a focal point.
Tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, abstract art was born from the vision of pioneers like Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich. Today, it boasts a wide range of styles, such as Abstract Expressionism, Cubism or Minimalism.
2. Modern Art
Spanning the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, modern art encompasses a vast array of movements. It includes art styles such as Impressionism, Surrealism, Pop Art, and Futurism.
What makes modern art different from other types of art is that, instead of trying to accurately depict reality, modern artists express their own emotions, ideas, and perceptions of the world around them.
3. Contemporary Art
Contemporary art is an ever-evolving genre that reflects the current cultural and social climate. Emerging from the late 20th century, it encompasses a variety of styles, mediums, and ideas.
It can include large-scale paintings, sculpture, fine art photography, and even digital art.
4. Spiritual Art
Spiritual art encompasses a diverse range of styles and mediums, from traditional religious iconography to abstract expressions of spirituality, such as our Making Changes boho painting.
It typically uses symbolisms, allegories, and metaphors to explore themes such as love, forgiveness, enlightenment, and the nature of existence.
5. Art Deco
Art Deco is an iconic style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, flourishing in architecture, design, and visual arts. As a movement, Art Deco is characterized by its geometric shapes, bold colors, and ornamental details.
Some examples of art deco include geometric-patterned canvases, bold pieces of jewelry, and innovative textile designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Art Important?
Art plays a vital role in various aspects of our lives. On one hand, it has an incredible capacity to elicit emotions and alter perceptions, contributing to our emotional and intellectual growth.
On the other hand, a well-placed piece of art can define the atmosphere of a room, crafting a unique mood or ambiance. Moreover, it can serve as a conversation catalyst and reflect one's interests and personal identity.
How is Art Defined?
Art is defined as a manifestation of creative expression that skillfully combines imagination and emotion to generate pieces with inherent aesthetic appeal.
What are the 4 main categories of art styles?
Art is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving with time. As a result, the number of art styles that exists is not fixed. New styles emerge frequently, and old ones blend with the new. However, across various cultures and timeframes, hundreds of art styles have been recognized and celebrated for their unique beauty and aesthetic qualities.