Monday 27 June 2016

The Year in Art

Art influences society in different ways, and the best thing about it is that it keeps evolving. There is always something new to celebrate. Creative ideas spark from every corner of the art world. 2016 is halfway gone, and some trends have characterised the year so far. These trends are derived from different aspects from art sales to home decor to exhibits. Here is a look at what making waves so far this year.

Women and Art

The year so far has been very kind to women in art. They are having more than just a moment. Earlier in the year, the Saatchi Gallery had an all-female show titled Champagne Life. Women artists from all over the world took part in the show. The list included 14 artists with names like Mia Feuer, Mequitta Ahuja, Maha Malluh, Seung Ah Paik, Jelena Bulajic, Soheila Sokhanvari and Stephanie Quayle among others. From Malluh’s pre-Islamic suspended odes from the 6th Century to the telling portrait of the elderly done by Bulajic, the Saatchi Gallery wove a clear tale of the female creative mind. Earlier in the year, Victoria Miro put a showcase of Chantal Joffe’s works. There is also the Women of Abstract Expressionism show held in America and Georgia O’Keeffe’s July show in Britain. These shows looked to redefine the position of women in art and shatter the glass ceiling while at it.

Décor Trends

Art plays a significant role in home décor. A lot of people who buy art pieces do so to display them. When it comes to colours, blue and red are the two most searched, according to data. Street photography is growing in appeal largely due to the exposure on social media. Homeowners and interior decorators are using it on a large scale to add life into bare rooms. Statement art is also huge this year. Homeowners want to do it big and make a splash, exactly what statement pieces offer. Nude art was big last year, and it is still a hot commodity. Simplicity and elegance are the two traits most people will look for in nude art intended for wall hanging.

Non-Western Art

The year has also witnessed an improved appreciation of another art genre, and that is non-western. Galleries and collectors are discovering hidden treasures of art from around the world like Nigeria. Artists such as Yusuf Grillo and Peju Alatise are two that have put the West African country on the art map. The Asia Pacific Triennial is an annual event at the Queensland Art Gallery's that encourage cross-cultural exhibits in the Asia-Pacific region. The Fair of Contemporary African Art by Turia El Glaoui is another one that has been providing a platform for non-western art and finally, people are taking notice.

A lot can change as the year progresses and new trends will spring up but, for now, women and non-western are the hottest.