Over time, the art world has continually crossed boundaries and adapted to changing eras, producing various art styles.
According to Professor Gillian Morriss-Kay, Professor of Developmental Anatomy from Oxford University, artistic styles are never static since creating visual art is one of humanity’s defining characteristics. Since art is a form of creative expression of a person’s emotions, world-view, and values, the art style, subjects, and techniques go along these changes. Factors such as cultural changes, available resources, technological advancements, and the influence of talented artists have shaped the evolution of styles, leading to the diversity we see today.
Art investment platform, MyArtBroker, emphasises that collectors hold significant power in the art market. Art collectors play a crucial role in preserving art diversity through their exploration of various art styles, and the collection of art pieces with different mediums, techniques, or colours.
Understanding the intricate web that connects art market trends with art collectors requires knowledge of various art styles. By familiarising yourself with several styles and movements, you get to discover your personal interests, navigate the art market better, and efficiently build your art collection in line with current trends and advancements.
Why Do People Collect Art?
People are drawn to collecting art for various reasons, whether it’s for personal enjoyment, investment potential, or a passion for supporting the arts.
This section delves into the key motivations behind art collection, examining how it can serve as a powerful form of self-expression, a way to engage with culture, or a strategy for long-term financial growth.
Financial Motivations
Art collecting serves several purposes and varies depending on your motivations and interests. Some people view the acquisition of art as an investment, as proven in stories like that of a Chinese billionaire who spent over $170 million on Amedeo Modigliani, or of Yusaku Maezawa, who bought a Basquiat painting worth more than $110 million.
These art collectors consider art not only as a wise investment and a valuable personal asset. However, as noted by the art platform Artdex, not all artworks have the potential to appreciate significantly.
Psychological Motivations
While some individuals collect art pieces for their monetary value, others prefer to collect pieces with lesser monetary value and more emotive value.
Why would people collect pieces that may not likely increase in net value?
The focal point of collecting art due to its aesthetics is its ability to arouse emotion among its viewers. This effect is very subjective. Some collectors are motivated by an art piece’s power to provide knowledge, insight, and emotional comfort or discomfort. As John Getty famously said, art adds "breadth and depth to one’s whole existence."
Historical & Cultural Motivations
Aside from financially and emotionally driven reasons, others collect art as a way to appreciate their historical and cultural value. According to Art Basel, a for-profit organisation known for its premier international art fairs, art collecting increases one’s awareness of his history, cultural roots, and achievements. Art serves as a tool for education and cultural understanding.
An example of this is the Hila-bana street art movement that embodies the symbiotic journey of individuals of diverse ethnicities. The movement began in Baguio City, Philippines with Filipina street muralist Venazir Martinez now based in the United States.
Regardless of the driving factors, collecting is a multifaceted experience. Whether driven by an interest in expanding knowledge or a desire for investment, it provides a way to connect your creativity and personal interests.
What Are the Different Styles of Art Collections?
Throughout the ages, artists have created works using a variety of styles. Here is a list of different art styles you might consider exploring.
1. Abstract Art Style
Tate, a prestigious art gallery in London, describes Abstract Art as an art style that conveys message through shapes, colours, and forms. Abstract art detaches itself from realistic representations of the subject matter and focuses more on messages and concepts.
Magna Canvas, an art brand specialising in canvas prints, highlights that elements such as colours symbolise emotions, while shapes and brush strokes represent objects, making abstract one of the most complex art styles in the art world.
Abstract is evident in the artwork of British artist Bridget Riley, in her Pink Landscape piece. Riley was inspired by Georges Seurat’s iconic works, focusing on pointillism, a technique of painting utilising small, distinct dots of colours that produce patterns to create an image.
Here are some British artists known for their use of abstract art style:
2. Realistic Art Style
Realistic Art is a style that shows an accurate representation of the world as it is. According to Tate, artists using this style portray everyday life, including scenes of peasant and working-class life, urban streets, and popular entertainment.
Emerging from the Realism art movement in the mid-19th century, the realistic art style rejects the romanticised style of Romanticism that seeks to encapsulate the subjective, imaginative, and the emotional aspect of art.
Realistic artists focus on the details and consider light and colour for this technique, according to Sparks Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in California. It seeks to accurately represent reality, as faithfully and unembellished as possible. There is no attempt to hide flaws and imperfections on the subject of the art piece.
A notable artist utilising the realistic art style is Jean-Francois Millet. His painting, the Gleaners, portrays the working class during the mid-19th century, emphasising how ordinary people utilised available resources to get by. The muted colours and rough brush strokes were evident in Millet’s other pieces, such as the Peasant with a Wheelbarrow, depicting the harsh reality and struggle for survival.
Discover British artists who are well-known for their use of realism in art:
3. Portrait Art Style
A Portrait Art, defined by a commercial news website, BBC, is an art style that illustrates an individual or group, usually focusing on facial expression, gesture, pose and clothing. While a portrait depicts a person or group, a self-portrait is created by the artist to represent themselves.
In addition to capturing a person's appearance, portraits serve as a way to showcase qualities like power, importance, virtue, beauty, wealth, taste, or knowledge of the subject, as noted by Tate.
A classic example of portrait art style is Johannes Vermeer’s 1665 piece, The Girl With A Pearl Earring. The painting portrays a young woman in a confined, dimly lit space that draws the viewer’s focus on her. She appears to be dressed in a gold jacket with a white collar underneath, wearing pearl earrings and a blue and gold headpiece.
Explore the works of British artists acclaimed for portraiture:
4. Pop Art Style
Pop Art is a style influenced by popular culture, drawing inspiration from comics, celebrities, Coke bottles and other iconic imagery. This style captivates pop art collectors with its bold and vibrant colours that pop according to an online publication focusing on the art world, Artland Magazine.
Rise Art, an online marketplace selling contemporary art, highlighted that Pop Artists mix popular culture with classical art. They do this by merging “low” (art linked to mass appeal, entertainment, and pop culture) and “high” (works with cultural and intellectual value) art, changing the common idea of what art is and what being an artist means.
A notable example of Pop Art is Roy Lichtenstein’s 1963 Crak!, a lithograph on lightweight paper. The artist used Ben-Day dots in his work to copy the mechanical printing process and highlight the style of comic books and popular culture, as mentioned by Masterworks Fine Art, a leading firm in buying and trading artworks. The artwork is currently valued at £35,000–£45,000.
Find British artists recognised for their expertise in Pop Art Style:
5. Decorative Art Style
Art Deco, short for decorative art, is an art style that combines functionality with artistic design, often described as symmetrical, geometric, and streamlined. Britannica notes that this style utilises items like ornaments, glass and marble to achieve a contemporary, elegant look that represents wealth and sophistication. It is most commonly depicted in interior design, architecture, and 1920’s art.
Art Deco made a significant impact across various fields, particularly architecture and design, and was often used in public buildings, as highlighted by Grupo Arquitectura, an architecture and construction firm.
One of the famous examples influenced by Art Deco is the Empire State Building, designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon. Art Deco Society of New York, a non-profit organisation advocating Art Deco, says that the building incorporated modern materials such as steel and aluminium, creating a chevron pattern that reflects Art Deco’s geometric look.
Discover British artists recognised for their use of Art Deco in their work:
Start Diversifying Your Art Collection
The art world provides a wide range of styles to appeal to various art collectors. Whether you're drawn to abstract, portrait, or realistic works or prefer the bold expressions of pop art and the intricate designs of decorative art, there is a piece for all art collectors.
From new art collectors to seasoned collectors, the extensive artistic styles ensure you can discover pieces that resonate with your interests.
Art Collecting: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of art collections?
Art collection encompasses a variety of creative expressions which can be categorised into different types. This includes visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, and photography; literary arts, such as manuscripts and rare books; performance arts, including theatre, dance, and music; and digital art, which spans video, virtual reality, and new media installations.
2. What is the most valuable art collection in the world?
Sotheby's Realty recognises the Nahmad brothers' art collection as one of the most valuable art collections in the world. Their collection includes pieces by Cubist artists like Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, alongside a diverse range of works that represent different mediums, eras, and artistic movements.
3. What type of art is most popular?
Digital art has become one of the most prominent contemporary art forms, driven by the ongoing influence of technology on creativity. According to an online art gallery, Jose Art Gallery, this type of art includes a range of mediums, including digital painting, graphic design, animation, and virtual reality, among others.
Organise Different Art Styles in MyAssets
Art collecting involves more than just acquiring pieces; it often demands your time as you monitor and manage every piece in your collection.
MyAssets is a complete asset management platform designed to streamline the management of your art collection. It allows you to catalogue each artwork’s details, from art styles to purchase records and condition reports to provenance and market value. It also allows you to group your collection based on your preference.
MyAssets ensures that your art collection remains organised and up-to-date, giving you more time to enjoy and expand your collection.
Visit myassets.com to learn more or explore the platform at app.myassets.com.
