The art world is always changing, constantly evolving with each passing year and bringing more and more interesting and evocative trends to the forefront of the art industry. It is now 2018, and as such the world of art is moving in a new direction, with a range of exciting new trends that will set out to break the mould, inspire artists and encourage a broader variety of artwork being created on a daily basis.
This year, the art world will see an eclectic mix of popular trends come to the forefront. From masterful monochrome to simplistic line drawings, brilliant brights, images of the powerful woman, Japanese-inspired art and beautifully muted florals, this rich selection of trends makes for a very exciting year for art.
No matter what your preferred style of art is, there is something for absolutely everyone to enjoy in this year’s artwork trends, from the incredibly simplistic to the bright and bold. Read on to find out more about the top ten artwork trends for 2018.
Simplicity
Simplistic line drawings and prints are becoming more and more popular. These simple designs, often of people, flowers or animals, are so versatile and look great on display in any home. They celebrate the elegance of simplicity and are often influenced by the likes of Matisse and Picasso.
Brilliant Brights
In a stark contrast to the simplistic drawings mentioned above, another trend for 2018 is brilliant brights. Bright, bold hues that scream for attention are set to grace our walls this year, combined with abstract florals and shapes. Inspired by 80s brights, these pieces are forecast to be a real statement, talking point works of art that you simply will not be able to tear your eyes away from.
Metallic Highlights
Artwork featuring mixed metals is also very much on trend for 2018, with the use of gold leaf and metallic accents becoming increasingly popular. These work best with more abstract pieces, adding dimension and texture to the artwork. Popular metals used in such artwork include silver, gold and copper.
The Powerful Woman
As 2017 saw women break through the silence with the ‘Me Too’ movement, speaking openly and challenging many of the issues in our society, it makes perfect sense that one of the trends for artwork in 2018 has got to be female empowerment. These pieces of art celebrate the powerful woman and absolutely everything she stands for.
Sage, Celery & Avocado Hues
Earthy sage, celery and avocado tones are also trending in the art world for 2018. These natural, earthy hues work well in botanical prints and whilst they are a world away from Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year ‘Greenery’, a bright lime green, they continue to demonstrate the power and versatility of the colour green. They invoke a sense of warmth and give off a cosy vibe when used within the home.
Relaxed Florals
Florals will always be popular in the world of art, but for 2018 it’s all about toned-down, muted, florals. Think water colour florals, simple line drawings of flowers and moody, toned-down photographs. These relaxed florals invoke a sense of calm and serenity, and work well in the home without becoming too distracting.
Monochrome
Monochrome photography has always been popular, however it makes a big comeback this year, with black and white fashion photography being a big hit in particular. Sophisticated black and white portraits compliment modern homes perfectly, often including famous icons such as Kate Moss, Brigitte Bardot or Sophia Loren.
Pantone’s Colour of the Year
For 2018, Pantone’s Colour of the Year is Ultra Violet, a bright, bold blue-based purple hue. As it’s the colour of the year, it is most definitely a trend for 2018, and this somewhat futuristic shade is said to communicate ‘originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.’ It works well in jewel-toned artworks and space-themed artworks.
Graphic Art
Graphic design has become increasingly popular in the art world and this year is no different. Geometric patterns, graffiti and street-style art are all popular examples of graphic design art that we should see gracing our walls and art galleries throughout the year.
Wabi Sabi
Wabi Sabi is a Japanese philosophy, which focuses around and celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of mending broken things with gold, is an example of how Wabi Sabi celebrates these imperfections. So, artwork that demonstrates the beauty of imperfection is set to be big news this year.
So there you have it – the ten biggest trends in the art world for 2018. This year is set to be a very exciting one for artists and art enthusiasts alike!
