Art movements, Styles & Terminology

If you are going to become an art collector you might be interested to learn about the terminology used to describe art which can be varied and sometimes overlapping. Here are some key terms and their general distinctions:

Contemporary Art:

• Refers to the art of today, produced by artists who are living in the current time.

• Reflects the diverse and global nature of the art world, encompassing various styles, mediums, and approaches.

• Includes a wide range of artistic expressions, from traditional forms to new media and conceptual art.

Modern Art:

• Generally refers to the art produced from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

• Encompasses movements like Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.

• Often characterized by a departure from traditional forms and a focus on experimentation and innovation.

Flemish Art:

• Specifically, refers to the art that originated in Flanders, a historical region in the Low Countries (now parts of Belgium, Netherlands, and France).

• Flourished during the Northern Renaissance, known for artists like Jan van Eyck and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

• Often characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and religious or everyday life subjects.

Abstract Art:

• Focuses on shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks rather than realistic representations.

• Includes movements like Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, and Minimalism.

• Aims to convey emotions, concepts, or ideas without relying on recognizable images.

Impressionism:

• A 19th-century art movement characterized by capturing the transient effects of light and color in the outdoors.

• Artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir were prominent figures.

• Marked by visible brushstrokes and an emphasis on the changing qualities of light.

Renaissance Art:

• Refers to the art of the Renaissance period (14th to 17th century) in Europe.

• Known for a revival of interest in classical antiquity, realistic representation, and advancements in techniques like linear perspective.

• Includes artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Pop Art:

• Emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by a focus on popular culture, mass media, and everyday objects.

• Artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein were key figures.

• Often employs bold colors, irony, and a sense of celebration of consumer culture.

Baroque Art:

• A 17th-century artistic style characterized by drama, grandeur, and ornate detail.

• Features exaggerated motion, elaborate ornamentation, and intense emotion.

• Prominent in European art and includes artists like Caravaggio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Surrealism:

• An art movement of the 20th century that sought to express the workings of the unconscious mind.

• Known for dreamlike and fantastical imagery.

• Artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte were associated with Surrealism.

Cubism:

• Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century.

• Characterized by the use of geometric shapes, fragmentation, and multiple perspectives.

• Played a pivotal role in the development of abstract art.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more art movements and styles that have shaped the rich history of artistic expression. Keep in mind that these categories can sometimes overlap, and individual artists may not strictly adhere to a particular label.