When expanding your art collection, it’s essential to favor pieces that resonate with your personality and preferences, as these are the works you will live with in your home and should bring you joy. For those new to the art scene or seeking to invigorate their existing collection, however, paying attention to upcoming trends in the art world can provide valuable guidance. For 2024, industry experts predict that collectors will lean toward taking more considered risks, opting for artworks that are bold in both personality and subject matter.
Audra Kiewiet de Jonge, founder of Art/artefact, explains that collectors today want their art to evoke feelings of wonder and discovery. She says, “I think more than trends specifically, people are embracing the thrill and marvel of collecting unique and special objects and art across categories and periods. A sort of Wunderkabinett (cabinet of curiosities) approach that feels at once historical and thrillingly fresh and new.” Bearing this in mind, particular styles echo this unique sense of enchantment and are currently emerging as favorites within the art market. Below, experts reveal their predictions for the biggest art trends of 2024.
Textured Art
Artists are experimenting with various techniques and materials to create visually appealing and intriguing work more now than ever. Keli Hogsett, founder of CoCollect, points out that textured works add depth and dimension to traditional paintings and mixed media artwork. It additionally serves as a direct response to the rise of digital and 3D-printed art.
“In the digital world we live in today, artworks with deep texture will trend in 2024 as they inextricably communicate the unique touch of originality and humanity to their viewer,” says Hogsett. “The texture behind a one-of-a-kind work is something technology will never be able to imperfectly replicate.”
Folk Art and Craft
Folk art, while it can take many different forms, is generally characterized as the expressive medium of everyday people, capturing the narratives of daily life and cultural identity. Each community possesses a unique style that employs an array of materials and techniques to create art that vividly and authentically represents local ways of life with vibrant and perfectly imperfect details. These works are attracting attention for their intimate storytelling and for preserving vital craft traditions within communities.
Kiewiet de Jonge notes that this continued interest in outsider or folk art is reshaping the conventional perception of art. “There is definitely exciting interest right now in art forms that in the past were categorized as domestic arts, applied arts, or craft to differentiate them from the high art of the academy, which only admitted male students and therefore produced exclusively male professional artists. Many of these domestic and applied mediums have historically been the work of women, and as amateurs who were not professionally trained, the names of the makers have been lost or were never recorded,” she says.
This renewed interest and shift in perspective around these art forms are starting to be celebrated everywhere from international art fairs to museum exhibitions which signifies an expansion of what it means to make art on the highest level.
Textile Art
Like folk art, textile art merges art and craft, showcasing intricate patterns and vibrant colors crafted from humble materials. Artists in this medium might produce traditional items like quilts and woven tapestries or, as in the case of Faith Ringgold’s renowned story quilts, they can interweave fabrics to construct striking portraits or narratives.
These pieces not only infuse spaces with warmth and character but also honor the skilled artisans responsible for their creation. Kiewiet de Jonge observes that “we are in a collective moment that is returning to an interest in art where the hand of the artist is apparent and a sense of how it was made resonates for collectors.”
Sculpture
In 2024, expect sculpture to become a major trend in both art collections and home interiors. These multidimensional works can introduce a dynamic sense of movement and depth to a space without overwhelming the surrounding furnishings or other art pieces.
“At CoCollect, we love placing sculptural works where they can be admired from different vantage points, like an outdoor courtyard,” says Hogsett. “It’s amazing to see how artists are merging traditional techniques with modern technology to create visually stunning and conceptually challenging pieces.”
Many artists today are increasingly using cutting-edge technology, such as 3D printing and elaborate lighting, to create these extraordinary pieces. An antique marble bust or postmodern clay masterpiece, however, can add just as much value and interest to your collection in the upcoming year.
Portraiture
Since the inception of art, portraiture has been a staple, and its allure is resurging. Modern portraits adopt a vibrant and luminous style, casting their subjects in refreshingly novel perspectives. Kehinde Wiley, hailed as one of the most acclaimed portrait painters today, infuses his portrayals of contemporary African American people with the grandeur of classical European portraiture, yet sets them apart with lush, ornate backdrops. Although the techniques may evolve, the profound personal expression and impact of this art form endures.
“I love portraiture and the wonderful stories that are hidden in them through the symbolism of the garments and objects selected for inclusion,” says Kiewiet de Jonge. “Each element was intentional and added to the story that the subject of the portrait (or their family) wanted to convey to their audience.”
20th-Century Art
While art from 20th-century greats has always been coveted, there has been a burgeoning interest among new enthusiasts in recent years. For example, Pablo Picasso has reemerged as a particularly favored artist for his figurative works that resonate with this generation of collectors.
New collectors are increasingly drawn to vintage and antique pieces that boast compelling backstories and originality—and for many, the works of the 20th century perfectly satisfy this interest.
As you contemplate your next acquisition, remember that the key is to choose pieces that not only align with current trends but also resonate with your personal taste and the ambiance of your living space.
To explore and acquire these trending art pieces, consider visiting renowned galleries, international art fairs, and reputable online art platforms. Major events such as Art Basel, Frieze Art Fair, and TEFAF offer extensive collections and the opportunity to engage with artists and curators directly. Prominent galleries like Gagosian, Pace Gallery, and Hauser & Wirth consistently feature contemporary works that align with current trends. Additionally, online platforms such as Artsy, 1stDibs, and Saatchi Art provide access to a vast array of artworks from emerging and established artists, allowing you to explore and purchase pieces from the comfort of your home. These resources offer a curated selection of textured art, folk art, textile art, sculpture, portraiture, and 20th-century masterpieces, ensuring you find the perfect additions to your luxury collection.
