Art Trends in the 2020s

By Stephanie Kelley

We watch trends in music, fashion, dance crazes and even in toys come and go with the season. As a society, we know that classic pieces, whether it is in clothing or home decor, will never go out of style, yet we gravitate toward knowing and even being a part of the newest trends. The art world is just like any other creative field. It experiences ebbs and flows and with it, a fair amount of trends. In the art world, we call “trends” periods, styles or movements. There are many factors that can create, or at the very least, influence art periods and the styles that emerge during these periods. Some of the factors that might come into play include the introduction or availability of new materials, significant social and world events and advancements of technology. These factors are often responsible for influencing or creating artistic periods and movements.

But how do experts forecast future trends or movements in the arts and other creative fields? In order to forecast future trends, we often have to study our history. For instance, we can examine historical patterns in the creative arts. We can also examine societal patterns and human reaction to major political and social events. We can use these patterns of human behavior and reactions to help us in predicting future societal reactions to events. When predicting trends, we also have to incorporate the amount of influence new materials and the availability and prominence of traditional materials will have on future trends.

Here is a list of what you can expect in the world of art and style in 2020 and throughout the rest of this decade. .

Depth and Three-Dimensional
Whether depth and dimension will be interpreted directly through objects or visually through ultra-realistic paintings and prints, it is uncertain, but we are sure that it will be a big player in the art world this decade. Our visual world has become flattened due to the abundance and prevalence of monitors and screens. This societal trend leaves people craving more depth and dimension. 

You are likely to see a continued growth in 3D printing in all areas of creative arts. You will also see a growth in visual depth trends as artists try to break-free from the confinements of screens.

Linear & Geometric Figures
Not only is linear and geometric art currently popular, it is forecast to dominate art styles in the foreseeable future. Line art at its purest form is simply a line on a canvas. This seemingly simple design concept can actually be quite complex as it can be interpreted in a variety of medias and incorporated into various styles.

As art and fashion trends continue to celebrate the power of minimalism, you are likely to see a resurgence of art that is reminiscent of Matisse. His work was simple in style, yet these seemingly simple lines created visually powerful line drawings. The absence of visual texture, foreshadowing and complicated or detailed backgrounds, allow viewers to appreciate the beauty of negative space and the simplicity of line.

Simplified Illustrations

In keeping with the current and forecast minimalist craze, you will see an increase in simplified illustrations. A simplified illustration features blocks of colors and shapes, but eliminates other details. This helps the viewer focus on the shapes and colors of the overall piece, rather than the details.

Due to the nature of this technique, you will see this trend mostly in paint and print. But you will also see this style influence in sculpture. In sculpture, you will see an absence of detail and a focus on shape and the negative spaces the piece creates.

Statement & Socially Engaged Pieces

Expect to see politically and socially charged art pieces in the coming decade. Politically charged pieces have engaged and influenced viewers for generations. It is likely that we will see many politicized portraits, especially of the female figure, in the coming years. These portraits will feature prominent political and social figures. They are also likely to turn ordinary women into political figures or social change icons.

As women continue to grow in societal power and prominence in the United States and around the world, artists will continue to highlight and celebrate their progress. These portraits are not likely to simply display the subject’s physical beauty, but will likely include a lot of blatant and more obscure symbolism and incorporate powerful social messages.

Some statement pieces will not include a human figure at all. These pieces will display symbolism and themes that reflect the current political climates and current events.

Collages

Just as our past is blending with our future at the dawn of a new decade, so will various art medias likewise collide and collaborate. Look for collages and assemblages to take a prominent place in the future art scene.

Artists in the 2020s will likely borrow ideas from assemblage artists such as  Alexis Smith  and Robert Rauschenberg. Collages will incorporate some traditional materials, but you can also expect these traditional materials to be coupled with unexpected mediums. This decade’s collages are likely to also reflect the artists’ political and social views and are expected to be less detailed than more traditional collages.

Creative Photography

For over 150 years, people have been recording events and exploring their creative sides through the magic of photography. In today’s world, photography has become easily accessible for most people through the convenience of the smart phone and digital camera. Because of the accessibility of cameras and filters, creative photography is forecast to be on trend in the next decade.

Photography will still be judged on the technical skills of the photographer, it is quite likely that future photography will be increasingly judged on the creativity of the artist. Through the power of the modern technology of apps and filters, even novice photographers can achieve impressive results. To stand-out in the creative world, modern photographers and artists will likely have to find unique subjects and innovative ways to use their photography skills.

Earth Colors and Botanical

The popularity of certain colors or palettes change seasonally, but you can expect to see a resurgence of earth tones in 2020. With the upsurge of interest in environmental preservation and restoration, it’s likely that artists will draw from nature for their color and subject inspiration. Also expect to see botanical references in all areas of art, interior design and fashion.

Avant-garde

Since we have just embarked on the 2020’s, many art influencers are reflecting on the 1920s for inspiration. This is the era when avant-garde art was all the rage. Expect to see today’s artists borrow ideas from avant-garde icons such as Salvador Dali and Gustave Courbet, the father of avant-garde art. In the next decade you will also see artists borrowing concepts from the avant-garde movement without directly mimicking the style. For instance, avant-garde artists were experimental and innovative. Today’s artists will look for ways to push the boundaries of cultural norms just like their predecessors did during the Avante-garde movement.

Typography

Large graphic prints and decorative fonts have been ruling the commercial art world and are expected to flood the fine art community this decade. Canvases that feature large words have been around for a few years and are expected to make the transition from strictly mass-produced commercial and decorative pieces, to serious fine art.

This type of art might include personalized canvases that feature a the artist’s favorite Bible verse, poem or song lyric or might feature something that would appeal to a larger audience. Some pieces might even attempt to provoke feelings, thoughts or change. This type of artistic expression will often be seen in politically charged pieces and propaganda.

Digital Art

Digital art will also be a heavy-hitter in the next decade. Andy Warhol and other Pop artists say the influence of mass-production and commercial art. Commercial art is still relevant in today’s market and it won’t be fading any time soon.

With visual editing programs and platforms available on home computers, tablets and smartphones, the average user can create stunning visual pieces. Artists will also utilize these digital manipulation techniques in their fine art pieces and are likely to modify them even further by hand.

The 2020s will be filled with a variety of trends that embrace a minimalist style. There will also be politically charged statement pieces in abundance, whether in simple typographical pieces or more elaborate assemblages. You are likely to see these trends in everything from fashion to  commercially produced decorative pieces to fine art gallery shows.