It is always interesting to see how certain historical art movements come back into fashion decades or even centuries after they have reached their zenith. Take for example the style of Art Nouveau, meaning “new art”. This was the name given to an artistic movement in european art in the late nineteenth century. Much of its inspiration came from natural formations and asian art and design. Some of the most popular artists from this era include Toulouse-Lautrec, Aubrey Beardsley, and Alphonse Mucha. Recently, many of the stylistic trends originally set forth by these masters have been resurfacing in many of the current art movements. “Art Nouveau” has found a new home within the pop-surrealist community, particularly among the ladies. Some of these artists include Audrey Kawasaki, Stella Im Hultberg, and Sylvia Ji.
I often wonder “why now?” when closely examining the rebirth of historically significant art movements. Perhaps the newer generations of artists and collectors are seeking to reconnect with or be reminded of the natural world. With a vast number of artists and collectors living primarily in urban areas, it seems logical to assume that art which imitates nature would be considered a desirable commodity in communities where accessible nature is in short supply. This is just one theory, but it seems sensible.
You may be questioning the value of this article as it applies to you. First, I believe it is important to always be aware of which direction the art market is taking; who’s work is selling, who is buying it, and why. Second, it is important to compare, learn from, honor, and be inspired by other artists, both historical and contemporary. The things that Kawasaki, Hultberg, and Ji all have in common in their works is that they have each incorporated the ever-popular Art Nouveau style and made the movement their own. The best part is that their work is in high demand, and is selling like gangbusters! I highly recommend following the links below to compare the works these contemporary women artists to the historic ones they seem to echo. You never know where it could lead you in your own artistic endeavors.
Alphonse Mucha / Audrey Kawasaki
Toulouse Lautrec / Sylvia Ji
Aubrey Beardsley / Stella Im Hultberg
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