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Glossary of Art Terms

Dive into the diverse terms that define contemporary artistic expression. From innovative techniques to experimental forms, grasp the key concepts shaping today's art world.

A

A form of artistic expression that explores themes of vulnerability, decay, and the grotesque. Embracing the raw and unfiltered aspects of human experience.

Expressive art form that evokes emotions through non-representational shapes, colors, and textures. Explore creativity freely.

Abstract Expressionism

A modern art movement emphasizing spontaneous, emotional expression through abstract forms and bold gestures.

Action Painting

Action Painting is a dynamic art form where artists use bold, spontaneous brushstrokes to create expressive and energetic works.

Creative expression aimed at promoting social or political change, often challenging the status quo through visual or performance art.

A cultural movement blending African culture with science fiction, envisioning a future where black identity thrives.

A technique used to apply paint or makeup smoothly and evenly, creating a flawless and professional finish. Great for art and beauty.

Analytical Cubism

An art movement in the early 20th century, focusing on breaking down subjects into geometric shapes for a new perspective.

A rebellious artistic movement that challenges traditional norms and conventions, often blurring the line between art and everyday objects.

Aquatint is an intaglio printmaking technique that creates tonal effects resembling watercolor. Ideal for artistic, textured prints.

Art Brut, also known as Outsider Art, refers to raw, untrained artwork created outside traditional art institutions.

A stylish and glamorous design movement from the 1920s and 1930s characterized by geometric shapes and luxurious materials.

A decorative art style from the late 19th century characterized by intricate designs inspired by nature and flowing lines.

An Italian art movement of the 1960s, using everyday materials to create raw, unconventional works challenging traditional values.

Artist Appropriation

A practice where artists use existing works to create new art, often commenting on original pieces in a unique way.

An Artist's Proof is a special limited edition print, usually marked A/P, created for the artist's personal use or to experiment with different techniques.

An artistic technique where various objects are creatively combined to form a unified piece of art on subjektiv.art.

Auto-Destructive Art

Creative expression that intentionally destroys itself, reflecting on impermanence and societal critique.

A creative technique where artists allow their subconscious to guide their hand, creating spontaneous artworks.

A cutting-edge movement in art that pushes boundaries and challenges traditional norms. Experience creativity in new ways with subjektiv.art.

B

Balance refers to the harmonious interaction of elements in a composition, creating a sense of equilibrium and visual stability.

A grand artistic style from the 17th century characterized by ornate detail, dramatic effects, and emotional intensity.

Bas-relief is a sculpture technique where figures or designs are raised slightly from the background for a 3D effect. A unique art form!

Influential art school that blended crafts and fine arts, shaping modern design.

Ben-Day Dots are small, colored dots used in comic art to create shading and color effects.

A biennial art exhibition that showcases contemporary works every two years to celebrate creativity and cultural diversity.

Abstract forms inspired by natural shapes and organisms.

Artistic style inspired by natural forms, creating organic shapes and patterns. Explore biomorphic art on subjektiv.art.

Black Arts Movement

A cultural movement in the 1960s and 1970s that celebrated African American identity through art, literature, and music.

A form of artistic expression that involves decorating or modifying the body, often using tattoos, piercings, or body painting.

A unique mark made by a brush on a surface, adding texture and character to a painting or artwork.

C

A versatile surface for artists to create paintings, made of tightly woven fabric stretched over a wooden frame.

A caricature is a humorous or exaggerated drawing that captures the distinctive features of a person in a playful and exaggerated way.

Certificate of Authenticity

A Certificate of Authenticity is a document that verifies the genuineness of a piece of art, providing assurance to buyers and collectors.

Charcoal Drawing

A technique using charcoal sticks to create art, known for its expressive and dramatic effects.

An art technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and drama in a composition.

Vibrant and expressive art style reflecting Mexican-American culture and identity. A fusion of traditional and contemporary influences.

Classicism is a style in art and literature that emphasizes order, symmetry, and harmony, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman aesthetics.

COA (Certificate of Authenticity): Document verifying the originality and authenticity of an artwork, providing provenance and value.

A creative art form where various materials like paper, photographs, and fabric are combined to make a unique piece of artwork.

A collagraph is a printmaking technique where artists create textures on a printing plate to produce unique and textured prints.

A custom artwork created by an artist based on a client's request or idea.

Composition in Art

Composition in art refers to how elements like colors, shapes, and lines are arranged to create a visually appealing and harmonious artwork.

A form of art where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished product.

An art movement focusing on the idea behind the artwork, rather than the physical form or visual representation.

A modern art movement emphasizing geometric forms and vibrant colors, creating visually striking and abstract compositions.

Contemporary Art

Modern artistic expression reflecting current cultural, social, and political themes.

A contour line is a line that defines the shape and outline of an object in art, adding depth and dimension to the drawing.

A classic art pose where the body weight is unevenly distributed, creating a natural and dynamic stance.

Skillful creation or production, often by hand, showcasing artistry and creativity in a tangible form.

A dynamic mixing of cultures creating something new and unique.

An art movement that revolutionized traditional forms by depicting subjects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.

A curator is an expert who selects and organizes art, ensuring a cohesive and impactful exhibition.

D

An avant-garde art movement of the early 20th century known for its unconventional and absurd creations.

A style marked by self-indulgence and excess, often associated with decline in morals or artistic quality.

A dynamic art technique involving the layering, tearing, and rearranging of materials to create a unique mixed-media composition.

Creative works produced using digital technology, such as computers or tablets, to create visual or interactive pieces.

A modern printing method that transfers digital files directly onto various materials, offering high-quality and precise results.

A diptych is a piece of art consisting of two panels that are usually hinged together. It allows for a cohesive visual story across both panels.

Documentary Photography

Documentary Photography captures real-life moments and events in an authentic and unaltered way to tell a story through images.

A creative process of making marks on paper or other surfaces to express ideas, emotions, or observations

An intaglio printmaking technique where an image is scratched directly onto a plate, creating rich, textured prints

E

An easel is a stand used by artists to hold a canvas or painting upright while working on it. It helps with stability and comfort.

Unique collection of artworks available for a limited time.

The limited number of copies produced for a specific artwork, indicating its exclusivity and collectible value.

A technique that creates raised patterns or designs on paper or other materials for a tactile and visually appealing effect.

The art of carving designs onto a surface, often metal or wood, to create intricate and detailed patterns or images.

Etching is a printmaking technique where an image is incised into a surface using acid to create detailed and intricate designs.

Expanded Cinema

Expanded Cinema is an innovative film genre that breaks traditional boundaries, engaging viewers in immersive audiovisual experiences.

An art movement emphasizing emotional experience over objective reality, often characterized by bold colors and distorted shapes.

F

A vibrant art movement known for its bold colors and expressive brushwork, originating in early 20th century France.

Artistic expression that challenges gender norms and advocates for equality and women's rights.

A Film Positive is a transparent sheet used in screen printing to create stencils for transferring designs onto various surfaces.

A term referring to the end of the 19th century art movement marked by decadence, symbolism, and cultural change.

A leisurely urban explorer who strolls through the city streets, observing society with a curious and artistic eye.

A technique in art that creates the illusion of depth by distorting objects to appear closer or farther away.

The shape or structure of an object, artwork, or idea that gives it a distinct appearance and character.

An art movement that focuses on the formal elements of a work, such as color, shape, and line, rather than its subject matter.

A random item discovered and repurposed by artists to create unique artworks, adding a touch of creativity to everyday objects.

A fresco is a mural painting technique where pigments are applied to wet plaster, creating vibrant and long-lasting artworks.

An art technique involving rubbing paper over a textured surface to create unique patterns and textures.

G

Genre painting depicts everyday life scenes, capturing ordinary people in familiar settings. It offers a glimpse into the essence of daily experiences.

Geometric Abstraction

Artistic style using geometric shapes to create non-representational artworks.

Vibrant and diverse artistic expression originating from the country of Georgia, known for its rich cultural heritage.

A primer used in art to prepare surfaces for painting, providing a smooth and absorbent base for optimal artistic expression.

Artistic technique emphasizing spontaneous, expressive movements to capture emotion and energy in a painting or drawing.

A glossy finish applied to pottery to enhance color and texture, creating a beautiful and durable surface.

A versatile and opaque water-based paint that dries to a matte finish, perfect for creating vibrant and detailed artworks.

Urban art form involving painting or drawing on public spaces, often with social or political messages, style, and creativity.

The art of visual communication through images, typography, and layout to convey a message or idea effectively.

A versatile material used in art for drawing and shading, known for its smooth texture and ability to create rich, dark tones.

Influential Brazilian art movement of the 1950s, known for geometric abstraction and bold colors.

H

A meticulous process where skilled artisans add final touches by hand to enhance quality and craftsmanship.

Art technique of using closely spaced parallel lines to create shading and texture in a drawing or painting. #subjektivart

Organizational structure where elements are ranked based on importance or level of authority, guiding order and decision-making.

Vibrant and sacred artistic expressions rooted in Hinduism, showcasing rich cultural heritage and spiritual symbolism.

History Painting

History Painting depicts historical events, often with a moral or political message. It captures significant moments from the past in art.

Refers to the color property that distinguishes one color from another on the subjektiv.art website, adding depth and emotion to artworks.

A style of art that portrays subjects with extreme precision and detail, often blurring the line between reality and illusion.

I

The study and interpretation of visual symbols and images, often used in art to convey deeper meanings and messages.

Engaging artistic experiences that fully captivate the senses, blurring the line between reality and imagination.

Impasto is a painting technique where thick layers of paint are applied to create texture and depth in the artwork.

An art movement emphasizing light, color, and capturing fleeting moments, popular in the late 19th century.

Installation Art

Immersive artistic practice where artists create environments to engage viewers physically and emotionally.

Institutional Critique

Critical examination of art institutions, questioning their impact on art production and presentation.

An artistic printmaking technique where an image is incised into a surface, typically a metal plate, and then inked and pressed onto paper.

Intersectionality

A concept that recognizes how different aspects of a person's identity can intersect and create unique experiences of discrimination.

A deliberate action or process designed to bring about positive change or improvement in a particular situation.

J

Japanese Woodblock

Traditional printmaking technique originating in Japan, known for intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Jointed Sculpture

Artwork composed of movable parts connected by joints, allowing for interactive and dynamic poses. Perfect for art enthusiasts.

A German art movement of the late 19th century known for its ornate and stylized designs inspired by nature and the human form.

Artistic technique of placing contrasting elements side by side to create a striking impact.

K

A pivotal artwork that stands out and holds the entire collection together, making it unique and unforgettable.

A kiln is a high-temperature oven used to fire ceramics and pottery for hardening and finishing.

Dynamic artwork that incorporates movement, often powered by wind, motors, or human interaction. Engaging and visually captivating.

Art or design that is considered in poor taste, overly sentimental, or tacky, often characterized by exaggerated or clichéd elements.

A technique in art where paint is applied using a palette knife instead of a brush, creating textured and expressive works.

L

Outdoor artistic installations created using natural materials found in the environment, blending art and nature seamlessly.

Creative expression capturing natural scenery, evoking emotions through paintings, drawings, or photographs.

Line art is a style of drawing that uses only distinct lines to create images, often black and white. It's simple yet captivating.

Linocut is a printmaking technique where a design is carved into a linoleum surface, then inked and pressed onto paper.

A printmaking technique where images are drawn on a flat surface, then transferred onto paper. Popular in art for its detailed results.

M

Magical Realism

A literary genre blending fantastical elements with everyday life, creating a sense of wonder and mystery.

Artistic style in the late Renaissance known for elongated forms, exaggerated poses, and intricate compositions.

A reminder of mortality in art, urging reflection on life's impermanence and the inevitability of death.

A measure of the number of threads per inch in a screen printing mesh. Higher mesh count = finer details in prints.

Metaphysical Art

A genre that explores abstract concepts and spiritual themes beyond physical reality through symbolic imagery and surreal elements.

A printmaking technique creating rich, velvety tones through a textured plate. Popular for detailed, dramatic images.

Artistic style characterized by simplicity, purity, and minimal elements, emphasizing space and form.

Art created using a combination of different materials and techniques, adding depth and texture to the final piece.

Contemporary artistic expressions that break traditional boundaries, reflecting current cultural influences and perspectives.

Mono Ha is a Japanese art movement focusing on the beauty of raw materials and their natural properties.

A style using black, white, and shades of grey.

A Monotype is a unique piece of art created using a single printmaking technique. It's one-of-a-kind and full of artistic expression.

A creative technique combining different elements to create a unified whole in visual art or film.

An artistic technique creating images by assembling small pieces of colored materials like glass, tiles, or stones.

A motif in art is a recurring theme or element that carries symbolic meaning, adding depth and coherence to the artwork.

A mural is a large artwork painted or applied directly onto a wall or ceiling, often seen in public spaces or buildings.

N

A style of art characterized by a childlike simplicity and lack of formal training, often exhibiting a charming and whimsical quality.

Visual storytelling that conveys a story or message through creative and expressive imagery.

Artistic style portraying subjects realistically, often focusing on everyday life with a touch of beauty and rawness.

Negative space is the empty area around and between the main subjects in an artwork, enhancing focus and creating balance.

Neo-Expressionism

A contemporary art movement blending emotion, bold colors, and expressive brushwork to convey subjective experiences.

Neo-Romanticism

A contemporary artistic movement inspired by the emotional and aesthetic principles of Romanticism, blending tradition with modern influences.

Non-Objective Art

A form of art that does not represent objects from the real world, focusing on shapes, colors, and forms for expression.

Nouveau Réalisme

An art movement from the 1960s that blends everyday objects into artistic creations, challenging traditional perceptions.

O

Offset Lithography

A printing technique where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper for high-quality prints.

Oil painting is a technique where pigments are mixed with oil to create artworks with rich colors and textures.

A vibrant and versatile art medium, oil pastels offer rich colors and blendability for creating stunning artistic masterpieces.

Renowned artists from the past whose works have stood the test of time, valued for their skill, creativity, and historical significance.

A style of art that creates optical illusions through the use of geometric shapes and patterns, often appearing to move or vibrate.

Artworks produced in unlimited quantities, offering affordable options for art enthusiasts

Original Artwork

Unique and authentic pieces created by artists, providing a one-of-a-kind artistic experience.

Unique and untrained artistic expression created outside the traditional art world, often by self-taught individuals.

Artistic technique of painting over existing artwork to add layers and depth, creating a new visual narrative.

P

A term used to describe artwork that emphasizes brushstrokes and texture, creating a sense of spontaneity and expression.

A range of colors or materials available for artistic creation, helping artists express their unique vision and style.

French term for "pasted paper," an art technique of pasting paper onto a surface to create a collage.

Participatory Art

Engaging form of art where viewers actively take part in the creation process, blurring lines between artist and audience.

A beautiful layer of age and wear that enhances the character of an object, giving it a unique and timeless charm.

Performance Art

A creative form where artists use their bodies to convey emotions and ideas, often in live presentations.

A photogram is a unique form of art created by placing objects on photosensitive paper and exposing it to light.

A creative art form that combines different photos to create a new image, often used to convey unique perspectives or ideas.

Light-sensitive materials used in printing to create high-quality images with fine details. Ideal for artistic and commercial projects.

An art style that aims to create images so realistic they appear to be photographs.

Pictures Generation

A group of artists in the 1970s and 1980s known for appropriating and recontextualizing images from mass media.

A digital canvas where artists create and showcase their unique and imaginative works.

Planographic Printing

Planographic printing is a method where the image is transferred onto the printing surface without any raised or recessed areas. Ideal for detailed artwork.

Plaster of Paris

A versatile material used in art for creating sculptures, molds, and decorative elements.

A plinth is a sturdy base or platform that supports and elevates an art piece, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing its visibility.

A vibrant art movement of the 1950s and 60s, celebrating popular culture through bold colors and everyday objects.

Artistic representations capturing the essence of a person, often showcasing their unique characteristics and emotions.

Post-Impressionism

A diverse art movement following Impressionism, focusing on emotion, color, and form in a subjective and individualistic way.

Art movement blending digital culture with traditional mediums, reflecting our online world today.

Pre-Columbian Art

Ancient art created by indigenous peoples of the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

The art of creating images on paper or other materials through techniques like etching, engraving, and screen printing.

A contemporary art form where the creative process is emphasized over the final product, focusing on actions, materials, and methods.

The harmonious relationship in size, scale, and arrangement of elements in art, creating visual balance and appeal.

Psychedelic Art

Vibrant and surreal visual art that explores altered states of consciousness, often inspired by psychedelic experiences.

Q

An artistic period in 15th-century Italy known for its Renaissance masterpieces in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

A spontaneous and expressive drawing created rapidly to capture the essence of a subject, often used for initial ideas or studies.

A quill is a historic writing tool made from a feather, commonly used before the invention of modern pens.

The art of sewing together layers of fabric to create a warm and decorative textile.

R

A rayograph is a unique form of photography created without a camera by placing objects directly onto light-sensitive paper.

A readymade is an existing object that is recontextualized as art, challenging traditional notions of creativity and originality.

Artistic style depicting subjects realistically, capturing details with precision and accuracy.

A comprehensive and reliable source providing information on a specific subject, aiding in research and knowledge acquisition.

Registration Marks

Design elements used to ensure accurate alignment of multiple colors or layers in printing or graphic design.

Relational Aesthetics

An art movement emphasizing human interactions and experiences as integral components of the artwork.

An art technique creating a raised surface, adding depth and texture to a piece

Relief Printing

A technique where a design is carved into a surface, inked, and then transferred onto paper for a raised effect.

A cultural rebirth in Europe from the 14th to 17th centuries, known for art, literature, and scientific advancements.

Creating exact copies of original artworks, often through printing or digital methods, to make them more widely accessible.

A versatile material used in art for its glossy finish and durability, made by combining liquid polymers that harden when cured.

A lavish and ornate artistic style from the 18th century known for its intricate designs and pastel colors.

An artistic movement emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The art of creating textured impressions by placing paper over a textured surface and rubbing with a pencil or crayon.

S

A self-portrait is a painting, drawing, or photograph created by the artist to depict themselves. It offers a personal and introspective view.

Serigraphy is a printing technique using a stencil to transfer ink onto a surface, commonly used in creating art prints and posters.

A printing technique where ink is forced through a mesh screen to create a design on paper, fabric, or other materials.

A representation or imitation of something, often with a distorted reality, commonly used in art to provoke thought and reflection.

Site-Specific Art

Unique artwork created to interact with a specific location, enhancing its meaning and engaging the audience.

A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.

Soft sculpture is a form of art created using pliable materials like fabric or foam to make three-dimensional objects.

Creative works that explore the use of sound as a medium for artistic expression, often challenging traditional boundaries of music and art.

A squeegee is a tool with a flat, smooth rubber blade used for cleaning and drying surfaces like windows and floors. Perfect for a streak-free shine!

A stencil is a tool used in art to create repeated patterns or designs by applying paint or ink through cut-out shapes.

Artistic genre capturing inanimate objects, arranged to convey beauty and meaning.

Vibrant and dynamic art forms created in public spaces, often with a message or social commentary.

A foundation or base on which art is created, influencing the final outcome.

A captivating art movement that explores the subconscious mind through dreamlike and imaginative creations.

T

A dynamic and interactive visual representation of data, making complex information easy to understand at a glance.

A woven textile art piece that tells stories through intricate designs and vibrant colors, often used for decoration.

Tempera is a traditional painting technique using pigments mixed with egg yolk.

Creative works using fabric, yarn, or thread to make intricate designs, crafts, and functional pieces.

A concept in art evoking awe and wonder through the representation of grandeur and beauty, often linked to nature and spirituality.

Time-Limited Edition

Exclusive artworks available for a limited time, adding a sense of urgency and uniqueness to your collection.

The mood or attitude conveyed in a piece of writing, influencing the overall feel and impact on the reader.

A triptych is a piece of artwork divided into three sections that are often related and displayed together for a cohesive visual experience.

An art technique that creates optical illusions to make 2D objects appear 3D, fooling the viewer's eye with realistic detail.

U

Ukiyo-e is a Japanese art style of woodblock prints depicting everyday life, nature, and kabuki actors, popular during the Edo period.

A feeling of eerie familiarity or strangeness, evoking a sense of unease or mystery.

Underground Art

Underground art is a rebellious, non-mainstream movement that challenges norms, often emerging in street art, zines, and alternative galleries.

Initial layer of paint applied to a canvas to establish composition and values before adding details or color. Enhances depth and texture.

A powerful game development platform for creating interactive experiences across various platforms.

Creative expression in public spaces, reflecting city life and culture through graffiti, murals, and installations.

V

The worth or importance that something holds, often determined by its usefulness, quality, or significance.

Vanishing Point

A point in perspective where parallel lines appear to converge, creating depth and realism in art and photography.

Artistic genre symbolizing the transience of life through still-life compositions of decaying objects.

A protective coating applied to paintings to enhance colors and protect the surface from damage. A key element in art preservation.

Expressive artworks created by self-taught artists, reflecting cultural identity and traditions. Unique and authentic.

A vitrine in art is a glass display case used in museums and galleries to showcase delicate or valuable artworks, artifacts, or installations.

W

A digital art platform where artists explore subjective experiences through interactive storytelling and immersive visuals.

A painting technique that uses water-based pigments to create beautiful, translucent artworks on paper or other surfaces.

A painting technique where wet paint is applied onto already wet paint, creating a blended and smooth effect. Ideal for creating soft transitions.

A printmaking technique where an image is carved into a block of wood, then inked and pressed onto paper.

X

A unique artistic technique that creates captivating images resembling x-ray scans, revealing hidden layers and details.

Xanthic Palette

A vibrant color scheme featuring shades of yellow, representing creativity and positivity

Xenophilia in Art

Xenophilia in art celebrates diverse cultures, embracing foreign influences to inspire creativity and promote global understanding.

Xylography is the art of creating images or designs by carving them into woodblocks for printing.

Y

A form of street art where colorful yarn is used to decorate public spaces, adding a whimsical and creative touch.

YBA (Young British Artists)

A dynamic group of contemporary British artists who gained prominence in the 1990s for their innovative and provocative art.

A natural earth pigment with a warm yellow hue, often used in art and painting to create rich, earthy tones.

Youth Art Movement

A vibrant creative wave led by young artists, shaping the future of art with fresh perspectives and innovative expressions.

A synthetic paper known for its smooth texture, durability, and water-resistance, ideal for various art mediums.

Z

Unique art pieces inspired by ancient Mesopotamian architecture, offering a blend of history and creativity.

A zigzag pattern is a dynamic design element characterized by sharp, alternating angles creating a visually striking and energetic look.

A zinc plate is a metal sheet used in printmaking to create etchings by selectively removing material with acid.

A Zorn Palette is a limited color scheme of only four colors—yellow ochre, black, vermillion, and white—used for portrait painting.

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