Buying art is first and foremost an emotional experience. However, for those who wish to invest in art, a key question arises: how can you properly evaluate the true value of an original artwork?

The contemporary art market blends subjectivity, reputation and economic dynamics. Understanding how it works allows you to combine passion with strategy while avoiding common mistakes. Here are the main criteria to consider when assessing the value of an artwork before purchasing.

1. The Artist: The First Indicator of Value

The value of an artwork is closely tied to the trajectory of its creator.

Key Elements to Analyze

• Artistic education and career path
• Exhibitions in galleries or art fairs
• Presence in public or private collections
• Stylistic consistency
• Media visibility

Art advisory experts emphasize that consistency and coherence are more reliable indicators than short-lived trends.

Discover contemporary artists:
Contemporary Artists

2. Originality and Uniqueness of the Artwork

An original artwork carries a different value compared to reproductions. Its uniqueness, technical quality and alignment with the artist’s overall practice are essential factors.

Unique Artwork vs. Limited Edition

• A unique piece is generally more sought after.
• A limited edition can hold strong value if the edition size is small and signed.
• Rarity directly impacts market value.

Collectors place significant importance on singular works.

Explore original artworks:
Original Contemporary Paintings

3. Market Positioning and Price Evolution

The art market follows specific dynamics. To invest in contemporary art wisely, it is important to observe the consistency of an artist’s positioning and price evolution.

How to Analyze Market Value

• Past sales history (auctions, galleries)
• Price trends over time
• Positioning compared to similar artists
• Stable or growing demand

Market reports consistently show that steady long-term growth is often more sustainable than sudden speculative spikes.

4. Context and Period of Creation

Certain periods or series in an artist’s career may be particularly significant. Understanding where an artwork fits within the artist’s overall body of work helps evaluate its long-term potential.

Why Timing Matters

• A defining series may become emblematic.
• A transitional phase can represent a strategic acquisition opportunity.
• Specific techniques or formats may be highly sought after.

A broader perspective on the artist’s production allows collectors to identify key works that strengthen a coherent collection.

5. Emotion: An Essential but Often Overlooked Criterion

Many experts agree: a successful investment begins with personal conviction. An artwork that deeply resonates with you is more likely to retain long-term relevance.

Why Emotion Matters

• Strong artworks transcend trends.
• They maintain aesthetic relevance over time.
• They integrate naturally into your environment.

To explore the emotional dimension of art:
Art and Well-Being: How Art Influences Our Emotions

6. Diversification: Structuring Your Art Investment

Like any investment strategy, investing in contemporary art benefits from diversification. Building a balanced collection reduces risk and enhances long-term value.

Practical Tips

• Mix emerging and established artists
• Vary styles and techniques
• Spread acquisitions over time
• Seek professional advice when necessary

Explore categories:
Abstract Art
Figurative Art
Pop Art

Conclusion: Investing with Strategy and Sensitivity

Evaluating the value of an original artwork never relies on a single factor. It is a balance between market analysis, understanding the artist’s trajectory and personal resonance. To invest in art successfully means combining expertise with intuition.

Discover carefully curated artworks:
Explore Artalistic’s New Arrivals

Choosing a work today means investing in talent, creativity and the long term.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, it is essential to highlight the evolving role of contemporary women artists on today’s art scene. Historically underrepresented in institutional collections and certain market segments, women artists are now gaining greater visibility, recognition and legitimacy among collectors, galleries and specialized platforms.

Art in the feminine is not a stylistic category; it represents a diversity of perspectives, creative approaches and aesthetics that are reshaping the language of contemporary art. Today, a new generation of artists stands out through creative freedom, artistic rigor and the ability to engage meaningfully with the world.

A Progressive Rebalancing of the Art Market

Recent market analyses and international art reports show a clear trend: institutions, fairs and galleries are increasingly showcasing women artists in their programs and curated selections. This movement is both cultural and economic.

Why This Rebalancing Matters

• It expands the narrative of art history beyond traditionally dominant figures.
• It offers a more accurate representation of contemporary creation.
• It creates opportunities for collectors to discover artists whose careers are on the rise.

For art lovers and collectors, exploring contemporary women artists is both an engaged and forward-thinking approach aligned with current market dynamics.

A New Generation of Bold and Committed Artists

This emerging female art scene is defined by freedom of expression and conceptual depth. Themes often explore identity, memory, the body, heritage, inner landscapes and social tension, but also joy, color and energy.

Diversity of Practices and Styles

Art in the feminine does not correspond to a single aesthetic. It embraces diverse artistic languages:

• Contemporary abstract art (gesture, rhythm, materiality),
• Figurative reinterpretation (portraits, narration, emotional intensity),
• Conceptual approaches,
• Dialogues with contemporary visual culture.

Explore our collections:
Contemporary Paintings

Art and Identity: A Different Perspective on the World

Art historians and critics have long examined how structural imbalances limited the visibility of women artists. Today, this dynamic is shifting, and female artists are asserting powerful and distinctive artistic voices.

Common Characteristics in Their Work

• Strong emotional resonance and nuance.
• Exploration of material, texture and presence.
• A balance between intimate storytelling and universal themes.

If you are drawn to emotionally engaging works, discover:
Figurative Paintings

Investing in Contemporary Women Artists: Vision and Commitment

Art advisory professionals emphasize that building a collection requires conviction and coherence. Supporting contemporary women artists means recognizing strong artistic trajectories shaped by identity and integrity.

Why Now Is the Right Time

• Collector preferences are evolving toward more informed and personal acquisitions.
• Women artists are gaining greater institutional and gallery representation.
• The market increasingly values authenticity and unique artistic voices.

Discover contemporary artists on Artalistic:
Contemporary Artists

Art in the Feminine on Artalistic

Artalistic highlights contemporary artworks that reflect the richness of today’s artistic landscape. Whether abstract or figurative, each work represents a singular vision and sensitivity beyond categorization.

Explore our latest additions:
New Arrivals

Conclusion: Celebrating Creation Beyond Categories

Highlighting women in contemporary art is not merely symbolic; it acknowledges a profound artistic transformation shaped by diversity, perspective and creative freedom.

Contemporary women artists are shaping the future of contemporary art with strength, sensitivity and bold vision. On International Women’s Day, take the time to discover these powerful artistic universes and choose a work that truly resonates with you.

Start or enrich your collection today:
Discover Artalistic’s New Arrivals

The contemporary art market is constantly evolving. After a period of adjustment in the ultra-high-end segment, experts now observe strong momentum around emerging artists, accessible price ranges and distinctive creations with strong artistic identity.

According to specialized reports such as the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report, Artprice and Artsy Market Insights, collectors are increasingly seeking a balance between emotion, uniqueness and growth potential. So how can you invest in contemporary art wisely in 2026? Which artworks should you consider to combine passion with strategic vision?

1. Understanding the New Dynamics of the Art Market

Recent international data highlights several major trends:

• Artworks in accessible price ranges (often between €1,000 and €15,000) show strong demand.
• Emerging artists featured in galleries or art fairs gain visibility and market traction.
• Buyers increasingly prioritize emotional connection over pure speculation.

The market has become more selective, but also more accessible. To buy promising art, a combination of analysis, consistency and intuition is essential.

2. Investing in Emerging Artists with High Potential

Art market experts consistently point out that early- and mid-career artists often present the strongest potential for medium-term value growth. Identifying a coherent and evolving artistic signature early can be a powerful strategy.

Key Indicators to Consider

• Participation in galleries, exhibitions or art fairs
• Strong and recognizable artistic identity
• Consistency across multiple series of works
• Accessible pricing relative to quality and positioning
• Regular and controlled artistic production

Artalistic carefully curates contemporary artists who meet these criteria of quality and long-term development potential.

Discover our artists:
Contemporary Artists

3. Art Styles to Watch in 2026

Market analysis and editorial insights point toward strong demand in several categories that balance decorative appeal, emotional power and value potential.

Contemporary Abstract Art

Contemporary abstract art remains highly sought after. It allows for personal emotional projection while integrating seamlessly into modern interiors. Its timeless versatility makes it a strong pillar in many collections.

Abstract Paintings

Pop Art and Cultural Influence

Pop Art and culturally inspired works attract a new generation of collectors. Their bold visual identity and immediate readability make them desirable both as decorative centerpieces and as collectible assets.

Pop Art Paintings

Reinterpreted Figurative Art

Contemporary portraits and emotionally charged figurative works continue to perform strongly. Figurative art creates a direct connection with viewers, strengthening desirability and engagement.

Figurative Paintings

4. Emotion and Strategy: The Dual Criteria of Smart Investment

Experienced art advisory professionals emphasize one key principle: an artwork that does not emotionally resonate with you is rarely a strong long-term investment. Markets evolve, but powerful artistic identity endures.

Why Emotion Matters as Much as Financial Potential

• Strong works transcend trends.
• They maintain aesthetic relevance over time.
• They integrate meaningfully into your living or professional environment.

Learn more about the emotional dimension of art:
Art and Well-being: How Artworks Influence Our Emotions

5. Diversifying Your Art Collection in 2026

Like any asset strategy, art collecting requires thoughtful diversification and long-term coherence.

Building a Balanced Collection

• Combine abstract and figurative works
• Vary formats and techniques
• Mix established and emerging artists
• Space acquisitions over time

Explore all categories to refine your strategy:
Contemporary Artworks

6. The Importance of Professional Guidance

The art market is nuanced and complex. Expert guidance helps avoid common pitfalls and identify meaningful opportunities. At Artalistic, we combine rigorous artistic curation with personalized advisory support to guide your investment decisions.

Investing does not mean purchasing randomly — it means understanding, aligning and projecting forward with clarity.

Conclusion: 2026, the Year of Thoughtful Art Investment

In 2026, investing in contemporary art is no longer about chasing sensational auction records. It is about identifying authentic, compelling and promising works supported by coherent and talented artists.

The strongest opportunities lie within accessible segments and emerging talents with distinctive artistic voices.

Discover carefully curated artworks with potential:
Explore Artalistic’s New Arrivals

Choosing an artwork today means investing in emotion, talent and the future.

Sometimes, just a few seconds in front of an artwork are enough to feel a powerful emotional response - a deep, almost inexplicable connection. Some artworks attract us, calm us or deeply move us, while others leave us indifferent. Why does this instinctive reaction occur? Research in neuroscience and art psychology now helps us understand this profound link between art and emotions.

Emotion before reason: how our brain perceives art

Contrary to common belief, our reaction to art is not primarily intellectual. Numerous studies in neuroscience show that emotion comes before rational analysis: our brain “feels” before it explains.

The role of the emotional brain

When we look at an artwork:

• the limbic system (the brain’s emotional center) activates first,
• the amygdala processes visual stimuli almost instantly,
• the prefrontal cortex intervenes later to analyze and interpret.

This explains why an artwork can move us deeply without us immediately understanding why. It also sheds light on the appeal of contemporary art, which often prioritizes sensation, intuition and perception over fixed narratives.

Colors, shapes and materials: a universal visual language

Colors and shapes directly influence our brain. Studies in visual neuroscience show that:

• warm colors stimulate energy and emotion,
• cool tones promote calm and balance,
• curved shapes are generally perceived as reassuring,
• sharp lines and strong contrasts increase visual tension and attention.

Why abstract art affects us so deeply

Contemporary abstract art leaves room for personal interpretation. Without an imposed subject, our brain projects its own emotions, memories and sensations onto the artwork. This is why two people can experience entirely different emotions when facing the same piece.

Discover artworks where emotion takes center stage:
Contemporary abstract paintings

Emotional memory and personal experience

Our response to art is deeply influenced by personal history. An artwork can awaken childhood memories, past emotions or familiar sensations. Experts in art psychology refer to this as “emotional memory”: a color, gesture or atmosphere can resonate with deeply rooted experiences, sometimes unconsciously.

Figurative art and emotional identification

Figurative artworks, portraits and scenes of life foster emotional identification. A gaze, posture or expression can immediately create a sense of empathy and connection with the viewer.

Explore figurative artworks with strong emotional impact:
Contemporary figurative paintings

Why we are increasingly drawn to “feel-good” artworks

In a world saturated with digital images, art has become a refuge. Art advisory experts and market analysts observe a growing interest in artworks that provide well-being, comfort and emotional balance.

Collectors and art lovers are increasingly seeking:

• emotionally engaging artworks,
• a personal connection rather than purely decorative objects,
• a lasting sensory experience.

This trend aligns with the growing focus on art and well-being in contemporary creation.

To learn more:
Art and well-being: how artworks influence our emotions

Choosing an artwork that truly moves you: an intuitive yet informed act

Buying contemporary art should never be a purely aesthetic or rushed decision. Art advisors recommend:

• trusting your initial emotional reaction,
• taking time to observe the artwork closely,
• asking yourself what it evokes: calm, energy, joy, depth or reflection.

Finding the balance between emotion and coherence

An artwork that deeply resonates with you often naturally finds its place in your interior and daily life. It becomes a visual companion, a source of inspiration or an emotional anchor.

Discover contemporary artworks on Artalistic:
Contemporary artworks on Artalistic

Conclusion: when art speaks directly to our emotional brain

If some artworks move us instantly, it is because they speak directly to our emotional brain, our memory and our sensitivity. Neuroscience now confirms what artists have always known: art is a universal language capable of creating deep and lasting emotional impact.

To find an artwork that resonates with your sensibility, explore the latest arrivals and let your intuition guide you:
Discover Artalistic’s new arrivals

Research conducted by universities and design experts confirms that visually stimulating environments foster innovation, problem-solving and divergent thinking. Art plays a key role in this process.

Why does art boost creativity?

- Art triggers emotional engagement, which enhances creative thinking.
- Colors, shapes and compositions activate imagination and mental flexibility.
- Abstract or graphic works encourage new perspectives and innovative ideas.

Incorporating contemporary art helps create an atmosphere that encourages insight and creative flow.

Explore highly inspiring art styles:
Abstract Paintings
Pop Art Paintings

2. Art improves productivity and focus

A well-designed workspace with aesthetic depth enhances concentration and overall performance. Several workplace studies indicate that the presence of art can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity.

How does art impact workplace performance?

- It reduces visual fatigue caused by screens.
- It creates calming, structured focal points within the space.
- It increases motivation by providing a more enjoyable environment.

Companies that integrate art into their offices often observe improved team cohesion, a calmer atmosphere and stronger employee engagement.

Discover contemporary artworks suitable for workplaces:
Contemporary Paintings

3. Art strengthens brand image and enhances client experience

Art does not only benefit employees; it also elevates the perception clients and partners have of your business. A tastefully decorated office communicates professionalism, refinement and confidence from the moment someone enters the space.

A strategic tool for your brand identity

- In law firms, art conveys prestige and stability.
- In luxury real estate agencies, it reflects exclusivity and sophistication.
- In medical practices, it helps create a calming and reassuring atmosphere.
- In creative agencies, it highlights innovation and bold thinking.

Well-chosen artworks become powerful elements of your visual communication.

Explore artworks suitable for professional environments:
Contemporary Sculptures

4. Art leasing: the ideal solution for businesses

Art leasing (leasing with option to purchase) allows businesses and independent professionals to display original artworks without immobilizing financial resources. It is a flexible and advantageous solution for integrating art into professional spaces.

Key benefits of leasing for entrepreneurs and professionals

- Spread-out payments that help preserve cash flow.
- Possibility to renew artworks regularly and refresh workplace ambiance.
- Option to purchase artworks at the end of the lease.
- Enhances brand image without heavy upfront investment.

In some cases, leasing fees may be deductible depending on local accounting regulations (to be validated with an accountant).

Learn more in our dedicated article:
Art Leasing for Businesses

5. How to choose the right artworks for your office

Selecting art for a workplace means choosing pieces that align with the company’s identity, the function of each space and the intended emotional impact.

Define the objective of each area

- Meeting rooms: inspiring yet calming artworks.
- Reception areas: welcoming and identity-defining pieces.
- Open spaces: energizing artworks that support concentration.

Create visual harmony

Colors, textures and materials should complement the interior architecture. Medical environments often favor soft and soothing tones, while creative companies may prefer bold, colorful works.

Find artworks suited to your professional environment:
New Arrivals – Artalistic

Conclusion: art in the workplace is a strategic investment

Displaying art in an office goes far beyond decoration. It supports creativity, enhances productivity, improves employee well-being and strengthens your company's brand identity.

Thanks to art leasing, entrepreneurs and professionals now have access to a flexible and cost-effective solution for integrating contemporary art into their everyday work environment.

Discover artworks ready to transform your workspace:
Buy or Lease a Contemporary Artwork

The very first mistake is purchasing from a website without verifying its legitimacy. To buy art online safely, always choose a platform that is:

• transparent (legal information, customer service, contact details),
• specialized in contemporary art,
• selective with its artists and artworks,
• clear about its purchase and shipping policies.

Artalistic is a curated marketplace that carefully selects each artist and artwork, ensuring a secure and professional buying experience.

Discover our guide for further insights:
Art Investment: Beginner’s Guide to Collecting

2. Not verifying the authenticity of the artwork

Authenticity is one of the most important aspects of an online art purchase. A common mistake is buying solely based on images without checking supporting documentation.

Before purchasing, always make sure the artwork includes:

• a certificate of authenticity,
• the artist’s signature or identifying mark,
• a clear description of the technique and materials,
• detailed photographs of the work.

On Artalistic, every artwork is checked and authenticated before it is listed online.

3. Ignoring the dimensions and real-life appearance

Falling in love with an artwork online can sometimes lead to surprise upon delivery if the dimensions were misunderstood. A painting may appear larger or smaller on a screen than in reality.

Before you buy art online, check:

• the exact width, height and depth,
• whether the artwork is framed,
• the type of support (canvas, paper, wood, metal),
• the color rendering, which may vary slightly depending on your screen.

Explore carefully detailed artworks on Artalistic:
Contemporary Paintings
Sculptures

4. Buying without knowing the artist or their work

Purchasing solely based on visual appeal, without learning about the artist, can reduce the long-term significance and value of the piece. Understanding an artist’s background enriches the buying experience and may increase the artwork’s value.

Before purchasing, take time to explore:

• the artist’s background and training,
• their exhibitions and visibility,
• their artistic approach and influences,
• the coherence of their body of work.

Discover curated contemporary artists on Artalistic:
Contemporary Artists

5. Not reviewing shipping and return policies

Shipping artwork requires specific care. A frequent mistake is to overlook packaging, insurance or return conditions.

Always check:

• professional protective packaging,
• insurance coverage during transport,
• clear shipping timelines,
• return conditions (delay, responsibility, procedure).

Platforms like Artalistic rely on transporters experienced in handling artworks, ensuring safe delivery.

6. Paying without security or traceability

One of the biggest mistakes is sending money without receiving a proper invoice, order number or purchase confirmation.

A reliable platform must provide:

• secure payment methods,
• a detailed invoice,
• order tracking and customer service support.

This is essential for any contemporary art purchase, whether it is your first acquisition or a more significant investment.

7. Forgetting to compare styles, prices and formats

The advantage of online art buying is the ability to compare categories, techniques and price ranges easily. Skipping this step can prevent you from discovering the perfect artwork for your space or budget.

Explore a variety of styles to refine your choice:
Abstract Paintings
Figurative Paintings
Pop Art
Street Art

Conclusion: buying art online can be safe, enriching and inspiring

Buying art online is now a secure and enjoyable experience when approached with the right knowledge. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing specialized platforms like Artalistic, you gain access to authentic, curated artworks while benefiting from a transparent process.

To explore newly added artworks and start or grow your collection:
New Arrivals – Artalistic

Color is one of the strongest indicators of your artistic sensibility. Each hue conveys an atmosphere, an emotional intensity and a message. Interior designers often consider color palettes as keys to understanding how individuals want to feel and live within their spaces.

Bold colors: vitality, confidence and expressive personality

Red, yellow, bright blue, hot pink: vibrant tones are associated with dynamic, expressive personalities who appreciate impactful, energizing art. These colors bring movement and intensity to contemporary interiors.

Soft tones: harmony, introspection and emotional balance

Beiges, greys, pastels or soft blues are chosen by those who seek calm, stability and a soothing atmosphere. These colors support gentle, harmonious living spaces.

To learn more about the emotional power of art, explore our dedicated article:
Art and Well-Being: How Art Influences Our Emotions

2. Material and texture: a deeper sensory connection

The texture of an artwork—relief, thick paint, sculpted material—often reveals a desire for sensory richness. It also enhances the emotional impact of the piece.

Rich, contrasting textures: emotional depth

Highly textured artworks appeal to expressive personalities who seek strong visual and tactile sensations. They can transform contemporary or industrial interiors with bold character.

Smooth, minimalist surfaces: clarity and refined simplicity

Monochromatic paintings, fluid sculptures or delicate paper works attract individuals who appreciate purity, minimalism and quiet visual balance.

Explore artworks that play with materials:
Contemporary Paintings
Sculptures

3. Artistic style: a reflection of your identity

Your artistic style—abstract, figurative, minimalist, Pop Art or Street Art—reveals your worldview and how you express your inner narrative.

Abstract art: freedom, imagination and introspection

Abstract art lovers enjoy open interpretations and intuitive emotional responses.
Abstract Paintings

Figurative art: storytelling, humanity and emotional resonance

Portraits, landscapes and scenes from life appeal to those who connect deeply with human presence and narrative expression.
Figurative Paintings

Pop Art: modernity, humor and visual impact

Pop Art is perfect for bold personalities who enjoy vibrant, graphic and culturally infused works.
Pop Art Paintings

Street Art: urban energy and contemporary expression

Ideal for free-spirited, modern individuals connected to cultural and societal movements.
Street Art

4. What your artistic taste reveals about your relationship to your home

Art is a direct extension of your identity within your living space. It shapes the atmosphere, the emotional tone and the sense of belonging in your home.

Turning your home into a personal sanctuary

According to interior design experts, an intentionally chosen artwork becomes an emotional anchor. It influences focus, serenity and overall well-being.

Affirming your personal style

Art is one of the most expressive ways to define your aesthetic identity. A carefully chosen piece becomes a statement of who you are and what you value.

Find artwork that reflects you:
New Arrivals

Conclusion

Your artistic taste is a revealing expression of your personality. The colors, materials and emotions that draw you to certain artworks demonstrate how you feel, think and inhabit your personal space.

Choosing a contemporary artwork is a way to affirm your individuality while creating a home filled with meaning, authenticity and emotional depth.

Discover artworks that resonate with your emotions:
Buy Contemporary Art Online

Pop Art emerged in a society saturated with advertising, mass media, and consumer goods. Artists drew inspiration from everyday objects, brands, celebrities, comic strips, and film imagery to create works that were accessible, direct, and visually striking.

Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and a new global visual culture

Andy Warhol, with his silkscreen images of celebrities and mass-produced products, and Roy Lichtenstein, with his large-scale comic-inspired canvases, helped define the visual vocabulary of Pop Art. Their work blurred the boundaries between “high” art and popular culture and contributed to a new, democratized vision of art.

By elevating ordinary objects and media imagery to the status of art, Pop Art fundamentally changed the status of the artwork and anticipated our contemporary relationship to images and consumption.

2. Why Pop Art remains so appealing in 2026

According to leading art market reports (Hiscox Online Art Trade Report, Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report), Pop Art continues to be one of the most attractive categories for collectors and art buyers.

A powerful and timeless visual language

With its bright colors, strong contrasts, and instantly recognizable iconography, Pop Art fits perfectly into contemporary interiors. It works equally well in minimalist spaces, modern homes, creative offices, and public spaces.

A movement that still resonates with our time

Pop Art anticipated many aspects of our current world: the cult of celebrity, the omnipresence of brands, media saturation, and the reproduction of images. This is why it still feels incredibly contemporary, even decades after its emergence.

A solid segment for investment

The Pop Art segment of the market has proven to be resilient and in demand. Investing in a Pop Art painting allows collectors to acquire works with strong decorative impact and lasting cultural relevance.

3. The influence of Pop Art on contemporary artists

Many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from Pop Art, whether through color palettes, graphic compositions, or the use of familiar symbols and visual references.

A creative freedom inherited from a provocative movement

Like the pioneers of Pop Art, today’s artists play with advertising codes, mass culture, digital imagery, and everyday icons. They explore themes such as consumerism, identity, social media, and visual overload, often with humor and critical distance.

Discover the artists represented on Artalistic:
Contemporary Artists

4. How to invest in a Pop Art artwork

For collectors who want to invest in Pop Art, it is important to consider both aesthetic and market criteria. Pop Art is particularly suited to those looking for visually impactful works that also align with a strong artistic lineage.

Key criteria when choosing a Pop Art piece

• Originality and strength of the composition
• Technique (acrylic, silkscreen, mixed media, collage)
• Distinctive style and consistency in the artist’s body of work
• The artist’s visibility, exhibitions, and track record
• Edition size for limited editions

Explore the Pop Art category on Artalistic:
Pop Art Paintings

5. Why buy Pop Art on Artalistic?

Artalistic offers a curated selection of Pop Art works created by emerging and established contemporary artists. Each piece is validated, authenticated, and shipped with care, ensuring a secure and professional buying experience.

A bold and accessible Pop Art collection

The Pop Art selection on Artalistic includes colorful, graphic, and dynamic works that are ideal for enhancing an interior or starting a contemporary art collection. They combine visual impact, artistic quality, and accessible pricing.

Discover more on Artalistic:
New Arrivals
All Contemporary Paintings

Conclusion

Pop Art remains a key movement in the history of art and continues to shape contemporary visual culture. Its influence on today’s artists, its strong visual identity, and its relevance to our image-based society make it a highly attractive style for both decoration and contemporary art investment.

If you wish to bring the energy and symbolism of Pop Art into your home or collection, explore our dedicated selection on Artalistic:

Buy a Pop Art Artwork on Artalistic

Before buying your first artwork, take time to identify your objectives:

• Do you want to decorate your home?
• Support emerging artists?
• Make an investment in contemporary art?

Set a realistic and flexible budget

Starting a collection does not require a large financial commitment. Many contemporary artworks are available at accessible price points. Explore categories such as:

• Contemporary Paintings
• Sculptures
• Limited Editions

A global budget or a per-artwork budget helps guide your purchases while still allowing room for emotional choices.

2. Educate Yourself and Train Your Eye

Knowledge is invaluable when building a collection. Visiting exhibitions, reading art publications, and browsing curated platforms like Artalistic will help develop your artistic sensitivity and understanding of the market.

Learn to identify art market trends

Market analyses highlight a growing interest in emerging artists and mid-range artworks. New collectors seek meaningful, long-term acquisitions rather than purely speculative purchases.

For deeper insight, read our guide:
“Buying Fine Art: Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Art”.

Research strengthens your intuition, helps you identify strong artistic identities, and prepares you to recognize promising artists.

3. Choose Emerging Artists

Emerging artists are often the best entry point for new collectors: unique works, authentic artistic voices, and prices that remain accessible.

Why invest in emerging artists?

• You directly support their career development.
• You acquire original pieces with real storytelling and artistic value.
• You build a living, forward-looking collection.

Discover the artists represented on Artalistic:
Contemporary Artists.

4. Buying Art Online: A Secure and Trusted Solution

According to online art market studies, a growing number of collectors now complete their first purchase online. Professional platforms like Artalistic offer a safe and curated buying experience.

• Expertly curated artworks.
• Clear and complete information: technique, artist bio, certificate of authenticity.
• Secure payment and tracked delivery.

The ideal place to start your collection

If you are unsure where to begin, explore the new arrivals. They give you access to recently listed artworks, diverse styles, and emerging artistic voices.

5. Build a Coherent and Personal Collection

A successful collection does not depend on size or prestige, but on coherence and personal meaning. Your collection should reflect your identity and emotional response to art.

Define your artistic direction

You may structure your collection around:

• An artistic movement (abstraction, figurative, Pop Art, street art).
• A medium (painting, sculpture, photography, limited edition).
• A color palette or atmosphere.
• A recurring theme (nature, human body, urban landscapes…).

Stay consistent, but allow your taste to evolve naturally.

Conclusion

Starting a contemporary art collection is a meaningful and rewarding journey. By defining your goals, learning about the market, supporting emerging artists, and relying on trusted platforms, you can successfully combine passion, cultural engagement, and long-term value.

Whether your goal is to decorate your home or invest in a painting, the contemporary art market offers many opportunities for new collectors.

Begin your journey today by exploring the new arrivals on Artalistic and find the contemporary artwork that will become the first piece of your collection.

In 2025, the contemporary art market showed mixed results: fewer spectacular sales but a strong and stable demand for mid-range artworks. Speculation declined, while quality and accessibility gained momentum.

Less speculation, more selectivity

Buyers are becoming more discerning and focusing on value rather than hype. Key observations include:

• A slowdown in sales of overvalued or highly speculative works.
• Growing interest in emerging and established contemporary artists with reasonable pricing.
• A shift toward artistic coherence, authenticity, and long-term potential.

For collectors, this means a more stable environment to invest in a painting with long-term value.

Learn more in our guide: “Buying Fine Art: Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Art”.

2. The Rise of Online Contemporary Art Purchases

The digital transformation of the art market continues. Increasingly, collectors prefer to buy contemporary art online, benefiting from transparency, accessibility, and a larger selection.

Why online platforms like Artalistic are thriving

• Access to curated collections of contemporary artworks.
• Transparent information: artist profiles, certificates, dimensions, and techniques.
• Secure payment, simplified buying process, and professional support.

Explore our main categories:

• Contemporary Paintings
• Sculptures
• Limited Editions

3. Key Contemporary Art Market Trends in 2025

Growth of the mid-range art segment

Mid-priced artworks are increasingly popular. They offer strong artistic relevance and controlled budgets, with promising long-term appreciation potential.

A demand for authenticity and strong artistic identity

Collectors are now prioritizing artists with depth: solid career paths, unique visual identity, and meaningful work. Emotional connection and authenticity outweigh pure financial speculation.

The strengthening role of online galleries and curated platforms

Online platforms like Artalistic help collectors discover promising artists and ensure reliability and quality.

Meet the artists on Artalistic: Contemporary Artists.

4. 2026 Forecast: Where Are the Investment Opportunities?

Looking ahead to 2026, several trends point toward promising opportunities for collectors and new buyers:

1) Emerging and locally rooted artists

Emerging artists with strong visual signatures continue to attract attention. They offer accessible entry prices and exciting long-term potential.

2) Preference for originals and limited editions

Original artworks and limited editions remain highly valued, both aesthetically and financially.

3) Trends in artistic styles

Popular styles expected to perform well include geometric abstraction, lyrical abstraction, street art, Pop Art, and expressive figurative works — all well represented on Artalistic.

5. How to Invest Wisely in Contemporary Art

Combine emotion and strategy

The best investment is always a mix of passion and insight. Choose artworks that resonate with you, but also consider:

• The artist’s trajectory and visibility.
• The quality of the technique and materials.
• The coherence of the price within the market.

Choose trusted platforms

Platforms like Artalistic provide a secure and curated environment for your contemporary art purchase, ensuring authenticity and offering expert support.

Start exploring our new arrivals to find the contemporary artwork that will elevate your collection.

Conclusion

The 2025 contemporary art market presents a healthier, more accessible landscape for collectors. With the rise of online sales, the growth of mid-range segments, and increasing demand for authenticity, the conditions are ideal for thoughtful investment.

In 2026, investing in a painting means combining aesthetic pleasure, long-term value, and support for contemporary artists. A meaningful and rewarding step for any collector.

Discover the latest new arrivals on Artalistic and find the contemporary artwork that will enrich your space and your collection.

Neuroscience confirms what artists have always known: viewing a work of art activates the brain’s pleasure and emotion centers. Standing before a painting can produce an instant sense of well-being — similar to listening to music or walking in nature.

When art becomes visual therapy

Colors soothe or energize, forms reassure or inspire, and textures evoke tactile sensations. A soft-toned abstract painting can calm the mind, while a colorful artwork can spark joy and creativity.

Explore the new arrivals on Artalistic and discover artworks that make you feel good.

2. Art for well-being at home

Integrating artworks into your home creates a balanced, uplifting atmosphere. Art goes beyond decoration - it becomes a source of positive emotions every day.

• In the living room, it encourages warmth and connection.
• In the bedroom, it calms and promotes relaxation.
• In an office, it inspires focus and creativity.

Balancing energy and serenity

Blue and green tones bring calm; yellow and orange hues radiate optimism and energy; abstract compositions invite reflection and mindfulness.

Discover our colorful and abstract artworks to transform your space into a soothing retreat.

3. Art in the workplace: creativity and motivation

More companies are incorporating art into their work environments. Studies show that visually stimulating surroundings boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance team cohesion.

An artistic environment that inspires

Displaying contemporary paintings in an open office or meeting space creates an inspiring, elegant atmosphere. Art also reflects a company’s values and vision, making it a powerful silent communicator.

Find an artwork that inspires among the Artalistic new arrivals and energize your workspace.

4. Art as a mirror of our emotions

Every artwork acts as a personal echo. Abstract shapes, stylized faces, and dreamlike landscapes evoke different emotions in each viewer. To buy a work of art is often to choose a part of yourself.

Art that makes you feel good

Let emotion guide you - the right artwork is the one that calms, uplifts, or resonates with you. On Artalistic, every piece is carefully curated to help you find an artwork that makes you feel good.

Conclusion

Art is more than visual pleasure - it’s a true source of emotional balance. Whether abstract, figurative, or boldly colorful, it influences our mood, focus, and well-being. By surrounding ourselves with art, we transform our daily spaces into havens of harmony and inspiration.

Browse the new arrivals and fall in love with a contemporary artwork that beautifies your home while nurturing your spirit.

Art speaks directly to the heart. Each piece tells a story, conveys a feeling, and awakens inspiration. To give the gift of art is to offer more than something beautiful - it’s to offer emotion, reflection, and meaning. An artwork becomes a living memory, a source of joy that endures long after the holidays are over.

Explore inspiring works on Artalistic, the go-to platform to buy contemporary art online.

2. A unique and lasting gift

Unlike traditional presents that fade with time, an artwork is timeless. It grows in value - both emotionally and aesthetically - and can be passed down through generations. It is a lasting gift, meaningful and personal, that reflects care and intention.

Discover our collections:
• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Limited Editions

3. Supporting contemporary artists

Behind every artwork lies an artist’s hand, vision, and emotion. By choosing to gift contemporary art, you directly support creativity and help promote emerging and established artists. It’s a thoughtful way to give while contributing to the cultural world and valuing authenticity.

Discover our contemporary artists on Artalistic and explore their inspiring universes.

4. A gift that enhances any interior

An artwork transforms any space, adding elegance and character. It becomes the centerpiece of a room, drawing the eye and reflecting the personality of both the giver and receiver. Whether minimalist or bold, each piece of art brings beauty and distinction to any home.

Design Tip

Match your gift to their style: a colorful canvas for a modern space, a minimalist sculpture for a contemporary interior, or a limited edition print for a refined and timeless décor.

5. A meaningful gift for the holidays

To offer an artwork is to give something that matters. It says “I see you,” “You deserve something special.” It’s a heartfelt gesture that connects people through shared emotion. In a time when authenticity is treasured, art stands out as the perfect present.

Explore Artalistic’s available artworks and find inspiration for an artistic and lasting gift that will make this holiday season unforgettable.

Conclusion

Gifting art means offering more than an object - it’s offering emotion, connection, and a story to cherish. It’s a meaningful gesture and an invitation to see the world differently. Make this holiday season extraordinary with a unique and lasting gift that embodies the true art of giving.

And if you can’t decide which piece to choose, consider a Artalistic Gift Card- the elegant way to let your loved ones select the contemporary artwork that truly speaks to them.

Browse our selection of contemporary artworks and let the art of giving shine through your holiday gifts.

Abstraction doesn’t seek to represent reality - it translates it. It’s a visual language built on shapes, lines, and colors. When faced with an abstract painting, everyone is free to feel, imagine, and interpret. That freedom creates a unique connection between the artwork and its viewer.

The art of pure emotion

Unlike figurative art, abstraction doesn’t tell a specific story - it provokes an instant emotion. Abstract paintings mirror our inner states: a vibrant red canvas evokes passion, while soft blues inspire calm and serenity.

Discover our curated selection of contemporary abstract artworks and let your emotions guide your eye.

2. Abstract art in interiors: elegance and modernity

As a leading choice in contemporary interior design, abstract art adapts beautifully to all styles - minimalist, industrial, or modern. Abstract paintings bring a delicate balance between dynamism and harmony, adding depth and personality to any room.

The perfect blend of art and design

A large contemporary abstract painting quickly becomes the focal point of a space. It captures light, draws attention, and creates a distinctive atmosphere. Many design lovers choose abstract art to bring life and character to their interiors without overwhelming the décor.

Explore our new arrivals to discover the latest abstract creations available online.

3. A universal and timeless expression

The enduring appeal of abstract art lies in its universality. It speaks to everyone, beyond cultures and languages. It transcends trends and generations, remaining a pure expression of creativity and emotion. Today, contemporary abstract art reflects the themes of our time - balance, freedom, and beauty beyond form.

Abstraction as a lasting investment

Choosing an abstract painting is not only an aesthetic decision; it’s also an investment. Due to its universal nature, abstraction maintains its appeal over time and adapts to any decorative style.

Find your favorite piece among our abstract paintings and let creativity transform your walls.

Conclusion

Free, poetic, and powerful, abstraction embodies the essence of artistic creation: the pure expression of emotion. Whether you’re a collector or an art enthusiast, buying an abstract painting is a meaningful way to bring energy, depth, and beauty into your space.

Browse our contemporary abstract art collection on Artalistic and explore the latest arrivals that will make your emotions come alive.

The art market has evolved. Online platforms now allow everyone to buy a contemporary painting without the often costly traditional circuits. This democratization has opened the door to a new generation of collectors-curious, connected, and eager to invest in unique pieces at fair prices.

Explore contemporary paintings available on Artalistic and find the piece that resonates with your artistic sensibility.

2. How to find an original artwork at a reasonable price

One major advantage of online galleries is the range of prices and formats. Whether you love abstract, figurative, Pop Art, or Street Art, there’s always an original artwork at a reasonable price to match your budget.

Collector tip

If you’re starting out, look to emerging artists: their works are often more affordable while offering strong long-term potential.

Browse our categories:
• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Limited Editions

3. Buying online: simple and secure

Purchasing a contemporary painting online offers comfort, transparency, and security. On Artalistic, each piece includes a detailed description, high-definition photos, and a certificate of authenticity. Payments are secure and shipping is insured-so you can buy with confidence at any price point.

Good to know

You can also contact the Artalistic team for personalized advice before purchasing-tailored guidance to help you choose a work that truly reflects you.

4. Art as an emotional and lasting investment

Acquiring an original artwork at a reasonable price isn’t just a décor choice; it’s a long-term investment. By supporting an emerging artist, you help elevate their work while enriching your cultural and personal heritage. An artwork stands the test of time-beautifying your space and retaining invaluable emotional and artistic value.

Artalistic tip

Don’t chase bargains alone: choose a piece that sparks a genuine connection. Emotion remains the best guide when buying art.

5. Curated affordable selections on Artalistic

At Artalistic, we believe passion for art should be within everyone’s reach. That’s why we curate diverse selections of affordable contemporary artworks by both emerging and established artists.

Start here:
• New arrivals
• Figurative works
• Pop Art & Street Art

Conclusion

Contemporary art has never been more accessible. Thanks to the internet, anyone can buy a contemporary painting that balances beauty, emotion, and budget. On Artalistic, art becomes both a pleasure and a smart choice-an open invitation to collect without limits and bring creativity into everyday life.

Explore our affordable contemporary art selections and find the piece that reflects your world-without overspending.

Buying a contemporary artwork online gives you access to a global selection at your fingertips. Gone are the geographical barriers: from renowned artists to emerging talents, art is now just a click away.

Platforms like Artalistic allow you to browse hundreds of works filtered by style, technique, price, or format. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, and limited editions - the variety of art available online makes collecting more accessible than ever.

Discover the latest new arrivals and explore fresh creations added to the platform.

2. Transparency and secure transactions

Online art platforms have built a foundation of trust between artists, buyers, and experts. Each artwork comes with a detailed description sheet including materials, dimensions, techniques, and a certificate of authenticity.

When you buy art online through a trusted site like Artalistic, you benefit from secure payments, insured delivery, and clear policies. The process is professional, simple, and safe - from browsing to delivery.

Secure purchase tip

Before finalizing your purchase, ensure the platform offers responsive customer service and provides a certificate of authenticity for each piece. At Artalistic, these are key parts of our quality commitment.

3. Discover, compare, and buy at your own pace

Buying art online gives you complete freedom and flexibility. You can browse by mood, compare prices, read artist bios, and even ask questions before deciding. This comfort and autonomy have made online galleries increasingly popular — bringing the art world directly to your home.

Stay up to date by visiting the new arrivals section regularly and discover this season’s featured artists.

4. An immersive and personalized experience

Online galleries such as Artalistic offer an immersive experience: high-definition images, close-up details, and smart filters allow you to view each artwork as if you were in a gallery.

The Artalistic experience

Buying a contemporary artwork online through Artalistic also means personalized guidance - expert advice, Art Advisory services, and tailored recommendations that fit your aesthetic preferences and budget.

5. A cultural and financial investment

Buying art online is not just about beauty - it’s also an investment in creativity and culture. Supporting an artist means investing in their future and adding value to your personal collection. Contemporary artworks are increasingly seen as long-term assets that combine emotional and financial value.

Investment tip

Start with what inspires you - passion often leads to the best purchases. And if you’re unsure, the Artalistic team can help you identify emerging contemporary artists with strong potential.

Conclusion

The art world has evolved - it’s now more open, transparent, and digital. Buying art online has become an inspiring and secure experience for collectors and newcomers alike. Platforms like Artalistic make contemporary art accessible to everyone while connecting creators and collectors across the globe.

Browse our new arrivals today and find the contemporary artwork online that will elevate your space - or make the perfect gift for someone special.

The first step to combining art and interior design is to select pieces that naturally fit into your aesthetic. If your home has a minimalist look, opt for abstract paintings or limited editions in soft tones. For a more dynamic and vibrant space, go for Pop Art or Street Art.

Explore our collections:
• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Limited Editions

2. Balance colors, textures, and materials

An artwork can easily become the focal point of a room. Make sure its colors harmonize with your furniture, textiles, and decorative elements. Subtle contrasts create a refined atmosphere, while tone-on-tone palettes evoke serenity and balance.

Pro Tip.

If your space is neutral, choose a colorful artwork to bring energy to the room. If your décor is already vibrant, opt for minimalist canvases or graphic drawings for balance.

3. Play with formats and wall arrangements

There are endless wall art décor ideas to explore:

• A large, single painting for a bold statement.
• A composition of smaller artworks for a gallery-style effect.
• A mix of contemporary photography, paintings, and designer frames for an eclectic result.

Discover artworks available on Artalistic to find the perfect arrangement for your home.

4. Bring art into unexpected spaces

Art isn’t limited to living rooms or dining areas. Hang a piece in your hallway, kitchen, or even your bathroom to surprise and personalize the space. Online art galleries offer a wide range of works suited to every room and style.

Pro Tip.

Try modern photography or abstract paintings to brighten a corridor, or add a contemporary sculpture to elevate your bookshelf.

5. Buy art online for a customized interior

With specialized platforms like Artalistic, you can buy art online easily, safely, and with the confidence of acquiring authentic works. Whether you are a beginner or a collector, each piece is carefully selected for its originality and decorative impact.

Explore also our key categories: Figurative Paintings, Street Art, Pop Art.

Conclusion.

Blending art and interior design is a creative process that turns your home into a space for expression. By following these simple tips, you can craft a unique décor full of personality and emotion.

Browse our online art gallery Artalistic now and find the artwork that will elevate your interior.

The art world has been profoundly transformed by digitalization. Today, online art galleries stand as a true alternative to traditional galleries. But what are the differences? What are the strengths and limitations of each model? And most importantly, how do you make the right choice to buy art online with confidence?

1. Online art galleries: accessibility and innovation

Broader access to contemporary art

Online art galleries allow anyone to discover artworks without geographical limitations. On Artalistic, you can browse hundreds of contemporary artists (see the list) and explore different categories: Paintings  |  Sculptures  |  Limited Editions

Transparency and convenience

Buying from home makes the process easier. Prices, dimensions, and availability are clearly displayed. The experience is intuitive and reassuring, particularly for new collectors entering the art world.

Limitations of online galleries

The lack of physical contact with the artwork can be a drawback. Viewing a piece only on a screen does not always convey the same emotion as seeing it in person. However, solutions exist (HD visuals, videos, certificates of authenticity).

2. Traditional galleries: prestige and sensory experience

The physical experience of art

In a gallery, artworks are experienced live: textures, colors, and dimensions can be perceived directly. This proximity creates a strong emotional connection between the buyer and the artwork.

The role of the gallerist

Traditional galleries offer personalized guidance. The gallerist advises, shares expertise, and helps collectors make informed choices.

Limitations of physical galleries

Access is limited by location and opening hours. Prices are not always displayed, which may discourage new buyers. Additionally, the costs of running a physical space often impact the final price of artworks.

3. Buying art online or in physical galleries: which to choose?

The two models are not mutually exclusive—they complement each other. For a first purchase, exploring an online art gallery like Artalistic is an excellent way to get familiar with the market. For a deeper sensory experience, visiting a physical gallery remains essential.

Conclusion: a hybrid and promising market

Online art galleries provide accessibility and transparency, while traditional galleries offer prestige and direct experience. By combining both, today’s collectors enjoy the best of both worlds.

Browse our selection of contemporary artworks now and be inspired by talented artists available on Artalistic.

Art investment is no longer reserved for elite collectors. Today, investing in a painting can be a winning strategy to diversify your portfolio while supporting contemporary artists. But how can you tell if an artwork truly holds long-term value? Here are our tips to recognize a high-potential artwork and make an informed choice.

1. Why invest in a painting in 2025?

Contemporary art continues to grow on the global market. Buying an artwork not only allows you to enjoy a unique piece every day, but also to invest in a safe haven that may gain value over time.

Check out our dedicated guide to art investment for a deeper dive (read the article).

2. Key criteria to identify a high-potential artwork

• The artist’s reputation and trajectory

  An emerging artist already showcased in galleries or exhibitions is often a positive sign. Explore our contemporary artists to discover both rising talents and established names.

• Originality and style

  A distinctive, recognizable style with a strong identity is more likely to attract collectors and investors. Abstract paintings and street art are particularly in demand right now: Abstract Paintings  |  Street Art

• Rarity and limited editions

  A unique piece or a limited edition series is more valuable than mass-produced work. Contemporary photography in limited editions or unique sculptures are excellent investment opportunities.

• Market value and exhibitions

  Look at past sales and the artist’s exhibition record. A solid institutional background (fairs, museums, galleries) strengthens an artist’s market value.

3. Where to safely buy an artwork?

Buying online from a specialized platform like Artalistic guarantees authentic works, professional guidance, and direct contact with carefully selected artists.

Explore our key collections:

• New Arrivals
• Top Investment Paintings
• Figurative Paintings
• Pop Art

4. Tips for successful art investment

• Prioritize original works over reproductions.
• Diversify your collection (painting, sculpture, photography, etc.).
• Set a clear and realistic budget.
• Be patient: investing in a painting is a long-term strategy.

Conclusion

Investing in a painting is both a pleasure and a financial strategy. By choosing a high-potential artwork, you combine passion with investment while contributing to the visibility of contemporary artists.

Browse our selection of contemporary artworks online and find the investment that will grow your collection: discover Artalistic.

Buying contemporary art online has become essential for art lovers and collectors. In 2025, certain styles of paintings (paintings) stand out as trendy and valuable choices for investment and decor. Here is a guide to the 5 contemporary painting styles to enrich your collection and elevate your spaces with character.

Geometric Abstraction

Abstract paintings with geometric lines and bold colors are enjoying remarkable success. Their minimalist and modern aesthetic fits perfectly into contemporary interiors. Find a curated selection in our Abstract Paintings section (discover abstracts) on Artalistic.

Street Art and Urban Art

In 2025, street art remains a must-have. Inspired by urban culture and pop influences, these works bring energy and audacity. Many artists (see the artists), both emerging and established, showcase striking creations on Artalistic. Explore our Street Art paintings (explore street art) to keep up with the latest trends.

Contemporary Figurative Art

Portraits and everyday scenes reimagined by contemporary artists captivate with their emotional intensity. These works add realism and humanity to your collection. Browse our figurative paintings (see figurative works) online to find unique pieces.

Minimalism and Monochrome

Simplicity and purity continue to attract collectors. Minimalist and monochrome paintings, playing with textures and subtle color variations, bring refinement and serenity to modern interiors. A perfect choice for lovers of discreet elegance.

Pop Art

Pop Art is one of the most sought-after styles in 2025. Inspired by popular culture—from music and cinema to advertising icons—it captivates with bright colors and punchy compositions. Buying a Pop Art painting adds a modern, dynamic and bold touch to your home.

Many artists (discover the artists) featured on Artalistic excel in this style, creating unique and accessible works. Explore our selection of Pop Art paintings (see Pop Art) and be inspired by this emblematic movement in contemporary art.

Why Buy Your Contemporary Paintings on Artalistic?

With Artalistic, a leading online art marketplace, you benefit from a carefully curated selection of contemporary works by artists (see the artists)—both emerging and established. Whether you are a collector or an art lover, our services guarantee security, authenticity and personalized support.

Discover our new arrivals (see new arrivals) today and find the contemporary painting that will transform your interior.

With the digitalization of the market, buying art online has become a common practice, but not without risks. How can you choose the right online art store and avoid scams? Here is a practical guide to secure your acquisitions with peace of mind, avoid pitfalls, and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this modern way of collecting art.

Why Buy Art Online?

Buying art online offers many advantages:

• A wider choice: The internet gives you access to a much larger selection than a traditional gallery. You can discover artists from all over the world and easily compare different styles, mediums, and formats.
• Transparent prices: while some galleries operate with a certain opacity, a specialized platform clearly displays prices, allowing everyone to better compare offers.
• Saving time: no need to travel or visit several galleries; from your sofa, you can explore a complete catalog and purchase in just a few clicks.
• Accessibility for everyone: online platforms democratize access to art by offering works for all budgets, including reasonably priced pieces for young collectors.

In summary, buying art online is a modern, practical solution adapted to everyday life.

Risks and Pitfalls to Avoid

As with any online purchase, there are precautions to take before getting started:

• Fake websites or scams: some sites present themselves as galleries but actually sell simple reproductions without any value.
• Undeclared copies: beware of works offered at very low prices; they may be reproductions disguised as originals.
• Lack of transparency: no information about the artist, no biography, no details about techniques used or the origin of the work.
• Hidden fees: expensive shipping, no transport insurance, or unspecified taxes.

Buying art online should never be taken lightly. Just like a financial investment, it is important to verify the seller’s reliability before finalizing a transaction.

How to Recognize a Reliable Online Art Store?

Not all platforms are equal. Here are the key criteria to check before making a purchase:

Choose a Specialized Platform

Avoid general marketplaces where art sits among thousands of unrelated products. Choose a dedicated online art store where works are carefully selected and verified.

Transparency of Information

A serious platform clearly states:

• the price of the artwork,
• the artist’s name and biography,
• the dimensions, techniques, and mediums used,
• the availability of certificates of authenticity.

Quality of Customer Service

A good site should offer responsive support, a clear return policy, and insurance solutions for artwork transportation.

Our Tips to Secure Your Art Purchases

Request a Certificate of Authenticity

Every artwork should come with a document signed by the artist or seller, guaranteeing its originality.

Compare Prices and Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

A painting signed by a recognized artist cannot be sold at the price of a poster. Price consistency is an important indicator.

Choose a Site That Offers Secure Payment

Check for SSL protocols (https) and favor platforms that use recognized payment solutions (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, etc.).

Carefully Read Delivery and Insurance Conditions

The transportation of an artwork should be carried out by reliable partners, with proper packaging and tracking. Insurance is essential to cover potential risks.

Buying Art Online with Artalistic

At Artalistic, transparency and security are our priorities. Our mission: to democratize contemporary art and allow everyone to find a unique piece with full confidence.

• Rigorous selection of contemporary artists: we collaborate directly with emerging and established creators.
• Transparent pricing: each artwork is displayed with its clear price, with no surprises.
• Certificate of authenticity: every purchase comes with an official certificate guaranteeing the artwork’s value.
• Secure delivery: we work with specialized transporters to protect your acquisitions.

Discover the latest artworks available for sale in our New Arrivals category.

Conclusion

Buying art online is an exceptional opportunity to enrich your collection or decorate your home. But to ensure a positive experience, it is essential to choose a serious and transparent online art store.

By following our advice — checking the reputation of the site, requesting a certificate of authenticity, choosing secure payment methods, and making sure of delivery conditions — you can invest in contemporary art with complete peace of mind.

Ready to take the plunge? Discover now the selection of original and authentic artworks available on Artalistic, and let art transform your daily life.

How to buy art?

The art market represents a large sector of monetary exchange, notably in Europe and Asian countries such as China. The United States accounts for 35% of the art market.

The art market brings together a wide array of buyers and sellers that are not always specialists and connoisseurs. While there are many professionals operating in this sector (artists, collectors, auction house managers, art galleries, museums, foundations, antique dealers, art merchants, patrons, private banks, etc.), an increasing number of non-professional individuals are taking an interest, buying art and investing in paintings, limited-edition prints, sculptures and photographs.

Places to buy art – online and in person

Getting started in the art world is easier than you might think. All you need to do is go to specific places that will open up unsuspected horizons and opportunities for buying art:

- Online sites,

- Art galleries,

- Auctions,

- Art fairs,

- Sales at artist’s studios.

In order to familiarize yourself with the process of finding good investment pieces we highly recommend that you try visiting fine art venues such as museums, exhibitions, galleries or contemporary art gatherings.

There are no predefined rules when it comes to choosing and buying a work of art.  Investing in a painting is above all a matter of taste, passion and emotion, depending on your personality. It's a deeply personal process. It's important to set a budget that you'll stick to. Selecting a piece by an emerging artist can be a good investment as its value might increase over time.

The art market is separated into so many different genres and media (ancient art, primitive art, classical art, modern art, contemporary art, etc.). However modern art and especially contemporary art are considered the most profitable sectors, as we'll see in the second part of this article.

Buying art: Primary and Secondary markets

You’re sure to come across the terms primary and secondary markets.

The primary market is where works of art are sold after they are created by the artist. The secondary market deals with any subsequent re-sales, whether through a dealer’s private transaction or at auction. The price then fluctuates according to supply and demand.

The second market generally refers to auction sales. This is the most lucrative market.

Why should you make an investment like buying a painting?

Investing in art not only allows you to enjoy something visually, buying a work of art is also a financial investment. Often these investments are greater than those seen in traditional financial markets such as the stock market or real estate.

Since the 1990s, art investment data has been on an upward curve. This reflects the fact that an increasing number of individuals are diversifying their investments.

Buy a painting and diversify your investments

Buying art is an excellent way to diversify your portfolio. Purchasing works of art can allow you to spread your investments to cut your losses while enjoying a tangible asset that is likely to appreciate in value.

Investing in art does not tie you to financial markets, unlike buying shares in the stock market. Buying a painting allows you to invest money that is in no way dependent on economic fluctuations, guaranteeing total protection against potential financial crises. Like gold, art can be considered a safe haven in this respect.

Furthermore, investing in a painting by leasing or rent-to-buy programs have become increasingly popular in the professional sector as well as with self-employed individuals, due to the tax exemption possibilities it offers.

The boom in contemporary Art

Investing in a painting can generate an average annual return of 25%. These figures, measured since the early 2000s, are well above those of the S&P 500, the benchmark index of the American stock market.

Buying art as a means of investment is becoming exponentially popular. The contemporary art market now accounts for almost half of all art trading worldwide. It's the market with the highest sales volume and value with the highest growth.

Digital art, notably created with blockchain and NFT technology, has become wildly popular. This phenomenon could ultimately change the face of contemporary art.

Investing in a painting using an online platform should not be underestimated!

Today, online art sales are a more than credible alternative to classic brick-and-mortar art venues. Online galleries are growing steadily in number and now account for more than $10 billion, or 18% of total art market sales. Be sure to do some detective work to ensure that the site you are using is reliable. Artalistic is one of the leading websites for buying art and paintings from reputable artists!

Buying and selling art online: An exploding trend

The numbers don’t lie

The market for buying and selling art online has grown almost exponentially: this shift away from sales in brick-and-mortar locations must be taken seriously.

The market for buying and selling art online is growing so rapidly that countless websites have appeared. It has become difficult to know whether you're dealing with a reliable site or not. We'll take a closer look at how to find a trustworthy site towards the end of this article.

Buying art online: facts and figures

According to the figures from various studies now available, total sales of works of art are worth 38 billion euros (approx. 39 billion USD) worldwide every year. While online art purchases accounted for just 3.5 billion euros (approx. 3.6 billion USD) in 2016, reflecting a massive increase of around 15% per year.

Digital art, like NFTs, has also increased the demand for websites that enable you to buy art online. This is of real interest to a segment of the population that is increasingly inclined to buy art online.

Buying and selling art online: why dematerialization matters

The major advantage of buying art online is that you can browse through a wide variety of works from the comfort of your own home, without having to visit a gallery or exhibition. Leading galleries and reputable websites offer extensive catalogs that are beautifully curated and easy to navigate, making it incredibly easy to find your favorite pieces.

Of course, you won't have the joy of exploring and looking for paintings in places designed for a hands-on experience. However, there's nothing stopping you from also searching for art using this classic approach to buying art.

An exciting opportunity for artists

If you're an artist looking for an exhibition space that will allow your work to be seen by a large number of people, selling your art online could open a world of opportunities to you. Finding the right online gallery can give your work so many more views.

Buying art: how do I find a reliable gallery online?

This is a big question that an increasing number of people who are attracted to buying art online have on their minds. Presently, more and more sites are springing up on the web, making it very difficult to choose an online art sales site you can trust.

How can you choose a safe website for buying a work of art online? You can spend hours surfing countless sites, but only a handful are renowned for their expertise and transparency.

Buy art online with Artalistic

The democratization of online art buying is now a reality and many platforms have emerged in recent years. Not all of them are reliable and their selection of art is sometimes questionable.

So how do you find the best online art gallery? It's very simple: you can rely on the first unsponsored sites that appear in a Google search when you type something like, “online art sales.” If you do this, you'll see that Artalistic appears towards the top of your results, which isn’t a coincidence: for several years, the online art gallery Artalistic, founded by Cynthia Soddu and a team of experienced specialists, has rightly been considered a benchmark in the field.

With Artalistic, in just a few clicks, you'll have access to thousands of works of contemporary art in various media (paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs) and various themes (pop art, conceptual, figurative, expressionism, new realism, minimalism, hyperrealism, etc.).

Buying and selling art online with a reliable website

Our team of experts works around the clock to make sure that you have a smooth and financially reliable experience when buying art on our website. Artalistic offers works of art for sale by major names in contemporary art, as well as emerging artists. We want to make art accessible to the masses so we are sure to feature pieces at a variety of prices.

If you’d like more information, either as a buyer or as an artist wishing to sell their art on our online gallery, please feel free to contact our team, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.

Buying or selling art online with Artalistic is simple and easy!

What is contemporary sculpture

Contemporary art: a paradigm shift 

Contemporary art is a new art form that came after the modern art movement. From an ontological point of view, contemporary art breaks the rules of classical art in order to reinvent itself, perpetually innovating and changing. One of the most important goals of contemporary art is to stop representing or capturing the world’s beauty and instead bringing a new perspective to the artwork with a more detached and distanced view without compromising the critical spirit inherent in contemplation.

Sculpture is a very important branch of contemporary art. However, you may be wondering what contemporary sculpture is exactly? There are several definitions. One of the most widely accepted definitions is as follows – it is a creative activity aimed at creating 3D forms using a variety of techniques. Contemporary sculptors produce this work using a variety of materials:

- Wood

- Steel

- Clay

- Metal (bronze, aluminum, pewter), plastic

- Cement

- etc.

Another one of contemporary sculpture’s main goals is to make contemporary art accessible to as many people as possible.

Contemporary sculpture and its various forms 

Contemporary art has branched off into countless new forms of art, such as, pop art, street art and land art.

Contemporary sculpture is a branch of contemporary art that often conveys an emotion that can lead to a critical distancing from the object, prompting the viewer to reflect on the meaning of creation itself and its place in the world around us.

Contemporary sculpture can take on countless forms and can implement a broad array of techniques. It's not necessary to have a perfect understanding of the artist's style or the work they create. What’s important is the emotion it provokes in you and how you interpret it.

Techniques

There are many different techniques for creating contemporary sculpture. These include:

- modelling, a technique used to create sculptures with your hands (earth, clay) 

- carving: extracting solid pieces from a block of raw material to create objects (wood, stone, ice, metal, polymers, etc.)

- assembly: bringing together different media to create a work of art

- 3D creation using computer software to create virtual objects that can then be brought to life using high-tech printers.

It's worth noting that new digital and IT tools are being used more frequently to create contemporary sculptures.

Examples of contemporary sculpture

There are many great works of art in the world of contemporary sculpture.

In 2013, the American Paul Riley made headlines with his work Light Bowl, which was a white bowl on a red background that symbolized loneliness.

The French artist Christian Hirlay, who often uses steel as his raw material, is also well known for his sculptures of animals and unicorns.

The iconic American artist Keith Haring (1958-1990) is one of the most famous artists from the street art movement who created countless works of art using an array of media.

The New York artist Jeff Koons is one of the most famous contemporary art sculptors who is famous for his steel Balloon Dogs.

Artalistic: one of the leading sites for buying contemporary art online

We hope that you have enjoyed our article about contemporary sculpture. Artalistic – one of the leading sites for buying and selling art online – brings you a large selection of contemporary sculptures for sale. Feel free to browse our collection of contemporary art and sculpture.

Feel free to browse Artalistic’s online gallery and explore contemporary artwork made with an array of media, including painting, photography and drawing, as well as limited edition prints by well-established and emerging artists. 

Contemporary painting’s seemingly limitless boundaries

What is contemporary painting?

Contemporary artists paint with their emotions and are free of convictions.

Contemporary painting is a branch of contemporary art, which consists of artwork created during the second half of the 20^th century to the present day. Modern painting covers the period of 1870 to 1960. This modern painting movement ended with the advent of pop art, which marked the beginning of the contemporary painting movement.

Contemporary art aimed to break away from the rigid rules created during the classical art movement, freeing itself from certain constraints. From this moment on, painters no longer felt the need to paint what they saw and concentrated on representing what they felt. Subjects, portraits and landscapes gradually gave up center stage to emotions like sorrow, joy, happiness, sadness, melancholy and nostalgia.

Contemporary painting allowed artists to break free from classical art’s rules, bringing emotions to the forefront allowed artists to experiment with abstraction, blurry shapes and figurative forms. In fact, contemporary art has branched out into several different categories.

Lastly, contemporary art has been increasingly influenced by digital media, videos and the latest communication technologies, including blockchain and crypto-art.

In short, the word "freedom" is often associated with contemporary painting. One of this movement’s ultimate aims is to erase meaning or create a new one. Contemporary art is often created in the hopes of conveying a message, by eliciting emotions that arouse the viewer’s curiosity and imagination through the use of specific techniques.

The main branches of contemporary painting

Pop art

Pop Art originated during the 1950s in England and quickly spread across the globe. It drew inspiration from pop culture, design, science fiction, advertising, everyday objects, mass-produced goods and new technologies. Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring are some of pop art’s most iconic artists. You can explore some magnificent pop art on Artalistic’s online art gallery.

Hyperrealism in contemporary painting

Hyperrealism started in the late 60s in the United States. Artists attempted to capture a subject in minute detail and were often inspired by photography. David Hockney, a famous British painter, is a leading figure in both pop art and hyperrealism. His paintings regularly break sales records, for example his Portrait of an Artist (1972), which sold for almost $100 million!

Abstract expressionism

This branch of contemporary painting expresses the artist's emotions and feelings. The Abstract Expressionist movement began in the 1950s/60s and was spearheaded by Jackson Pollock.

Neo-expressionism

This figurative, pictorial movement emerged in the late 1970s in opposition to conceptual and minimalist art. It employed an emotionally violent style and often featured provocative imagery. Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of this movement’s leading figures.

Figurative Art

Figurative art is the exact opposite of abstract art. Contemporary figurative painting refers to artworks that make clear references to reality, no matter how the subject is presented. Although he began his career around 1930, the British painter Francis Bacon is considered to be a master of figurative painting. Bacon often painted triptychs that were brimming with raw emotion.

Street art 

When most people hear the term street art, the artist Banksy inevitably comes to mind. Street art can be found all around the world on city walls and building facades. Here's a selection of the most famous works of street art.

Artalistic: a leading online art gallery

Artalistic has quickly become one of the internet’s leading online art galleries, offering an impressive array of contemporary paintings for sale.

Every day, our specialists curate a large selection of modern and contemporary paintings, while ensuring the artists and their work meet our precise criteria.

Our selection includes pieces from well-established and emerging artists at a wide range of prices. Art isn't just for the elite, acquiring a painting that's affordable today may bring you a return on your investments in the future!

You can also browse our online art galleries by theme, contemporary painting movements, technique or media: oil painting, acrylic, mixed media, abstract, figurative, portraits, landscapes, nudes, street art, pop art, African painting, etc. We are sure to have something that will meet your needs and expectations.

How to join Artalistic’s online art gallery if you are an artist

If you would like to exhibit your paintings on Artalistic’s online art gallery, feel free to contact our team of experts who will review your portfolio and get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you and see you soon for the latest news from the art world, brought to you by Artalistic, one of the leading online art galleries!

What role does contemporary art play in society?

Great philosophers and the origin of their theories

Over 2,500 years ago, the Ancient Greek philosophers Socrates and Confucius already understood the symbolic importance art has in society.

Their teachings about art and technique can be seen as the precursors of modern art critiques due to the way that they interpret art and its influence on humanity. More than two millennia later, art and aesthetics have widely been accepted as means for personal expression, allowing the artist to deepen and share their relationship with the world and their unique view of it.

Over the centuries, many art historians have referenced the role art plays in society and the fact that it can lead to a mutual fulfillment and connection between individuals. Works of art can provide a better understanding of the sociopolitical and pop culture climate of any given time in history.

Contemporary art and its role in society

The aesthetic dimension of contemporary art is often used to share the artist’s points of view, maybe even more so than classical art. Crypto Art is a prime example, as it uses new digital technologies to question our relationship with the virtual world and how these technologies will be used in the near future.

With this point of view point in mind, contemporary art’s role in society might be to generate themes that bring some of society’s deepest questions into consideration.

Critiquing political obedience: one of contemporary art’s roles in society

When we think of contemporary art’s role in society it's hard not to think about the emblematic street artist Banksy. The world-famous creator of The Little Girl with the Balloon has established himself as a true icon in the world of activism, with themes ranging from anti-militarism and anti-capitalism to his countless viewpoints against ‘the system.’

Before Banksy, in the mid-20^th century, the incredible Frida Kahlo was in a class of her own. The Mexican artist's tumultuous personal life, left-wing political stance and support of women’s rights were clearly represented in her work. For example, she created a painting entitled "Le marxisme guérira les malades" ("Marxism will cure the sick") in 1957, which is one of her lesser-known pieces. It clearly reflected her political views that were heavily influenced by Communist ideologies.

Another category of art that can be placed under the umbrella of politically charged art is land art. This type of art often focuses on ecological concerns, bringing up questions surrounding nature conservation and the environment.

Critiquing consumerism

Contemporary art's critical role in society began during the roaring 30s in the post-war period. Among them is the American sculptor Duane Hanson (1925-1996), whose famous piece Supermarket Lady (1969) puts a negative light on consumer society. This sculpture is very critical of the American way of life and the reign of consumer culture.

The king of pop art, Andy Warhol, can’t be beat when it comes to critiquing consumer culture. He produced a number of pieces that placed the world of excessive advertising under examination, including two pieces that illustrate this stance: Campbell's Soup Cans (1962), a synthetic polymer painting created on 32 canvases and Brillo Boxes (1964), a stack of laundry detergent boxes designed to push viewers to question how packaging influences the purchases you make.

Barbara Kruger's work is also very interesting. Her photomontage I shop Therefore I Am, is a play on words on the 17^th-century philosopher René Descartes' famous saying, “I think therefore I am.” Kruger also used her work to critique the virtual evolution of our screen-driven societies. As early as 1994, she launched a series of pieces with the slogan "Empathy can change the world," inviting us to reflect on a better world where our focus on social media would be reduced.

The many facets of Street Art

One of contemporary art’s main roles in society is to make observations and get people thinking about the world they live in. Another objective is to be critical and make demands. This facet is clearly seen in street art. We've already mentioned Banksy, but a host of other artists are just as famous for their works of art that question various aspects of our society.

Almost all street art pieces act as historical landmarks of their time with the aim of shaking up our lethargic societies. The following are 10 emblematic works of street art.

Buying fine art: how to start collecting art for beginners

How to research and buy art

Finding places where you can buy fine art is easy. Doing a little research on the web is a great first step. You can also visit artist studios, galleries and exhibition spaces. There's bound to be a location like this near you. Another option is to go to an art auction, although this is not the most affordable option and requires a little experience.

Today, the easiest and most effective way to find pieces is to browse an online gallery that specializes in buying and selling art. You can even do this from the comfort of your own home. There are countless virtual galleries, but the hardest part is selecting a reliable website that guarantees secure transactions and provides you with personalized services. Unfortunately, reliable websites are few and far between. Only a handful of them are known for being completely transparent about their purchasing and selling process. If you search "Buy art online" in Google a few trustworthy websites will come up. Rest assured, if you're on this website, you've come to the right place!

Know how to evaluate a work of art’s quality 

When starting an art collection, the most important thing to do is assess the work of art’s quality. Unfortunately, there’s not one specific way to evaluate art. At the beginning of your art collecting journey, the only way to avoid making a mistake is to be accompanied by an expert or a professional.

Over time, as your knowledge increases, you will be able to assess a painting, sculpture or photograph’s quality. Using a website that’s renowned for providing quality services is one of the best guarantees that you will be getting good service. Well-known sites are very rigorous when it comes to selecting the pieces they display.

Another important point: it's important to choose quality over quantity. Buying art and starting a collection takes time. It's a long process.

Buying fine art and establishing a budget

You can throw the idea that buying art is only for the elite class out of the window. It's a cliché about contemporary art that simply isn’t true. Today, buying art is much more accessible. You can easily buy fine art for a few hundred euros, depending on the budget you have set aside for starting your collection.

Keeping an eye out for good opportunities

Some works of art are more affordable than others. For example, purchasing limited editions of paintings, drawings or printmaking pieces is a good way of investing in art. The fact that they are part of a numbered edition that makes up a limited release gives them more value.

Another way to start an art collection is to keep your eye on emerging artists whose work is often sold for less money. Who knows, as time goes by and an artist becomes more popular their work will increase in value.

Take an interest, evolve, progress

We really can’t repeat it enough: knowing how to buy fine art is a skill that must be learned over time. You'll be surprised by how quickly you familiarize yourself with the art world. With practice and once you’ve trained your eye, you'll acquire skills that will help you make steady progress. It will become easier to buy art that will bring you a return on your investment as you learn.

Be sure to stay in-the-know when it comes to the latest trends in art. Following emerging artists as their careers evolve could be a good way to do this.

The annual Hiscox report is an excellent source of information about the online art market that summarizes the major developments in the contemporary art market on the web. We create a yearly blog article that breaks down this report to help simplify your art investing journey.

Displaying and protecting your art  

Managing your collection properly should not be taken lightly. Creating a proper inventory system when you buy art is important – keep track of the name of the piece, artist, date of purchase, price, invoice, certificate of authenticity, detailed description of the piece, etc. Storing and conservation is also a key factor, especially if you want to resell the piece in the future. If you are interested in more in-depth information about this subject, feel free to read our blog article. 

Buying art and protecting it

For high-value works of art, there's also the question of insurance. It's up to you to weigh the pros and cons of getting an insurance policy (damage, theft, etc.).

All materials are susceptible to fluctuations in humidity and temperature or being bumped or broken. Light and dust are not good for works of art. You'll need to display your piece in a space with little natural light and maintain a clean exhibition space.

Must-see 2024 art exhibitions in Paris

The Orientalists: Atelier des Lumières February 9, 2024 – January 5, 2025

The Atelier des Lumières will be displaying an extraordinary exhibition exploring the mysteries of the Orient that will feature work by Ingres, Delacroix, Vernet and many other iconic artists.

Egyptian Pharaohs: Atelier des Lumières February 9, 2024 – January 5, 2025

This spectacular, immersive exhibition has returned to the l’Atelier des Lumières, taking visitors on a tour of Ancient Egypt to learn about several Egyptian Pharohs, including Khéops and Ramsès II.

Brancusi: Centre Pompidou, March 27 – July 1^st  

This major retrospective at Centre Pompidou allows visitors to discover Constantin Brancusi’s (1876-1957) different creative techniques. The show will feature 200 sculptures, photographs, drawings and films by Brancusi, who is considered to be the inventor of modern sculpture.

Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism, Musée d'Orsay March 26 - July 14, 2024

This promising 2024 exhibition that will take place in Paris celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition to ever take place in the French capital and will featured work by 31 artists. Some 130 pieces will be on display, offering an unprecedented look at this key period that gave birth to the avant-gardes.

Tina Modotti: The Eye of Revolution at Jeu de Paume February 13 – May 26, 2024

Immerse yourself the Italian-born photographer and political activist Tina Modotti’s life. Modotti (1896-1942) was female artist who was committed to depicting the struggles of her time. She was also close friends with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The show features nearly 240 prints by by this famous photographer, including the piece entitled Woman with Flag (1927).

Théodore Rousseau: The Voice of the Forest at Petit Palais March 5 – July 7

The painter Théodore Rousseau (1812-1867) was one of the precursors of a new French landscape school in the mid-19^th century. This school paved the way for Impressionism. He was particularly renowned for visiting the village named Barbizon and the forest of Fontainebleau. This is a must-see exhibition at the Petit Palais.

Auguste Herbin: Musée de Montmartre from March – September 15

This is the first ever retrospective of the painter Auguste Herbin’s work (1882-1960). Herbin was a key figure of several revolutionary 20^th century art movements. This 2024 Paris exhibition retraces the artist’s seven creative periods: postimpressionism, fauvism, cubism, monumental objects and new figuration as well as first and second abstraction.

Jan Van Eyck: The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin at the Louvre March 20 - June 17, 2024

In celebration of the historic conservation work carried out on Jan van Eyck's masterpiece - The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin - the Musée du Louvre is dedicating the first spotlight exhibition about this painting and its restoration process. This piece illustrates the tensions between medieval tradition and revolutionary experimentation that pervaded Flemish art in the first third of the 15^th century.

Matisse: The Red Studio at Fondation Louis Vuitton May 7 -September 9

This collaboration between New York's MoMA, Copenhagen's SMK and the Fondation Louis Vuitton showcases Henri Matisse's masterpiece, The Red Studio (1911). An absolute must-see 2024 art exhibition taking place in Paris.

Ellsworth Kelly: Shapes and Colors (1949-2015) at the Fondation Louis Vuitton May 7 - September 9, 2024

Ellsworth Kelly (1923-2015) is regarded as one of the most significant American abstract painters and sculptors. His impressive body of work was created over a 70-year career. His most influential pieces will be brought together at the Fondation Louis Vuitton featuring approximately one hundred pieces: paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs from various museums and private collections. 

Tania Mouraud, Dans les Vents de l’Oubli: art exhibition in Paris February 16 - April 28, 2024

Fluctuart - the floating urban art center located at 2 port du Gros Caillou in Paris' seventh arrondissement – will be featuring this free exhibition of work by the urban artist Tania Mouraud. This 2024 exhibition taking place in Paris is entitled "Dans les vents de l'oubli" ("In the Winds of Oblivion").

Inventing the Renaissance at BNF Richelieu February – June, 2024

The Renaissance significantly changed Europe through a humanist movement that affected many areas of life, including the arts. This exhibition taking place in Paris plunges you into 14th-century Italy to experience this influential period first hand.

Annie Ernaux & photography: Maison Européenne de la Photographie, February 28 – May 2, 2024

MEP will be featuring a retrospective of Annie Ernaux’s work. Ernaux won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2022. The show will feature a selection of photographs with excerpts from her book Exteriors (1993).

Robert Ryman Retrospective: The Act of Looking at the Musée de l'Orangerie March 6 -  July 1^st, 2024

This retrospective is devoted to the American artist Robert Ryman (1930-2019). It reunites work from his minimalist movement, paintings and conceptual pieces. This must-see 2024 exhibition will be on display at Paris’ Musée de l’Orangerie.

Henry Cros at the Musée des Arts décoratifs March 6 - May 26, 2024

Henry Cros (1840-1907) was a sculptor and drawer whose visionary work will be on display at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs this spring - a rare exhibition taking place in Paris in 2024.

Let’s Play: Artists and Sports at the Musée Marmottan-Monet April 4 – September 1, 2024

The Paris Olympic Games are the backdrop for this exhibition that will take place at the Musée Marmottan-Monet. The exhibition is devoted work that features athletes.

Victor Hugo & Fencing: Maison de Victor Hugo from April 30 - September 15, 2024

This exhibition plunges the viewer into the heart of Victor Hugo's fencing bouts, which, surprisingly enough, were numerous throughout his life. This exhibition will take place at Place des Vosges in Hugo’s old house which has been transformed into a museum!

Frida Kahlo: Viva La Vida at the Grand Palais immersive exhibition hall from September 18, 2024 - March 2 mars, 2025

Frida Kahlo has been the star of several Parisian art exhibitions in recent years. In 2024, Frida Kahlo will be in the spotlight yet again, this time at the Grand Palais. The exhibition entitled Viva La Vida! offers an exceptional and original look at Kahlo’s life and career. The show will feature excerpts from her diary and friendships with other famous artists.

Artificial intelligence and art: how will they coexist in the future?

Artificial intelligence is being used in a wide array of fields, and art is no exception. It is becoming so popular among artists that questions about its application are coming to light. The debate surrounding whether or not AI assisted art should be considered art is causing a massive rift.  

The skeptic’s opinion: Changing artistic creation for the negative

Every day, the digital age brings its share of major contributions and changes to everyday life. Artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of collecting and developing digital information to offer new kinds of digital content. Some believe that it is completely removing humans from the creative process.

Artists are being replace by algorithms

The most hash critics are steadfast in their opinion that AI should not be used to create art. They believe that the artist, as we once knew it, is being erased and replaced by technology and that this new blend of artificial intelligence and art will put a complete end to traditional art. The idea that art can be created without the artist seems inconceivable. For them, this way of making art undermines the very essence of creation and the work’s unique qualities. For them, the artist’s hand in creation is what makes it art, using artificial intelligence as a tool negates the artistic process.

By using AI, art becomes a commodity like any other, resulting in a mass-marketed product amid the profusion of things available in our capitalistic world. AI has already made its mark on the publishing industry; some publishing houses have even started releasing books that are completely created by artificial intelligence. Recently, for example, Rie Kudan, winner of Japan's most prestigious literary prize, admitted that around 5% of her novel had been written by ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence software program.

Ruining the creative process

Centuries after the passing of some of the art world’s leading figures, such as Cézanne, Monet and da Vinci, artificial intelligence is able to reproduce iconic paintings in a matter of seconds and invent new ones in the same style used by these great masters. All this is thanks to the power of supercomputers transforming a sequence of 0's and 1's into artwork of astonishing quality.

Man's creativity and imagination no longer seem necessary for creating masterpieces, and that's the problem: artists seem to be becoming obsolete, as they are slowly being replaced by emotionless robots capable of mass-producing countless paintings, sculptures, photographs and things never before dreamed of. The idea that the value of traditional art is being replaced is very frightening indeed. Can art and artificial intelligence be used together to expand the horizon of artistic creation?

Artificial intelligence and art: a positive revolution in the creative sphere

The same cannot be said for fans of artificial intelligence. They see AI as an innovative tool for artists, enabling them to give free rein to their expressive potential.

Infinite possibilities

First argument: artists have been using new technologies to create art long before artificial intelligence existed. Art has always used modern technologies to broaden creative possibilities.  The best example of this is the recent painting by the iconic contemporary artist David Hockney. A year in Normandy (2020) was created using new software on an iPad. All in all, this development seems logical within the flow of history and the times in which we live, a time marked by major technical advances.

Using artificial intelligence to create art opens new doors for experimentation that would be impossible without this new technological medium. A case in point is the artist Refik Anadol’s installation, which uses algorithms to create a constantly changing, self-generated image. The piece collects environmental data in real time to create an immersive, ever-evolving experience for the viewer.

Artificial intelligence and art: a market that’s already lucrative

Artificial intelligence and art have already made a niche for themselves in the art market. Almost every branch of the artworld has been affected by AI, including 3D sculpture and, of course, painting. Some artists use AI-powered digital painting software to create light effects and textures that are impossible to achieve with traditional brushes and tools. For these 3.0 artists, artificial intelligence is in no way a substitute for human creativity, as long as their creative vision is preserved. The German artist Mario Klingemann supports this point of view and uses AI to create digital portraits and landscapes. The American artist Sougwen Chung uses robots with mechanical arms to create drawings and paintings.

Art has always evolved with the appearance of new technologies and artists have always sought to improve their representation of the world, just as the Impressionists in their day decided to work outdoors to capture the essence of their immediate environment. In any case, the use of artificial intelligence in art to broaden our understanding of consciousness is becoming increasingly popular, even if it's clear that machines will never truly replace humans and their cognitive and sensorial capacities.

Everydays: the First 5,000 Days by Beeple’s record-breaking sale

Everydays: the First 5,000 Days is a work of art that uses blockchain, which is also used in cryptocurrency. This piece is a collage of five thousand digital images created by the American artist Beeple, whose real name is Mike Winkelmann.

On Par with Koons and Hockney

On March 11, 2021, Beeple made headlines by selling this piece in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT) at a Christie's auction for the incredible, record-breaking sum of $69.3 million. This made it the most expensive non-fungible token to date.

This sale made him one of the three most renowned contemporary artists in the world, on a par with Jeff Koons (Rabbit - sold for $91 million in 2019) and David Hockney (Portrait of an artist - sold for $90 million in 2018).

This sale was quite remarkable, given that the starting price was 100 dollars!

A detailed look at Everydays: the First 5000 Days

Everydays: The First 5 000 Days is a collage of 5,000 digital images juxtaposed with one another. Each individual image is very high-resolution and can be enlarged without decreasing in quality in terms of pixelization.

Beeple has stated that he drew inspiration for this project from the British artist Tom Judd. He worked on it daily starting in 2007! The images that make up Everydays: the First 5,000 Days are representations of pop culture characters arranged in the chronological order in which he took them. Some of the images were drawn by hand, although most were computer-generated. Characters from Star Wars, King Kong, Pokémon and Toy Story are featured along with more abstract, grotesque or absurd images. Other images encapsulate current events and more personal moments from the artist’s life.

A project that slowly developed over time

Beeple, a father of two living in South Carolina, didn't become famous overnight by chance. He recently stated: "I've been trying to convince people for 20 years that a digital file can be considered art. I've been creating digital art for a while now. But this NFT thing is new to me. It seemed to come out of nowhere. All of a sudden, I realized it was the perfect way to sell the work I've been designing for a decade."

Dedication and persistence

Beeple knew that NFTs were increasing in popularity in the world of digital art and he finally saw a way to make money with his art.  

He took advice from specialists and opened several social media accounts, notably on Instagram. Gradually, he gained more than two million followers. This was the perfect launching pad for bringing his project to fruition.

Everydays: the First 5,000 Days and NFT’s meteoric success

In October 2020, Beeple began by releasing his first NFT on Nifty Gateway, an online auction platform specializing in crypto-art. His first sale included three separate coins, each coin was created in a limited-edition of 100 and each coin sold for $1.

Starting in 2021, the NFT sector exploded in popularity, allowing him to make record sales in a matter of weeks. By the end of February, another one of Beeple’s pieces, Crossroads, sold for $6.6 million on Nifty Gateway. The rest is history.

A highly-acclaimed visionary

When Beeple’s Everydays: the First 5,000 Days sold, it not only brought him recognition as an artist, but proved that his intuition about the digital art market were correct. Beeple single-handedly ushered in a new era in contemporary art.

Today, Beeple is a key figure in the world if art and consumerism! He has also collaborated with brands like Nike, Apple, Samsung, Coca-Cola and SpaceX.

What is art leasing and who can do it?

Is your company based in France? Do you want to decorate your waiting or meeting rooms, offices, head office, lobbies or employee break rooms with stunning pieces of fine art? Leasing art - AKA leasing with the option to buy - might be the perfect solution for you.

Who is the art leasing market for?

Art leasing in France is aimed primarily at company directors and free-lance workers. They are both eligible for tax deductions associated with art leasing, provided that they are subject to corporation taxes (SA, EURL, SARL, SAS) or income taxes in the industrial and commercial profits (BIC) category.

Art leasing and deductible expenses

Leasing art with an option to buy allows you to invest in paintings or sculptures while saving a considerable amount of money.

This method of acquiring art also offers substantial tax advantages. In accordance with Article 39-1 of the French General Tax Code (CGI), leasing art with the option to buy allows you to deduct expenses from a company's net income. This seems to be a win-win situation: you can beautify your space while enjoying reductions on your income.

The French accounting plan states that the costs of leasing art to buy with the intent of decorating company premises fall under account 6068. Quick tip: Article 238 bis AB of the French General Tax Code states that the full amount of your lease payments can be deducted from both corporate and income tax. This is a very advantageous reason to lease art.

The benefits of renting art to buy

Artalistic makes art leasing simple and easy! We will be with you every step of the way:

- Selecting the perfect piece: this depends on a number of factors, including the company's image and brand philosophy, as well as the space it will be displayed in. The important thing is to create a space that reflects your corporate culture while creating a positive energy for your employees

- Setting up a rent-to-buy art contract: this depends on your financial situation and personal preferences. We offer a range of services, such as customizable monthly payments that allow you to purchase the piece once it has been paid in full. Our experts will help you select the best financing options for you.

- Delivery: once all the documents have been drawn up and signed - either in person or by certified digital signature - you can have the pieces delivered to your company headquarters by experts. You can even have the pieces insured.

- Purchasing: at the end of the art leasing contract, you will be given the option of returning the works of art and starting a new contract for another piece or purchasing them for a pre-defined amount. If you have signed a rent-to-buy art contract, you also have the option to spread the payments out over a period of time ranging anywhere from 13 to 48 months.

The main advantages of rent-to-buy art

Here is a summary of the main advantages of art leasing:

- Purchasing a painting, sculpture, drawing, photograph or limited-edition print at a lower price

- Increase your company's visual appeal and overall image

- Tax breaks for companies and free-lance workers.

- Payments spread out over time with the option to pay in installments over several years.

Artalistic and art leasing with option to buy

In order to find the very best art leasing offer with the option to purchase, you will need the help of an expert in the field. Artalistic, a leading online art gallery, also specializes in art leasing. Our team works closely with Bail Art, a leader in its field.

The advantages of renting art to buy with Artalistic

With Artalistic, you will get sound advice from our team of well-experienced art leasing experts. Our extensive catalog offers you a wide selection of art to choose from, including:

- Dozens of internationally renowned and emerging artists

- Thousands of pieces of contemporary art in an array of media

- Personalized assistance from our team that will help you make the best decisions for your current situation.

Feel free to contact our team for more information!

Expert tips for gifting fine art or paintings for the holidays

Reasons for gifting fine art

A unique gift that won’t break the bank

It’s a common misconception that art is expensive. However, this is far from the truth! Gifting a work of art doesn't mean that you have to break the bank, art can be within everyone’s budget. Art is not something that must be reserved for the wealthy elite, many paintings and sculptures are actually quite affordable. For example, with a little research, you can find unique, quality works of art for the same price as a reproduction. The majority of artists are driven by passion and don’t create art with the aim of monetary gain. Artists in this category generally keep their prices reasonable. On the other hand, high prices do not always guarantee quality.

An exceptional gift    

Even gifting small works of art such as lithographs or limited-edition prints can be an original, rare, unforgettable and precious gift. A mass-produced commercial gift will have much less of a emotional impact. This type of gift shows the recipient how important they are to you and can be an undeniable sentimental gesture of friendship or love.

A part of yourself

Gifting fine art is like give a part of yourself. Gifts are a constant reminder of the person who gave it, and a painting or any other work of art will remind them of you for a long time, even a lifetime. A painting is aesthetically pleasing and a constant reminder of the careful thought and consideration the gifter put into selecting it. The emotional aspect of a gift of this nature is very high.  

Select a piece that you would also like to receive

We strongly advise you not to gift a piece of fine art or painting that you don't really like or that you wouldn't display in your own home. Art has the power to bring unsolicited feelings up in the viewer and are similar to those we feel in the presence of a loved one or friend.

Top tips for gifting fine art or a painting for the holidays

Do some detective work about the receiver’s personal taste

When gifting fine art or a painting you’ll need to put some thought into it. First of all, it's a good idea to find out all you can about the recipient and their taste in art. Their personal taste and favorite colors should be taken into account. You might want to think about what their favorite media is - painting, photography or sculpture? Which art movement do they prefer - impressionism, abstract art or pop art? Answering these questions might help you find the perfect gift.  

Establish your budget

Although art has become increasingly accessible over the years, you should still consider setting a budget. This will also help you narrow down your selection of pieces to choose from. Above all, don't forget that a work of art’s value is not always reflected by its price.

The space it will be displayed in

Gifting a piece of fine art or painting will be easier if you know where it will be displayed. Creating harmony and balance between the piece and the space it will be exhibited in will elevate the decor. A work of art may look different depending on the way the light shifts in the room and the interior design style. If you know what the recipient's home, apartment or house, looks like, that's an extra plus!

Gift fine art and personalize it

If you can get the work of art signed by the artist that's great! If not, there are several other ways to personalize it, such as having it framed.  Adding a little personal touch to your gift will make the receiver feel like you went the extra mile to do something special from them.

Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 was a big success

This year the contemporary art fair was held from October 20 to 22. Paris+ by Art Basel was launched in 2022 to replace another famous art fair called FIAC. This event quickly made it to the top of contemporary art fan’s lists of must-see shows with its carefully curated selection of fine art.

Impressive attendance

Almost 160 galleries from 33 countries were represented at Paris’ Palais Éphémère. The schedule included several free exhibitions and art installation pieces. These free features definitely brought this event extra success.

The fair was divided into three sections: Main Galleries, Emerging Galleries and Outside galleries. These galleries displayed exceptional quality contemporary art featuring an array of media, including: paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photographs, videos and digital art.

Highlights

The event showcased a wide variety of masterpieces by emerging artists from the 20^th and 21^st centuries. Of course, it's impossible for us to list all of our favorite artists, however we would like to highlight a few:

- The French painter Jean Hélion’s work entitled Applicat-Prazan

- Outsider artists Paulina Peavy and Karla Knight

- The Middle Eastern and North African artists from Selma Feriani Gallery

- The indigenous Brazilian artist Denilson Baniwa and Afro-Brazilian painter Arjan Martins

There was also a very interesting selection of panel discussions organized in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou.

2023 Paris+ by Art Basel and its panoply of Parisian events

The galleries showcasing emerging artists were a great success, as were the events organized outside of the Grand Palais, which attracted large crowds. A wide range of projects were on display throughout Paris. These other exhibitions greatly added to Paris+ by Art Basel’s overall success.

Jardin des Tuileries

Approximately twenty international artists had their work on public display In the Jardin des Tuileries. Visitors enjoyed strolling through the garden, taking in work by some of the best-known contemporary artists. Dubbed La Cinquième Saison, this open-air event was one of Paris+ by Art Basel 2023’s major highlights.

Place Vendôme

The Place Vendôme featured a spectacular installation by Urs Fischer entitled Wave. This world-renowned artist was selected to feature a monumental piece made of clay that was covered with a material that reflected light, adding an interesting play of textures. His technical expertise and artistic approach astounded countless visitors.

Institut de France

Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 also featured open-air exhibitions across from the Pont des Arts in front of the Institut de France. This space featured work by an American artist Sheila Hicks who is renowned for her work with textiles and her colorful universe. The colors of this massive installation changed with the shifting light throughout the day.

Chapelle des Petits-Augustins

The painter Jessica Warboys presented several pieces at the Chapelle des Petits-Augustins. These pieces were prime examples of her distinctive collage technique. The exhibition featured floating paintings created using natural materials such as beeswax, sand and minerals. This presentation was coupled with an audiovisual installation showing the link between man and nature by allowing visitors to explore her reproduction of a 17th-century convent or a gilded library. This piece was mystical and absolutely stunning.

Palais d’Iéna: Paris+ by Art Basel’s top location in 2023

This edition of Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 also featured a collaborative piece by the French artist Daniel Buren and the Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto. Their installation showcased the Palais d'Iéna’s architecture by playing with light, perspective and symmetry. The result was truly breathtaking and certainly one of the event’s highlights.

The history of contemporary art

The majority of art historians agree that contemporary art started at the end of the Second World War. Several movements are encompassed within it, including: figurative art, hyperrealism, pop art, street art, feminist art, conceptual art, video art and digital art as well as many other movements. Contemporary art is unique in its capacity to transform itself, break boundaries and incorporate new techniques and media that enable it to evolve.

Implementing ideologies

By questioning the times in which they live, contemporary artists use new technologies combined with more traditional media such as painting, photography, screen printing and digital technologies in order to open doors to new forms of expression.

New perspectives

Contemporary art is therefore synonymous with a stylistic renaissance that transcends classical and modern art by expanding artists’ means of expression. Contemporary art is conceptual at its core, allowing artists to search for new means of expression that set it apart from figurative art. Contemporary artist’s main goal is to question society's current issues, while expressing the artist’s unique set of values.

From Paris to New York and London, contemporary art has been influenced by the Impressionists and modern art – encompassing art created from 1850 to the first part of the 20^th century. One of contemporary art’s main goals is to display it in non-traditional, institutional venues, bringing it into public spaces for everyone to see and enjoy. Many artists embrace this more direct interaction with the viewer.

Contemporary art and experimentation

This experimental quality has allowed contemporary art to diverge from modern art. This unprecedented artistic movement explores new subjects and constantly expands creative boundaries.

Contemporary art gradually gained recognition from the 1960s on with the emergence of pop art, a movement that made a radical break from modern art by bringing political subjects under question while also underscoring the excessive nature of the consumer culture that is present in industrialized countries.

How did contemporary art evolve?

The advent of photography in the 19^th century had a direct influence on contemporary art due to its unique capacity to represent reality. Contemporary art is becoming increasingly abstract as artists expand into new media and technologies.

Contemporary art and the revolution in technology

From the 1980s onwards, video art and digital art opened countless avenues of conceptual expression, which exploded a few years later when the Internet was created. These new forms of media became public when contemporary art entered a new era of globalization. Art that is created using technological components is developing in tandem with new advancements in the industrial research field, for example, crypto art, which is the most successful branch of this field.

Creative Freedom

The advent of new technologies has allowed information to be exchanged more readily. This has made contemporary art more accessible but has also created other challenges. One of the most positive aspects of this is the appearance of an increasing number of artists from "developing countries" on the contemporary art scene that have, until now, been under-represented.

The globalization of contemporary art has blurred traditional borders, creating a world-wide stage for new exchanges and developments in contemporary art.

Art with a social statement

An increasing number of publicly funded programs and private foundations that support contemporary art are being created. For example, in France there is a national network of contemporary art centers, which promote awareness, organize exhibitions and provide studio spaces.

There are 23 Regional Funds for Contemporary Art (FRAC) in the country, which finance these spaces. They organize over 600 events and exhibitions every year. The fact that these spaces are publicly funded is proof of the important place contemporary art holds in modern society.

A controversy that’s no longer relevant

Classic and digital art become one

Even though many still consider digital art to be cheating, deceptive and fake, a growing number of artists are taking the opposite approach. The latter are even defending a new hybrid style of art in which classical art is enriched by digital art’s novel techniques. These artists believe that their work appears just as authentic as traditional works of art.

Digital art’s potential

Classical and digital art no longer form two distinct fields within the world of art. Some of the most renowned contemporary artists are proving this to be true, as we will see in the second part of this article.

Should we be afraid that technology will supplant traditional forms of art, threatening age-old techniques that have been used throughout art history? One camp of artists and critics believe this to be true while another is welcoming the new frontier of digital art and artificial intelligence.

Classical art's cult following

Digital art may be on the rise – it's increasingly present in our daily lives (media, marketing, etc.) - but classical art is not on the verge of extinction. On the contrary, it continues to thrive. Rest assured, galleries, museums and auction houses are not going to disappear! Physical art will always have the power to attract the human gaze.

The fundamental principles of creating art - color theory, composition, aesthetic expression, etc. - are unshakable pillars. Techniques that have been used for centuries will remain in our collective archive. Technology and art have always inspired each other and contemporary artists are reaching to new computer technologies to embellish their creative processes. Some artists are becoming incredibly famous thanks to these new media!

5 famous artists who are blending classical and digital art

David Hockney

Digital art is rapidly expanding, creating countless new arenas and techniques for artists to explore and experiment with. The renowned artists David Hockney has even dabbled in this new world of art. His latest solo exhibition that took place at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris at the end of 2021 was a great success, especially the large painted frieze depicting his house and garden. The frieze was created using his iPad! This massive work of art spans almost 300 feet and was created using a software program that was specially designed for him! The piece is entitled A Year in Normandy (2020) and depicts the changing seasons in Normandy, where this famous pop artist has been living since 2019.

Marina Abramovic

In 2019, photographer and video artist Marina Abramovic gave a highly acclaimed performance in virtual reality called The Life (2019). The audience was present in an empty room, equipped with a VR headset. Abramovic’s 19-minute performance was the first large-scale public exhibition of this genre and underscored a new and intriguing question in performance art – Can an artist’s presence be conveyed even though they are not physically present?

Jeff Koons

Jeff Koons has been bridging the gap between classical and digital art for several years. This American neo-pop artist is known for employing engineers and 3D modelers to help bring his ideas to fruition. In 2017, he also collaborated with Snapchat to bring art created with augmented reality into public places. Jeff Koons was also one of the first artists to release NFT versions of some of his 3D sculptures.

Damien Hirst

The British artist Damien Hirst is another adept crypto artist who is known for launching an NFT project called The Currency. This is Hirst’s largest and most ambitious work to date. He created 10,000 physical paintings and anyone who acquired an NFT had a year to decide whether they wanted to keep the NFT or exchange it for a physical work of art. These paintings depicted circles of colors that were created by computers - the artist never touched a single canvas.

Jérôme Oudot or Trëz

The French artist Jérôme Oudot, AKA Trëz, is not the most famous artist. However, his work is very interesting in that it combines classical and digital art. His digital work is created by scanning physical drawings, which are then enhanced using computers. These pieces are then printed in various formats and media in limited editions. He is an emerging artist that you should keep your eye on over the next few years.

lllustration: Rémy de la Mauvinière (AP-SIPA).

A must-see exhibition featuring Pierre Soulages’ art from 2010 to2022  

Both modern and contemporary, Pierre Soulages (1919-1922) has name has been synonymous with abstract art since the late 1940s. This great artist is best known for his unique way of using black to form reflections and texture, which he called Beyond Black. We featured a blog article about Pierre Soulages’ art several months ago.

A century of artistic creation

Pierre Soulages’ life spanned more than a century and he created a wide range of art, from theatrical decor to engraving, ceramics and illustration. His unprecedented, rich career remains unparalleled to this day. The art that Pierre Soulages created in his later years will be featured in the exhibition Les derniers Soulages: 2010-2022 at the Musée Soulages in Rodez.

Paintings and art by Pierre Soulages that have never been on display

Even in his twilight years, Pierre Soulages continued to create art. Museum director Benoît Ducron reports that the artist created approximately 300 paintings in the last ten years of his life, of which, some 50 will featured in this temporary exhibition. They have been reunited from private collections and the artist’s studio.

Rodez, France and the Pierre Soulages Museum

Soulages’ very last painting was created on May 15, 2022, less than six months before his death. He made this painting on his terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This final, nostalgic painting will stand alongside six other late works by Pierre Soulages that were donated by the artist's widow. A group of five large-format vertical paintings will also on display for the first time. The exhibition will be on view until January 2024 so you still have time to visit Rodez if you haven't already!

Pierre Soulages is still making headlines even after his death

The book “D’une rive à l’autre”

The editor of Actes Sud recently published an excellent book entitled, Soulages, d’une rive à l’autre. If you speak French, this is the perfect book for going on a deep dive into Pierre Soulages’s life and art. It was written by Michaël de Saint-Chéron and Matthieu Séguéla.

It brings you on a journey to discover Pierre Soulages’ influences that allowed him to hone his unique artistic voice, from archaeology to cave art, the abstract movement, Conques and Romanesque art. Great names such as Picabia, Hartung, Atlan, Senghor, Georges Duby and Jacques Le Goff appear in this fascinating book. It also covers Pierre Soulages’ love and fascination for Japan and its culture.

The book also features an erudite analysis of Beyond Balck through the lens of its ability to confront twentieth-century history and the dialogue between cultures and the arts.

Mysterious liquefied paint

Pierre Soulages has also been in the news recently because the paint used in some of his pieces created in the 1960s has been liquefying.

Scientists are puzzled by this strange phenomenon and have not been able to explain why it is happening. Normally, as paint ages, it cracks and becomes brittle. A complete contrast to what is happening to some of Soulages’ art.

An investigation into why Pierre Soulages’ art is melting

An inspection is being conducted by the CNRS and the Saint-Étienne Optics Institute in order to try and figure out why Soulages’ paintings are melting. They also hope to find ways of preventing or limiting the destruction of his paintings. The pieces created between December 1959 and March 1960 are the only ones that seem to be affected.  

So far, two arguments have been put forward: poor-quality paint sold by the supplier and sub-optimal drying conditions. The art restorer Pauline Hélou de la Grandière, who specializes in retouching Pierre Soulages’ art stated, "These are paintings that were exhibited immediately after they were created. Some of the exhibitions took place in far off locations, so the paintings were immediately stored in dark crates and were subjected to large temperature swings." Hopefully the experts will be able to solve this mystery and save these paintings!

5 famous couples in art history

This is part two of our series on famous artist couples.  Part one was published a few months ago, feel free to read that article about five famous couples in art history before we embark on part two.

Niki de Saint Phalle & Jean Tinguely

Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) and Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) are both distinguished sculptors and one of the most famous couples in the history of art. They were married in July 1971, more than 15 years after they first met. Their first collaboration made waves in the art world, foreshadowing the extraordinary adventure they would embark on. Members of the New Realist group, their love matured as they reflected upon and shared their artistic processes.

Despite differences of opinion about their subject matter, they stayed together until Jean's death, when he declared: “We are two sculptors attached to one another, who live in two very different worlds. Materially opposed, ideologically opposed and opposed through gender, masculinity on one hand, and a deep femininity on the other… This makes us fight, we fight each other.” Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely made countless masterpieces, including the sumptuous Stravinsky Fountain next to the Centre Pompidou, Le Cyclop in Milly-la-Forêt, and possible their most well-known work of art, the Tarot Garden in Tuscany.

Christo & Jeanne-Claude

Christo (1935-2020) Vladimiroff Javacheff was born in Bulgaria in 1935. After the war, he studied fine arts, with a predilection for drawing. Fleeing the Communist regime, which imposed propagandist subjects on artists, he moved to Vienna, then to Paris in 1958. He met Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon (1935-2009) in Paris. Coincidentally, she was born on the same day as Christo, June 13, 1935! The couple spent time with the New Realists in the 1960s. At this point in art history, street art and outdoor art were becoming increasingly popular.

Christo started what would later become his signature style, wrapping objects. He started small and slowly moved on to more mammoth installations, beginning with bottles and furniture. Christo and Jeanne-Claude moved to New York in 1964 and they quickly became inseparable. They formed a complementary duo, Christo designing, Jeanne-Claude managing the logistics and overseeing increasingly monumental projects - wrapping famous monuments and objects in nature. To name but a few of this famous artist-couple's major achievements: wrapping the Pont Neuf in Paris in 1985, the Reichstag in Berlin in 1995 and The Gates a 22-mile installation in Central Park in 2005.

Marina Abramovic & Ulay

The Serbian artist Marina Abramovic was born in Belgrade in 1946 and met Frank Uwe Laysiepen, AKA Ulay (1943-2020), in 1975. For the next 12 years, the two performers lived a life full of romance and iconic art. The couple explored movement, freedom, life and death through original, sometimes extreme performances.

This famous artist couple’s approach often challenged traditional ways of expressing oneself through art. For example, their major piece Rest Energy (1981) blurred the boundaries between art and life by ambitiously exploring the limits of the body, ego and union. In 1988, after joining forces for a happening on the Great Wall of China, they went their separate ways. In 2010, they were reunited in a deeply moving performance by Marina Abramovic at New York's MoMA, during which Mariana couldn't resist grabbing her former lover’s hands, digressing from the prescripted performance. This was a truly poignant moment that has gone down in the annals of art history.

Mitchell & Riopelle

Joan Mitchell (1926-1992) met the Canadian artist Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) in the summer of 1955 in a café on Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. The American painter had already made a name for herself as an important member of the New York School. At the early age of 20, she worked in Hans Hofmann's studio and discovered the New York avant-garde scene, notably Jackson Pollock.

Her love affair with the French-Canadian painter, engraver and sculptor lasted 25 years. They worked collaboratively for a quarter-century, oscillating between American abstract expressionism and French lyrical abstraction. This famous artist-couple created gigantic paintings inspired by nature. The surface of these paintings seems to swallow the viewer and are reminiscent of Pollock's work.

This couple created countless pieces, including Mitchell's La Fontaine (1957), a response to Riopelle's Plowing Under the Snow (1957), which was based on a shared admiration for Van Gogh. They settled in Normandy, but the adventure came to an end in 1979, when Riopelle returned to his native Quebec with a new, younger artist-lover.

Les Lalanne: power couple and famous artists

The sculptor Claude (1925-2019) and engraver-sculptor François-Xavier (1927-2008) Lalanne have always shared the same interests and a similar poetic vision, which drew them to each other. This famous artist couple were inseparable. The two met in 1952 and they never left each other’s side until François-Xavier's death in 2008. They were good friends with Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who gave them access to museums. The two artists worked together in the same studio in Ury, near Fontainebleau. 

Flora and Fauna were recurrent themes in their work throughout the second half of the 20^th century. Their work was often surreal, playful and whimsical. François-Xavier Lalanne's cement and bronze sheep are absolutely iconic. After Claude's death in 2019, Sotheby's Paris successfully auctioned the contents of their home and studio.

5 must-see art exhibitions: Paris 2023

Centre Pompidou: Corps à corps, History of Photography

September 6, 2023 – March 25, 2024

Paris’ Centre Pompidou is featuring a photography exhibition entitled “Corps à corps, Histoire(s) de la Photographie” from the end of 2023 until March 2024. This exhibition will feature photographs of the human body that were taken over the past two centuries.

Over 500 photographs, taken from the 20^th - 21^st century, have been gleaned from the museum's public collection and Marin Karmitz's personal collection, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the art of portraiture, self-portraiture and nude portraiture.

The human figure is in the limelight and seen through countless artists’ perspectives, highlighting the fact that we are all unique, singular and have our own personalities. Some of the artists whose work is on display include, Berenice Abbott, Walker Evans, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Shomei Tomatsu, Barbara Probst, William Klein, Andy Warhol, Helga Paris, Vivian Maier, Man Ray and many more!

Petit Palais: Treasures in Black & White: Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, Toulouse-Lautrec…  

September 12, 2023 - January 14, 2024

The Petit Palais has gathered work by the great masters of printmaking for an exhibition that features art by Goya, Toulouse-Lautrec, Rembrandt, Dürer and countless others!

More than 200 pieces dating from the 15^th - 20^th century by some of the greatest printmakers in art history plunge us into the rich and intricate media of printmaking - a major form of art that is often under-appreciated.

Visitors will enjoy work from 45 artists as they learn about printmaking and discover pieces that have never been on display, such as Rembrandt's La Pièce aux Cent Florins and test prints of Goya's Tauromachie.

This Parisian art exhibition is also a great opportunity to go on an unforgettable journey through art history, from the Italian Renaissance to modern art as well as the Romantic, Naturist and Classicist periods.

Musée du Luxembourg: Gertrude Stein & Pablo Picasso – The Invention of Language

A current art exhibition taking place in Paris from September 2023 – January 28, 2024

This exceptional Parisian art exhibition, which will open on September 13, 2023, features the story of the extraordinary friendship between the American poet and writer Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) and Pablo Picasso.

The exhibition is divided into two parts - one focuses on the original nature of Stein and Picasso's work while providing an overview of the art scene of the time through painting, theater, poetry and music by key figures such as Andy Warhol, Bruce Nauman, Bob Wilson and Philip Glass. The other part of this current Parisian art exhibition focuses on Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso’s friendship, their shared experiences and passions.

The exhibition will feature 28 pieces from Picasso's Cubist period and also highlights Gertrude Stein’s lasting legacy as a true icon both in Europe and across the Atlantic.

Reflections by Emmanuel Barrois, an Unusual & Monumental Installation in the Jardin du Palais Royal

An outdoor art exhibition in Paris: On display September 15 - November 15, 2023

This autumn, the Jardin du Palais Royal will feature Reflections, a monumental 15-meter-high installation by Emmanuel Barrois a master glass artist. Renowned engineers and architects such as Rudy Ricciotti, Kengo Kuma and Christian de Portzamparc helped bring this artistic and technical feat to life.

Through this gigantic installation, Emmanuel Barrois invites us to reflect on man's place in tomorrow's world, playing on the duality of the piece’s material aspect and the ephemeral quality of light.

Eight tones of glass and 6,000 meters of intertwined prisms coalesce to dazzle visitors with reflections of rainbows projected onto the surrounding surfaces. You can enjoy this must-see outdoor art exhibition in Paris starting September 15, 2023!

Musée d’Art Moderne Paris: Nicolas de Staël Retrospective

September 15, 2023 - January 21, 2024

The Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris is devoting a major retrospective to the Franco-Russian artist Nicolas de Staël (1913-1955) with a highly-anticipated art exhibition.

The artist produced approximately 1,120 paintings over a period of fifteen years, encompassing a wide range of styles, from abstraction to cubism, expressionism, impressionism, naturalism and fauvism.

This major retrospective brings together over 200 of the artist's paintings, drawings, prints and notebooks, displayed chronologically to highlight the artist's creative process. The exhibition focuses on some of his favorite themes: the sea, soccer, portraits, still lives, popular festivals, landscapes and more. The artist's endless inspiration is underscored by his unabashed use of color and light, which he experimented with in such a way that allowed his art to emanate a sense of freedom.

Questions to consider before buying art

What are your objectives in buying this artwork?

In general, there are two main reasons why someone would consider buying art:

- Investing: increasing and diversifying one's portfolio. Buying art can be an excellent long-term investment. One can think of it as being similar to purchasing stocks or real estate. If you're patient, a piece of art like a painting can increase in value over time. If you lack the funds to purchase a work of art you can always look into art leasing, which is becoming increasingly popular among companies and individuals alike.

- Visual enjoyment: wanting to be surrounded by beautiful objects is an important factor to consider. Embellishing your living space is important. In this respect, art becomes a means of self-fulfillment and can even boost your self-esteem while quenching your thirst for beauty and instilling your space with your own distinctive style.

Should you focus on well-established artists?

One might assume that an original work of art by a famous artist might entail making a large investment. However, in reality, buying a work of art is actually well within most people’s budget.

You may be surprised to find out that many paintings, photographs and sculptures are available for a few hundred euros, or even less. Emerging artists should not be underestimated - quite the contrary! For example, Monet's famous Impression, Soleil Levant, painted in 1872, was first sold for a few hundred francs in the middle of the 20^th century. Now it is one of the most coveted and sought-after paintings in the world!

Above all, let your heart be your guide. A work of art’s originality or the artist’s iconoclastic vision can also be considered. If your budget doesn't stretch to the same volume as your heart, don’t forget to look at prints that are part of a limited-edition run. These can also accrue value over time.

Buying a work of art: finding out an artist’s worth

The art world can be a frightening place for newcomers, especially when it comes to buying art. However, with a bit of enthusiasm, curiosity and a little practice, you'll soon become familiar with the fascinating world of art.

For example, if you want to find out how artists are rated, you can search for media that specializes in publishing yearly reviews. Keep your eyes open or find knowledgeable people who can take the time to keep you abreast of what’s going on in the art world. Visiting art galleries is a good place to start: you might meet real enthusiasts who can most likely give you excellent advice.

Buying art: Don’t forget about certificates of authenticity and provenance

The seller or gallerist’s reputation is of paramount importance when you are planning on buying art.

Every piece art must be sold with a certificate of authenticity. This will enable you to determine its history and verify its authenticity. Such a certificate includes the following information:

- The piece’s title

- The artist's name

- The year it was created

- Where it was created

- Technical characteristics: dimensions, materials and media

- The words "original" or "limited edition"

If you are buying a work of art, be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity. If necessary, consult a professional who can attest to its authenticity. This also applies to buying art online, a sector which has exploded in the past few years.

What are the optimal conservation conditions?

Before buying art, you need to think about where it will be stored and check that all the good conservation conditions will be respected. Some works of art are extremely fragile so it is important to take care of them properly.  

Careful attention must be paid to the following:

- Where the piece will be on display in terms of exposure to sunlight and how bright the room is.

- The space’s humidity and temperature (on average between 45 and 55% humidity and 20°C/68°F). Avoid damp locations or those near radiators or fireplaces.

- How you will hang the piece? Can your hanging materials and wall withstand the weight of the piece?

Do you really need to insure a painting or sculpture?

When buying art that is valuable, it's advisable to have it insured. You can choose between the following options:

- Multi-risk home insurance (MRH), which generally covers a value of €3,000 for works of art.

- Declared-value art insurance.

- Insuring works of art at approved value - a process that requires an expert appraisal.

Contemporary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork: Artalistic’s selection

With its frenetic movement, directed energy and melancholic expression with strong, and even dark social themes, Basquiat's artwork was heavily influenced by urban style and graffiti. He began his artistic exploration creating street art in New York and later started working on canvas. Artalistic has put together a carefully curated selection of work by this pioneer of the American underground movement and a leading figure in contemporary art.

1. Irony of a Negro Policeman, 1981

Throughout his creative career, this New York-based artist was committed to sharing his cultural experiences as a black artist in America and the oppression of the black community. Irony of a Negro Policeman is one of Jean-Michel Basquiat's best-known artworks and is a perfect example of his subject matter. A majority of his work boldly contemplated racism and pushed viewers to be introspective.

2. The Field Next to the Other Road, 1981

In contrast to the vast majority of Jean-Michel Basquiat's artwork, this painting features fairly easily identifiable figures. It was created during a period when allegorical imagery was a strong focus of his work. The Field Next to the Other Road was painted when Basquiat was invited to Italy by the art dealer Emilio Mazzoli. It was sold at Christie's for $37.1 million in 2015.

3. La Hara, 1981

La Hara may not be one of Jean-Michel Basquiat's most famous artworks, but it is one of the first paintings to emerge from the legendary first year of Basquiat's mature oeuvre. It dates from a time when Basquiat was visually embodying the violence faced by urban communities, an eminently recurrent theme in his work. The painting depicts a skeleton policeman standing behind bars, symbolizing a reversal of roles and a powerful reminder of the deeply entrenched racism that pervaded the artist’s daily life. La Hara plays on the Puerto Rican word ‘jara’ – slang for ‘cop.’ This piece sold for $35 million at Christie's in 2017.

4. Dustheads, 1982: Possibly Jean-Michel Basquiat’s most famous work of art

The darkness present in Basquiat's artwork is ever-present in this piece. Dustheads depicts two people in his circle of friends who were using the drug PCP, also called Angel dust at the time. Basquiat died of a heroin and cocaine overdose and his addictive personality was no secret. This painting sold for $35 million in 2016.

5. Untitled Skull, 1982

This painting is also considered to be one of Jean-Michel Basquiat's most famous artworks. It broke the auction record for the highest price paid for a work or art by an American artist when it sold for $110.5 million at Sotheby's New York. It was purchase by the Japanese entrepreneur and art collector Yusaka Maezawa. This record was later broken by Andy Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, which sold for $195 million in May 2022. Warhol and Basquiat made several collaborative art pieces.

6. Versus Medici, 1982

This painting is making a reference to the Medici family, a famous family of Italian bankers who were considered to be the richest family in Europe between 1400 and 1500. This piece also pays homage to the great Renaissance artists. Basquiat was very interested in this period of art history, particularly Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The painting was sold in May 2021 for $50.8 million.

7. Warrior, 1982

Among Jean-Michel Basquiat's most famous works of art is the famous Warrior. Some critics argue that this painting highlights Basquiat's experience and creativity as a black artist in the 1980s. This piece features Basquiat's signature motif of a crowned figure holding a sword, a symbol of invincibility. The painting was recently sold at auction in Asia for $41.9 million.

8. In This Case, 1983

In This Case is part of a triptych comprised of three massive paintings of skulls. The other two paintings are called Untitled from 1981 and 1982. In 2018, the Foundation Louis Vuitton organized a Basquiat retrospective that featured these three paintings - together for the first time – in a small, intimate space. In May 2021, In This Case was sold at auction at Christie's, New York, for $93.1 million.

9. Flexible, 1984

Priced at $45.3 million, this is one of Jean-Michel Basquiat's globally-renowned artworks, and also one of his largest, measuring eight feet high. It stands out from Basquiat's other work because he used a picket fence as a canvas. It highlights African culture, a recurrent and predominant theme in Basquiat's art. He became known as a key figure of the black community who proudly proclaimed his Creole heritage.

10. Riding with Death, 1988

Basquiat was very interested in anatomy. His mother gave him the prestigious medical textbook Gray's Anatomy when he was hit by a car at the age of 7, an accident that put him in the hospital for days. At the age of 10-years-old Basquiat’s fascination with anatomy and death had intensified. It is clear that his fascination never waned as it is the central element of this famous Basquiat painting.

Five famous artists and their most renowned landscape paintings

Impression Sunrise by Claude Monet, 1872

Impression Sunrise is a seminal work from the Impressionist movement and is presently on display at the Musée Marmottan in Paris. This artistic movement originated in France in the mid-19^th century. During this movement, landscape artists attempted to accurately and objectively record the natural setting before them in terms of transient effects of light and color.

This major artistic movement was later named after this famous landscape painting by Claude Monet (1840-1926). It was painted in the early hours of November 1872 from the window of Hôtel l'Amirauté, located along the port of Le Havre. Monet successfully captured his fleeting emotions with his careful depiction of the light, the reflections on the water’s surface and the foggy hazy around the sun.

The blurred, seemingly unfinished aspect of this painting was revolutionary at the time and was a complete break from the classical canons. Its value fluctuated between 200 and 800 francs for years (around 5,000 to 30,000 euros today). The painting was not exhibited until 1946 when it became an instant symbol of this major artistic movement.

Monte Sainte-Victoire by Paul Cézanne, 1897: One of the most famous landscape paintings of all time

This famous landscape painting propelled Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) into the spotlight, bringing him well-deserved fame. It depicts the Mont Sainte-Victoire in Provence, France. This mountain became one of Cézanne’s most repeated and varied themes. He created approximately twenty different versions of this landscape throughout his life, including drawings and watercolors.

To this day, when one hears the name Cézanne, it’s an automatic reflex to think of Mont Sainte-Victoire. This piece is a prime example of his style which uses geometry and light to capture nature.  

Pont-Neuf by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1872

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) is one of the many Impressionist painters who celebrated the city of Paris in his work. Renoir is considered to be a true master whose work remains unrivaled for its stunning colors and luminous qualities. The famous landscape painting Pont-Neuf immortalizes what life must have been like in this Parisian arrondissement in the 19^th century.

At the time, Paris was an endless source of inspiration for artists, so much so that one has the impression that every minute detail of this city was captured by a painter during this movement. Examples include Gustave Caillebote's Paris Street, Rainy Day and Monet's La Gare Saint-Lazare, to name but a few!

Vue du port de Marseille by Paul Signac, 1905

Vue du port de Marseille is a famous landscape painting by the artist Paul Signac (1863-1935). This painting depicts the city and port of Marseille, which are delicately rendered using the pointillist technique. Signac is known to be one of the masters of this style of painting.

The vivid colors reflect the city’s energetic and lively ambiance while capturing urban life through a subtle blend of traditional impressionism and modern abstraction. Paul Signac’s emotion-filled yet precise brushstrokes have a strong impact on the viewer. Over the years, this famous French landscape artist's distinctive aesthetic style inspired countless contemporary artists.

The Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich, 1810

When looking at this famous landscape painting depicting the North Sea, one immediately asks oneself what time of day it is portraying - morning or evening? The Capuchin monk walking alone along the shore doesn’t help us find the answer. This aura of mystery has made this piece stand out in the history of art as a truly unique landscape. It should be noted that this piece was not painted from real life, but in the city of Dresden.

The famous landscape artist Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840) was part of the German Romantic movement of the late 18^th century. He made art that was inspired by philosophy and was heavily aimed at making the viewer bring certain ideas into question. Friedrich's artistic technique is minimalist in both line and color, pushing the subject into an abstract, enigmatic and otherworldly realm while allowing the viewer to meditate on the almost supernatural quality of the human soul. After all, shouldn’t the mind be free to wander and daydream, as perhaps this celestial monk is doing? Lost at the end of the world, facing a bleak landscape and a potentially cruel destiny.

Outdoor art and sculpture museums: 10 not-to be-missed places

A remarkable appropriation of public spaces, outdoor museums blend nature with sculptures, street art, installations and much more. 

The world's best outdoor art museums: from Europe to South America and the United States

Skansen outdoor museum in Stockholm, Sweden

The world's oldest outdoor art museum is located in the Swedish capital, on the island of Djurgardend, to be precise. Founded in 1891, the museum’s collection takes you on a nature-filled journey through Sweden's history. Throughout the year, this small village features an array of cultural events full of local traditions, including artisanal crafts, concerts, dances, various workshops (glassblowing, leather tanning) and festivals. 

Ekebergparken near Oslo, Norway

Also located in Scandinavia, the Ekebergparken is considered to be Norway’s finest outdoor sculpture museum. The art collector Christian Ringnes created it in 2013. Approximately forty pieces by renowned artists are displayed in a gorgeous flower-filled setting, including Salvador Dali's Venus de Milo and sculptures by Auguste Rodin, Louise Bourgeois and Marina Abramovic. This outdoor museum also features rock engravings that date back thousands of years. This blend of contemporary and ancient art is truly astonishing!

East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany

Along Mühlenstrasse street visitors can admire part of the famous concrete wall that divided Berlin until 1989. Approximately one hundred artists were given carte blanche to create frescos on a half mile-long section of the wall that was kept intact. This is considered to be the world’s longest outdoor art museum that features street art while symbolizing freedom.

Ballenberg in Brienz, Switzerland

The Ballenberg is an outdoor museum that features over one hundred historic buildings from all over Switzerland. These traditional farm houses, barns and stables were taken apart stone by stone and reassembled to create this unique collection of characteristic homes and farmsteads. A visit to Ballenberg is like stepping back in time with live demonstrations about cheese making, basket making and wood carving. There is also a trail through the forest that is decorated with antique children’s toys and a farm that features educational classes.

Tarot Garden in Garavicchio de Pescia Fiorentina, Italy

Next stop, Italy! The Tarot Garden in Tuscany features 22 massive, colorful and sparkling sculptures. This one-of-a-kind outdoor sculpture museum was created by the Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) and her husband Jean Tingueley. The Tarot sculptures were heavily influenced by Gaudi’s work. Towering deities and monsters from the Tarot deck come to life with a dreamlike, psychedelic aesthetic. These magical sculptures seem to have walked straight out of a fairytale and are covered in mosaics made of glass, mirrors and ceramics.

Chianti sculpture park in Pievasciata, Italy

An impressive collection of statues and sculptures by various artists is tucked away in Tuscany, in the town of Pievasciata. Works by Piero Giadrossi can be found along a romantic, light-dappled path that winds through undulating landscape of green hills covered with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. This outdoor museum was created to subtly and seamlessly integrate art into the natural landscape. This well-received project creates a distinctly multicultural feeling with art by several international artists including Jeff Saward and Dominic Benhura.

Park of Monsters in Bomarzo, Italy

The oldest outdoor sculpture museum is also located in Italy, less than 100 kilometers from Rome. The Park of Monsters dates back to the 16^th century, and was designed by the Duke of Bomarzo Vicino Orsini, who was considered at the time to be rather non-conformist. This park is filled with giant stone mermaids, dragons, turtles, sphinxes, ogres and nymphs. You’ll feel like you went through a portal to a parallel universe as you stroll through this lush and surreal location.

Open-air museum in Lille, France

This outdoor museum is located in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, a few kilometers from Lille, and is ideal for a family outing. It features a reconstructed village inspired by 17^th, 18^th and 19^th century Flemish and Artois architecture. The open-air museum allows you to wander through stunning botanical and vegetable gardens that pepper the grounds that surround these traditional, rural buildings. Children will also be delighted by the local wildlife, including Boulonnais sheep, Flemish geese, Bourbourg hens and Estaires ducks.

Wynwood Walls in Miami, USA

Miami is home to the world's largest outdoor street art museum. Globally renowned in its sector, its walls are covered with work by internationally renowned artists, including Obey, Pink, Miss Van, Eduardo Cobra and Os Gêmeos. Located north of Downtown Miami, it attracts countless street art fans from around the world. This district of Miami has become America’s Mecca of street art, with 5 museums, 70 galleries and 7 art centers dedicated to contemporary art.

Parque de las Esculturas in Santiago, Chili

This outdoor sculpture museum was a collaboration between artists and citizens who were eager to invent a cultural space that could be accessible to the general public. More than thirty works of art by both local and internationally renowned artists are currently on display.  Temporary exhibitions are also held here regularly, as is the famous Providencia Jazz Festival.

Digital Art: Need-to-know contemporary digital artists

Digital art is a vast field in the fine art world that encompasses various types of artistic media and technologies: computer science, multimedia, 3D modeling, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, NFT and blockchain and much more.

This sector of the art world offers a vast range of artistic possibilities. Artalistic has combed through some of the most famous artists working in this field to bring you our selection of the top digital artists.

Classics: from Ai Weiwei to David Hockney

Ai Weiwei: Symbolizing interconnection

A truly creative activist, Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has been using digital technologies to promote his extensive body of work for a long time. The interconnectedness of social madia has brought his work into a whole new dimension. He deftly uses social media to promote his stance against all forms of injustice and totalitarianism. His engagement and presence on social media can be seen as an extension of his art. In recent years, Ai Weiwei has shifted his relationship with digital art, evolving it in parallel with new technologies that he uses, for example, in his installations.

Damien Hirst dabbles in crypto art

An artist renowned for his provocative and sometimes vulgar style, British artist Damien Hirst dominated contemporary art in the UK during the 1990s, notably through his work with the YBA (Young British Artists), a group of creators renowned for their cynicism and disregard for the classic rules of aesthetics. Since the mid-1980s, Damien Hirst has produced over a thousand Spot Paintings - paintings with circles of colors with no single color ever repeated - the majority of which were designed by his assistants without any help from the artist. In 2021, he started experimenting with digital art. For The Currency Project Hirst created 10,000 NFT digital copies of his spot paintings and then proceeded to burn the original physical versions. His aim was to use digital art to bring the definition of artistic value into question.

Jeff Koons and augmented reality art

The artist Jeff Koons is also a fan of new technologies and digital art. He often hires engineers and 3D modelers to help with his projects. The American artist and sculptor designs his work on the computer before sending them off to be created. Since 2017, he has been creating pieces that use augmented reality and installing them in public places. He has also made NFT versions of the 3D models of his work that were made exclusively for the metaverse.

Marina Abramovic and virtual reality

Famous for her performances, Marina Abramovic is also renowned for her photos, videos and installations. This multi-faceted artist has a constantly evolving connection with her passionate fan base. In 2019, this Serbian contemporary artist had a virtual reality performance where viewers wore VR headsets, allowing them to enter an intimate virtual space, where they come face-to-face with the artist who is giving the performance from an empty room in a completely separate location. This performance allowed visitors to attend from anywhere in the world and embraced new technology in an endeavor to transmit the presence of the artist virtually.  

David Hockney and digital impressionism

David Hockney’s recent exhibition at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris was a resounding success. It featured a large painted frieze capturing the year the artist spent in Normandy. What made it special? The piece was created using an iPad! Like the Impressionist painters, David Hockney captured the effects of light, texture and color as the seasons changed. Blending traditional painting and technology resulted in an innovative creative process that is truly breathtaking. Could this be a new era of digital art?

Digital artists using crypto and NFTs

Beeple

At the top of the NFT art market, Beeple is also the most famous digital artist in the cryptoart world. Mike Winklemann sold one of his pieces, Everyday: the First Five Thousand Days for $69 million. A sale like that can certainly make you think twice about investing in digital art.

Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones may not yet have achieved Beeple's status, but he is a major player in the world of NFT digital art. His piece The Bitcoin Angel was sold at auction for $3.2 million. The Scottish painter is famous for creating his artistic pieces in real life before digitizing them.

XCOPY: A digital artist enjoying meteoric success

London-based digital artist XCOPY’s work sells for far less money than his counterparts Beeple and Trevor Jones. However, he has created approximately 2,000 NFTs that each sold for around $5,000, making him one of the most famous NFT digital artists on the market. His fan base on social networks, notably Twitter, have enabled him to increase in popularity very quickly. His record sale was for the NFT Death Dip, which sold for 1.8 million dollars.

Fewocious

Fewocious is a very young American artist in his early twenties who has already sold over 3,000 NFTs for an estimated $22 million. His success shows no signs of waning, his digital artwork The Everlasting Beautiful sold for $550,000.

José Delbo

The Argentinian digital artist José Delbo is the king of comics presented in NFT form. In just a few years, he has become one of the most famous digital artists. His work is currently valued at over $8 million.

Art Basel 2023 Fair Schedule

Primed for Success

Art Basel is Switzerland's most prestigious international contemporary art fair that has yearly events all over the world, from Miami to Paris and Hong Kong. This year it is expected to attract nearly 100,000 visitors this June. This must-see event will allow the public and art critics to take stock of what’s going on in the contemporary art world.

International art lovers and professionals will be able to discover artwork from 300 art galleries from 35 countries, with representatives from every continent, and a total of 4,000 artists exhibiting their latest creations. Gallerists, curators, museum directors, collectors, buyers and art enthusiasts coalesce for this colorful and truly one-of-a-kind event.

An Unforgettable International Event

Art Basel originated in the Swiss city of Basel over 50 years ago in the 1970s under the direction of three Basel-based gallerists - Ernest Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner and Balz Hilt - and is now exported to the world's major cities.

Today, it is a leading showcase for contemporary art. The event has increased in popularity over the years, attracting 60,000 visitors in the 2000s and over 90,000 in recent years.

The annual event held in Switzerland, was soon expanded to include other international versions - Art Basel Miami Beach created in 2002 by Samuel Keller, followed by Art Basel Hong Kong in 2013 and Paris + par Art Basel in 2022.

An Essential Cog in the Contemporary Art World

Art Basel International Contemporary Art Fair is spread out over several halls, each with its own section dedicated to a different form of art. Several galleries, like the “Young Galleries" and "Statements,” showcase work by emerging artists.

Of course, visitors will also have the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greatest names in contemporary art. The world's most influential and innovative galleries will be present.

Basel Art Fair 2023 Highlights

The list of galleries that will be present at Basel is available on the event's official website. Since it is impossible for us to give an exhaustive list here, we would like to mention some of the galleries that we think are well worth the detour: David Castillo (Miami), Martos Gallery and Thomas Erben Gallery (New York), M77 Gallery (Milan), Jacky Strentz (Frankfurt) and Galerie Bene Taschen (Cologne). Quite a line-up and that's just a small example of this year’s participants!

Latifa Echakhch’s Installation

One of our must-see picks is a sprawling installation situated in the Messeplatz by the artist Latifa Echakhch who was invited by Samuel Leuenberger the curator of the "Parcours" section.

Latifa Echakhch is a French-Moroccan artist born in Morocco in 1974. She lives and works in Vevey and Martigny, Switzerland. Her work has been exhibited in Paris, Los Angeles and London. Driven by a desire to counter certain prejudices, contradictions and stereotypes in our society, she isolates and questions materials that are symbolic for these phenomena. This installation has already been announced as a highlight of the 2023 Art Basel Fair. Echakhch represented Switzerland at the 59^th Venice Biennale in 2022.

Practical Information

Basel Art Fair 2023: Visitor Information and Hours

Location:

Messe Basel

Messeplatz 10

4058 Basel

Switzerland

Dates and hours:

Thursday, June 15: 11am - 7pm
Friday, June 16: 11am - 7pm
Saturday, June 17: 11am - 7pm
Sunday, June 18: 11am - 7pm

Special nights: Thursday, June 15: 7pm - 10pm

Parcours Night: Saturday, June 17: 6pm - 11pm

Tickets for Art Basel are available exclusively for purchase on the official website’s online ticket shop:

- Day Ticket: CHF 67

- Students: CHF 54

- Seniors : CHF 54

- Friends Ticket (3 admissions at a reduced price valid on Thursday, June 15, 16, 17 or 18): CHF 62 per person.

- After Work Ticket (Admission for one person valid on June 15 or 16 between 5pm – 7pm): CHF 35

Permanent Ticket (Admission for one person on all days from June 15 – 18, 11am – 7pm): CHF 230

There are several cafes and restaurants in and around the exhibition halls.

All entrances to exhibition halls are wheelchair accessible.

For more information visit Art Basel’s official website.

Catch Up on More Contemporary Art

We hope that you are able to attend Art Basel 2023. This year's carefully curated program should live up to your expectations!

In the meantime, you can browse our virtual galleries featuring artwork by renowned and emerging contemporary artists working in a range of media, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture.

Enjoy your visit and see you soon for more news from the art world from Artalistic!

Buying art & tax deductions: Top tips on how to get the best tax write-off on your fine art

Tax deductions on artwork for private individuals

Please note that the following information pertains to tax deductions for individuals living in France.

Just like real estate investments, art can be a wise way to invest your money that can also be financially profitable. This is entirely possible if you are a private individual looking to make tax write-offs on art you have purchased. This method of receiving tax deductions is especially popular with companies. However, in France, fine art is not included among the things that are taxable under the Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière (the IFI or Real Estate Wealth Tax). Therefore, all French taxpayers who have invested in fine art are entitled to a tax exemption.

Top tips for private individuals concerning tax write-offs for art purchases

People subject to the IFI tax may benefit greatly from purchasing fine art. The pieces of art that are purchased are completely exempt from taxes and do not need to be mentioned on your tax return.

NB: works of art can also be used to settle inheritance taxes in France by using a process called datation de paiement, which can be very useful in certain circumstances when you may need to meet unexpected tax obligations.

What types of art are eligible?

The works of art eligible for tax exemption are defined by article 98 A of the French General Tax Code. Companies looking to buy art can also use the following list of tax-deductible art:

- Paintings, drawings, watercolors, gouaches, pastels and monotypes.

- Engravings, (woodcut, linoleum, intaglio, silk-screens) and limited-edition lithographs.

- Signed and numbered photographs taken by the artist that have been printed by them or under their supervision. They must be part of a limited-edition series of less than 30 prints, all formats and media are included.

- Sculptures with a limited edition of 8 copies, created by the artist or his beneficiaries.

- Handmade tapestries.

All art that is considered "collectable " can also be used as a tax write off.  

Selling fine art and taxation of capital gains

Only fine art that was sold for more than 5,000 euros will be subject to taxation. When reselling your work of art, you can decide between the following two tax options:

- Flat-rate tax on the sale price at a rate of 6.5% (11.5% for artwork that contains precious metals)

- Taxation of capital gains on transferable securities: the tax is levied on the difference between the purchase price and the sale price. The tax rate for capital gains is 36.2%. However, a tax deduction of 5% is applied each year once you have owned the piece for two years. In the long term (more than 20 years), a complete tax exemption on capital gain is therefore possible.

Companies buying fine art & tax deductions

Please note that the following information pertains to tax deductions for companies and freelancers based in France.

In France, companies are able to get tax deductions when you purchase works of art. An increasing number of companies are reaping the benefits of this advantageous situation and even making it part of their comprehensive policy. Let’s get a closer look at how to get a tax write-off while embellishing your work spaces.

French law n°2003-709 from August 1, 2003 indicates that companies or freelance professionals that purchase original works of art created by a living artists can get tax exemptions on these works of art.

For this tax exemption, the expenditure must be deducted from the industrial and commercial profits (Bénéfices industriels et commerciaux BIC).

Make sure that you actually qualify! This method can only be used by companies that are subject to company taxes as well as companies and freelancers subject to category BIC income taxes. However, companies subject to income tax in the category of non-commercial profits (bénéfices industriels et commerciaux BNC) are excluded from this tax exemption.

Why buying fine art for tax write-offs is advantageous for companies

For companies, the financial benefit of investing in art is extremely advantageous, especially because you can choose which option best suits your situation:

- A deduction of up to 0.50% of the turnover excluding tax

- A deduction of 20,000 euros

To summarize, a company can deduct the price the work of art was purchased for over a time period of 5 years. In other words, the company can deduct one fifth of the price of the work each year within the limit of 0.5% of the company’s turnover (excluding tax) or 20,000 euros. The amount to be taken into account is the price of the work of art excluding tax. In both cases, the tax deduction can never exceed 5% of the company's annual turnover.

Accounting requirements

If a company invests in a work of art with a tax write-off as the ultimate incentive, it is responsible for the following:

- To record the artwork as a fixed asset in its accounting

- To allocate the amount of the tax deductions to a special account that will be recorded on the liability side of the balance sheet. Tax authorities provide a document for this purpose that must be sent in with their annual filing.

Contractual obligations

The law stipulates that when purchasing or leasing a work of art, it must be displayed where those visiting the place of work can see it for at least five years, starting from the date of purchase. The artwork may not be placed in a private office or in a space reserved only for company employees or clients. The works of art must be on display for public viewing.

5 must-see contemporary art venues around the world

Here are 5 places around the world that will allow you to enjoy contemporary art in a new way.

Urban Spree: Berlin

The Urban Spree is an alternative contemporary art venue located in an old train station in Berlin's underground Friedrichshain district. Converted into a cultural and artistic space, it is also known as RAW Gelände. There are art galleries, artists' studios and DIY classes teaching an array of artistic media from pottery to drawing. The location itself is like a gallery covered in street art and various other works of art. This remarkable space is dedicated to urban culture and also features concerts, an art store and has a large Biergarten.

LX Factory: Lisbon

This large building used to be a knitting factory that was built in 1846 in Lisbon’s Alcantara district. The LX Factory was converted into an alternative mini-village that lives and breathes culture and contemporary art. Street art is in vogue here, much like Berlin's Urban Spree, its walls are decorated in stunning frescoes. It’s one of the most famous locations for creatives on the old continent. Everyone is welcome to present their ideas and art in this alternative venue.

Hangar Bicocca: Milan

Now, on to Italy, to one of Europe’s most emblematic alternative contemporary art venues. The Hangar Bicocca is a former locomotive factory located in Milan. It was converted into a non-profit foundation in 2004 by Marco Tronchetti Provera, CEO of Pirelli. It is one of Europe’s largest locations dedicated to artistic experimentation. It features temporary exhibitions by renowned artists and permanent exhibitions such as, Anselm Kiefer's Seven Heavenly Palaces, a set of 7 towers - each weighing 90 tons and rising to heights of up to 13 and 19 meters (42 – 62 feet) – which were created for  the Hangar’s opening nearly 20 years ago.

The Bass: Miami

The Bass Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami Beach USA is a museum that shares the power of contemporary art through experiences that excite, challenge and educate. Its mission is to connect international contemporary art, its many forms and its diverse audience. Miami has several renowned museums (ICA, MOCA, Rubell Museum) but the Bass is considered to be one of America’s leading institutes dedicated to contemporary art. Its unique transdisciplinary approach is appealing, as The Bass integrates various industries including, architecture, design and fashion. A visit to this museum is an exciting and truly stimulating experience.

Maison de Rendez-vous: Brussels

In Saint-Gilles, a village-like district in Brussels, there is an experimental venue for contemporary art that remains somewhat of a hidden gem: the Maison de Rendez-Vous. This vast yet inviting building exhibits work from several continents within its wood paneled walls. A visit will take you on a tour of art from Tokyo to Mexico City and Los Angeles thanks to four innovative, international and experimental galleries that share the work that they display. This dynamic exhibition space in Belgian’s capital also supports many emerging artists.

France’s top exhibition spaces for contemporary art

Fluctuart: Paris

Fluctuart is the first floating urban art center in the world! This contemporary art exhibition space is a completely transparent three-story floating museum that is docked along the Seine River. It is located next to the Invalides bridge and features street art from well-established and emerging artists.

FRAC: Rennes

The FRAC museum is housed in an astonishing building designed by the architect Odile Decq. The work on display is comprised of a collection of nearly 5,000 pieces collected by the Regional Fund for Contemporary Art. In France, this alternative exhibition space has been a huge success, especially thanks to the artist Aurélie Nemours’ Alignment of theXXI Century - a modern rendition of the Carnac megalithic site, in Morbihan.

Kunsthalle: Mulhouse

Located in the city of Mulhouse, the Kunsthalle is an influential contemporary art center in France. It is located in the Fonderie, a former industrial building that is co-located with the University of Haute-Alsace, the city archives and the artist workshops Ateliers Pédagogiques d'Arts Plastiques. The center holds four exhibitions per year, aiming to promote local, national and international artistic creation.

Labanque: Béthune

Labanque (ex-Lab-Labanque) is located in Pas-de-Calais in the former Banque de France (Bank of France) in Béthune. Opened in 2007, it was created by the local community in the hopes of developing cultural policy in the North of France. This contemporary art exhibition space has been a great success thanks to the work of artists specializing in various media, including: photography, video, sculpture, painting, design, etc.

Le CAIRN: Digne-les-Bains

Developing regional contemporary art in France

The CAIRN is not widely known but it has been a major contributor to France’s contemporary art scene since its creation in 2000. It is a collaboration between the Gassendi Museum and the UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence. It features works of art and exhibitions created on site by artists in residence. The pieces are intended to be perennial or ephemeral. The contemporary art incorporates archeological findings, local history and traditions. This unique way of creating art helps spread contemporary art to rural areas while contributing to regional development.

The best art apps

If you’re an art lover, get your smartphone or tablet! Artalistic has carefully curated a selection of what we believe to be the best art apps available. All of the art apps mentioned can be easily downloaded.

Art apps featuring general information

Google Arts & Culture 

Of course, we can count on Google to offer what is, without a doubt, one of the best art apps and certainly the most extensive. This app features content from over 2,000 leading museums and archives to bring the world’s art and culture online so it’s accessible to anyone, anywhere. There are other amazing features that allow you to find your doppelganger in a work of art or to project your favorite painting onto the wall of your apartment!

DailyArt

DailyArt will pique your curiosity by sending you a daily push notification that features a work of art and a short history about it. This convenient art app features over 2,500 works of art masterpieces from museums and galleries around the world and approximately 800 artist biographies. This is a fun and easy way to expand your art history knowledge!

Minitopo

This is one of the best French art apps if you are learning or speak French. Minitopo is like having an art history teacher in your pocket and allows you to learn something new about the world of art every day. You can browse through the library of different subjects that are classified by theme.

Smartify

Launched in 2017, Smartify allows you to identify a work of art by snapping a photo of it. If you know the music app Shazam, you can think of it like the art app version. It also serves as one of the best art apps for traveling as it can help you find museums, galleries and more near you. It also allows you to book tickets and guided tours.

Street Art Cities

If you love street art, this is by far the best art app featuring the biggest street art community in the world. Street Art Cities cataloges approximately 40,000 works of art in 950 cities in 90 countries! It gives you a quick overview of all pubic artworks in the area, detailed background information on the artist, the story behind the work of art and its location. You can like and collect street art and plan your next trip through the city.

The best apps for making art

The following lists some of the best art apps that allow you to create images using AI. Over the past few years, an increasing number of these art apps have been launched. Here are a few that are definitely worth checking out.

Lensa

This is one of the best art apps for image editing that will instantly transform your smartphone images into a work of art. All you have to do us upload your image into the app and let the magic begin! Lensa is a fun way to take your photos to the next level.

Fotor

Fotor is another great art app that allows you to edit photos using AI technology in just a few clicks. It has several free features, allowing you to crop, resize, add text, make collages and create quality graphic designs. It also has a large selection of filters.

Deep Art Effects

Following the same principle as the last two art apps mentioned above, Deep Art Effects allows you to transform your photos into fantastic images in an easy to use and intuitive way with the help of artificial intelligence.

Wonder-AI

Wonder-AI is definitely one of the best art apps on the market for transforming your photos into stunning AI portraits. Once you upload your pictures the art app trains the AI. This process takes up to 6 hours. After that, you can generate images by entering text prompts to create the image of your dreams.

StarryAI

StarryAI is an impressive AI art app that allows you to generate art by describing what you want to see by entering text. The AI then transforms the words into art. It creates impressive high-resolution images in just a few minutes. The basic version allows you to create 5 images for free.

Art estimate websites

The following lists the top three websites recommended by art lovers and art market specialists alike. All three sites open up a world of information.

Artprice: The best art pricing site for professionals and amateurs  

The world leader in art market information, Artprice launched in France in 1997. Its cataloge includes 809,200 artists, 15,841,800 auction prices, 1,078,400 artworks listed for the past 12 months, from 6,500 auction houses around the world. Artprice is a website that is available on smartphones that offers several different memberships at different prices with an impressive panoply of options.

Artnet

Artnet is similar to Artprice and is one of the top art market websites ever created. This company was founded in Germany in 1989. It archives over 200,000 works of art and over 12 million auction records dating back to 1985. It also provides analytics reports and market alerts. Artprice is a precious tool used by countless professionals working in the art market sector.

Art Loss Register

Art Loss Register is a database created in 1991. It is the leading due diligence provider for the art market and maintains the world’s largest private database of stolen art, antiques and collectables. It can be very useful when estimating the price of a work of art whose provenance is unknown and can also help prevent you from unknowingly purchasing a piece that has been stolen.

What is contemporary art? Definition and examples

The definition of contemporary art is more expansive than you think!

The temporality of the history of art is frequently used to help define what contemporary art is. On the historical timeline, it encompasses all works of art created from 1945 until now, regardless of its style and media. Contemporary art therefore includes media such as sculpture, painting, photography, drawing, video art, digital installations, etc.

Modern and contemporary art: Defining the difference

Contemporary art came after modern art (1850 to 1945). Modern art cleared the way for contemporary art by transgressing from the traditional rules of representation, pushing and freeing itself from the normalized ideas of what is real, notably through the Cubist, Surrealist, Outsider Art and Impressionist movements.

Contemporary art goes beyond revolutionizing the form and pairs this visual aspect with more intellectual depth, reflecting on the inner meaning and significance of the artwork. A piece of contemporary art brings the viewer to question the time in history in which it was created.

The conceptual dimension

According to the above statements, contemporary art could be defined as follows: it is the expression and embodiment of an idea that reflects the complex issues that shape our diverse, global and rapidly changing world.

What is contemporary art and how to define it?

Contemporary art was invented by artists who wanted to separate themselves from figurative modern art. It was created in opposition to a desire to reproduce an idealized form of reality. In fact, all famous contemporary artists question, criticize and recreate reality without hiding its contradictory nature and dysfunction, on the contrary, it underscores the crises our modern societies are currently facing and asks us to bring them under question.

This definition of contemporary art is very vast and thus encapsulates a wide array of creation, so much so that attempting to give a precise ontological definition of what contemporary art is seems very difficult and, one might argue, useless. One can define contemporary art in several ways. A case in point, is the rich diversity and depth of the art movements that have branched from this umbrella term.

Movements and techniques

Pop Art

Some art critics and historians consider pop art to be the movement that marked the beginning of contemporary art in the 1960s. Several contemporary art movements were already developing in several countries during the 1950s.

Today there are countless branches of contemporary art, including abstract expressionism, minimalism, new realism, pop art, photo-realism, postmodern art, neo-expressionism, feminist art, street art, land art, bio art, computer or digital art and crypto art.

Countless techniques

Contemporary art is not only limited to traditional forms of expression such as painting and sculpture. It encompasses work made using various techniques and a wide array of media, including video art, digital art, music, installations, performances, happenings, etc.

Contemporary art’s experimental nature is one of its central pillars, offering artists an inexhaustible source of inspiration and giving them free rein in their creativity.

A thoughtful approach

In order to provide you with a complete definition of what contemporary art is, we must mention the fact that it has a cerebral dimension, in which artists reflect on their relationship with their environment. At the core of contemporary art lies the artist’s introspection of their surroundings, whether physical or symbolic.

Contemporary art builds a bridge between the artist and the viewer who is invited to react to and reflect upon the piece’s true meaning, delving beyond its surface and deciphering the message within.

Where to enjoy contemporary art  in person

Contemporary art museums are some of the best places to admire contemporary art. Like art centers or private foundations, they house collections and organize themed exhibitions featuring work by various contemporary artists.

Another option is art galleries, which are popular among art enthusiasts and professionals looking to enrich their knowledge about the latest trends and emerging artists.

The Internet and other digital technologies have allowed online art galleries to flourish, making them an easy way to discover such a vast sector. Artalistic opens the door into the world of online fine art with its carefully curated galleries featuring work from hundreds of artists working in an array of media: paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, etc. Enjoy your visit!

How to rent art through an online fine art leasing service

Leasing is a common practice in the professional sector, for example, financing a vehicle or manufacturing tool. Renting or leasing art is finally gaining traction in the creative sector.

Leasing with an option to buy is becoming an increasingly popular method for purchasing paintings, sculptures, photographs or even art furniture. Art rental is a particularly interesting option for organizations, companies, freelancers, etc. 

Purchasing fine art through leasing services is a surprisingly simple process, especially if you work with an expert in the field like Artalistic!

Use these simple steps to buy art online through rental services  

If you are interested in art rental and rent-to-own services the first thing to do is browse Artalistic’s carefully curated online galleries Thanks to its dedicated team of experts, Artalistic has propelled itself to the top of the industry as a reputable online platform specializing in buying and selling art. Artalistic has been featured in recognized media outlets such as Forbes and the French magazine Marie Claire.

Artalistic mainly features contemporary art from both well-established and emerging artists at a wide range of prices. You will be hard pressed to choose between our large panoply of paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings and limited-edition prints.

The following details the steps to follow in order to get started on your art leasing journey:

Selecting a work of art

We know that searching for the perfect work of art to fit your taste and budget can be difficult. Artalistic’s goal is to bring a curated and unique shopping experience to the discerning art enthusiast. Our team can collaborate with you to find a piece that will meet all of your requirements. Feel free to leave us a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible and help you get started. For more details about art rental, feel free to read our blog article on the subject.

Creating and finalizing an art rental contract

The second step in creating and finalizing an art leasing contract involves establishing a monthly payment plan that suits your budget. When we create this plan, we take into account the amount of savings you can earn on taxes.

Shipping the artwork on lease

Once this art rental contract has been signed and approved your artwork will be shipped to you in the shortest possible delay. Artalistic is a reputable online gallery that uses safe and secure payment methods.  

What happens when your art rental contract finishes?

At the end of your art leasing contract, several options exist depending on the clauses stated in your contract. You will most likely have the option of paying the remainder of the work of art’s price, becoming the proud owner of the piece. It’s possible to make substantial savings in comparison to the piece’s initial sale price.

The benefits of renting art for corporate and retail owners

Exhibiting art for the public and employees to enjoy

Purchasing and exhibiting rental art is becoming increasingly common. It has many advantages for companies, administrations and property rental owners.

It allows you to create a pleasant space for your clients and collaborators to enjoy. Art can also be a good way to represent your company’s values. Creating a pleasant atmosphere in your workspace shouldn’t be underestimated as a forward-thinking communication strategy.

The financial advantages of leasing fine art

In addition to being able to purchase a work of art at a lower cost while spreading out payments over a period of time, the piece’s price can be deducted from the company's annual taxable income. Not only will your accountant be happy, buy you can also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you have made an investment that will bring you solid returns!

Pay less taxes by renting fine art

Companies can therefore deduct the cost of artwork from their taxable income, making investing in art a wise financial decision.

Not only will you be investing in culture by leasing art, you will be enjoying significant tax deductions.  

In France, Art rental (generally lasting between 12 and 48 months) comes under the heading of office decoration (compte 6068 du plan comptable général). It is therefore considered to be completely deductible.

Artalistic: a leading art rental and rent-to-own gallery

Leasing art with the intention to buy allows companies and professionals an easy and progressive way to purchase artwork through the company.

Countless companies have used Artalistic to help them decorate their commercial spaces.

If you are based in France and are interested in our art rental services, or if you have any questions about whether or not renting to own is right for you, feel free to contact our team and we will give you the personalized help you deserve.

Artalistic’s art leasing services are only available in France at the time this article was written. However, our traditional online art sale services are available worldwide.

Best-selling artists and record-breaking sales

The art market has boomed over the past few years with rare or never-before-seen sales. As we will see in the second part of this article, these best-selling artists are not all from the contemporary art field.

Some classical pieces have been resold recently, breaking records for the most expensive pieces ever sold to this date, as seen in the following list:

Ranking of best-selling artists of all time

From Leonard de Vinci to Willem De Kooning, Gauguin, Cézanne, Modigliani, Picasso and Andy Warhol, the following lists the world’s best-selling artists of all time. Ranked according to the price the paintings sold for:

1. Salvator Mundi, Leonard de Vinci (1500), sold for 450 million dollars in 2017

2. When Will You Marry, Paul Gauguin (1892), sold for 300 million dollars in 2015

3. Interchange, Willem De Kooning (1955), sold for 300 million dollars in 2015

4. The Card Players, Paul Cézanne (1892), sold for 274 million dollars in 2011

5. Shot Sage Blue Marylin, Andy Warhol (1964), sold for 195 million dollars in 2022

6. Women of Algiers, Pablo Picasso (1955), sold for 180 million dollars in 2015

7. Nu couché (Reclining Nude), Amedeo Modigliani (1917), sold for 170 million dollars in 2015

8. Woman III, Willem De Kooning (1952), sold for 159 million dollars in 2006

9. Nu couché (Reclining Nude), Amedeo Modigliani (1917), sold for 157 million dollars in 2018

10. The Dream, Pablo Picasso (1932), sold for 155 million dollars in 2013

Other best-selling artists in this category

We would like to cite a few more best-selling artists from this category: Gustav Klimt (Portrait of Adèle Bloch-Bauer I), Vincent Van Gogh (Portrait of Dr Gachet), Roy Lichtenstein (Nurse), Edvard Munch (The Scream) or Jean-Michel Basquiat (In This Case). The Fondation Louis Vuitton will be featuring a show on Basquiat in 2023 that should attract a large crowd. All of the artists listed above appear on lists of the world’s top 20 best-selling artists of all time.

2021 and 2022’s best-selling artists

Over the last ten years, the art market has been experiencing constant and substantial growth. While the number of sales is increasing, these figures are highly influenced by the sale of certain pieces that are going for colossal sums. The following data collected over the last few years is proof of this trend:

Record-breaking sales for fine art in 2021

The following lists the best-selling artists in 2021:

1. Pablo Picasso: 3,452 lots sold for 671 million dollars

2. Jean-Michel Basquiat: 104 lots sold for 439 million dollars

3. Andy Warhol: 1586 lots sold for 348 million dollars

4. Claude Monet: 26 lots sold for 305 million dollars

5. Gerhard Richter: 298 lots sold for 246 million dollars

6. Zhang Daqian: 467 lots sold for 240 million dollars

7. Vincent Van Gogh: 24 lots sold for 235 million dollars

8. Banksy: 1,186 lots sold for 205 million dollars

9. Cy Twombly: 87 lots sold for 182 million dollars

10. Yayoi Kusama: 778 lots sold for 178 million dollars

If you tally up this Top 10 list it equals a total sales value of over $3 billion!

Record-breaking sales for fine art in 2022

All of the data for 2022 is not available yet, but the observable trend underlines the art market’s constant activity. Best-selling artists continue to sell work at a steady pace.

Case in point, the famous and highly-rated Paul Cézanne’s (1839-1906) Montagne Sainte-Victoire sold for 137 million dollars. Cézanne painted several versions of this mountain located in Aix-en-Provence, France.  

Off the chart sales of Seurat paintings

We must mention Georges Seurat's painting, The Models, which sold at Christie's for nearly $150 million - last year’s record sale. This piece is considered a masterpiece of pointillism.

Finally, Pop Art continues to be popular among collectors, as seen with Andy Warhol’s undeniable and seemingly unwavering popularity. This eternal idol’s painting Shot Sage Blue Marilyn was already mentioned in our ranking of the best-selling artists of all time.

Invest with Artalistic: the online art gallery with an ever-expanding following

Investing in fine art isn’t just for the elite. Our online galleries feature countless unique and interesting pieces from well-established and emerging artists, including: paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and limited-edition prints. Who knows, the artists whose work you fall in love with might be the next Warhol or Basquiat!

If you are an artist or if you have works of art that you would like to sell, feel free to contact us. We will be more than happy to show you the ins and outs of our online sales platform. For example, we can assist you with estimating your artwork’s value. Our team of experts can also give you advice that can help you meet your goals and network with potential buyers.

Art exhibitions in Paris – 2023’s must-see shows!

Sayed Haider Raza

Centre Pompidou: Feb 15 – May 15, 2023

This is the first retrospective exhibition dedicated to Sayed Haider Raza (1922-2016), an Indian artist and founding member of the Progressive Artists Group created in Mumbai in 1947. This will be an opportunity to delve into the most prolific creative period of his life, when he lived and worked in Paris. During this period, he developed a formal and conceptual body of work impregnated with a palpable and visible transcultural dynamic. This exhibition will be taking place at the beginning of 2023, offering viewers a chronological look at his life’s work through milestones that enable us to grasp the complexity of the modern Indian project from the 1950s to the 1990s and the issues defining the globalized space of contemporary creation.

Chagall: Paris - New York, The New Immersive Exhibition

Atelier des Lumières: Fev 17, 2023 – Jan 14, 2024

The Atelier des Lumières will be honoring the iconic, prolific and unclassifiable painter - Belarusian-born, naturalized French artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985) - with a spectacular and eagerly awaited immersive exhibition that presents pieces that follow his entire creative career. The show focuses on his ties to Paris and New York, central hubs of the modern art world where he created some of his most important work. This will be a unique opportunity to see this boundlessly creative artist’s work from another angle, taking you on a journey with the help of Atelier des Lumières’ unique digital immersion technologies!

Germaine Richier

Centre Pompidou: Mar 1 - Jun 12, 2023

Centre Pompidou pays tribute to the sculptor Germaine Richier (1909-1952) - the first female artist exhibited at the National Museum of Modern Art (1956). This retrospective showcases her original style and demonstrates the degree to which she occupied a central position in the history of 20^th century art, notably through her work in bronze and her revitalization of the figure by forging new depictions of men, women and nature in the post-war period.

Matisse. Cahiers d’art: the pivotal 1930’s

Musée de l’Orangerie: Mar 1 - May 29, 2023

This exhibition places some of Henri Matisse’s (1869-1954) rarely exhibited works under the spotlight. It brings together drawings, prints, photographs, engravings, archives, excerpts from films and various publications from this master of Fauvism’s collection.

Giovanni Bellini: Influences Croisées

Musée Jacquemart-André: Mar 3 - July 17, 2023

The 2023 exhibition in Paris dedicated to the Italian artist Giovanni Bellini will certainly be one of the best classical art shows of the year. It will plunge visitors into the Renaissance era with a deep dive into his work. On the bill: a magnificent selection of paintings by this great master who worked during the second half of the 15^th century. Approximately fifty pieces will be gathered from public and private European collections. The pieces selected from this great master and father of the Venetian School’s work highlight his constantly evolving and original artistic style.

Neo-romantics

Musée Marmottan Monet: March 8 - June 18, 2023

This spring, the Musée Marmottan Monet will bring together nearly one hundred works that will allow the public to (re)discover one of the first post-modern movements based on the questioning of abstraction and the return to the figure. This movement started in Paris in the 1920s and spread to the American, English and Italian art scenes, creating links between Picasso, surrealism, 20^th century figurative art and the living arts. A rare opportunity to admire pieces by Christian Bérard (1902-1949), Pavel Tchelitchew (1898-1957), Eugène (1899-1972), Léonide Berman (1898-1976) and Kristians Tonny (1907-1977).

Léon Monet

Musée du Luxembourg: March 15 - July 16, 2023

An unprecedented exhibition dedicated to Léon Monet (1836-1917), the brother of Claude Monet  (1840-1926), will open this spring at the Musée du Luxembourg. Despite being lesser known than his brother, Léon played a key role in his brother’s career. Léon Monet was a color chemist, industrialist and collector. This exhibition taking place in Paris brings together around one hundred works, among them paintings and drawings by his contemporaries, including: Claude Monet, Sisley, Pissarro and Renoir, as well as books of color, fabric swatches, Japanese prints, archive documents and much more.

Manet/Degas

Musée d’Orsay: March 18 – July 23, 2023  

This Parisian exhibition brings together two great masters of painting. Key figures from the 1860s – 80s, Édouard Manet (1832-1883) and Edgar Degas (1834-1917) came from dissimilar backgrounds and diverged in terms of exhibitions and careers. This exhibition presents these striking contrasts, while showcasing the friendship that budded between the two artists. It also highlights unforeseen aspects of pictorial modernity and the post-impressionist period.

Elliott Erwitt: A Retrospective

Musée Maillol: March 23 – Aug 15, 2023

Elliott Erwitt is a French-born American photographer who was born in Paris in 1928. He is renowned for his street photography and portraits of celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Che Guevara, etc. This exhibition, organized by Musée Maillol, will feature superb black and white and color photographs touching upon various themes that were created from 1949 to the 2000s.

One of 2023’s most awaited exhibitions in Paris: Basquiat x Warhol. Painting 4 Hands

Fondation Louis Vuitton: April 5 - August 28, 2023

We are rounding up our list of 2023’s top art exhibitions in Paris with the exhibition organized by the Fondation Louis Vuitton on Basquiat and Warhol. In 2018, the Fondation held an exhibition dedicated to the American artist and neo-expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988). Basquiat x Warhol. Painting 4 Hands will feature a body of work created by Basquiat and Andy Warhol (1928-1987). These two great figures in the history of contemporary art collaborated on approximately 160 paintings during the mid-1980s. Individual works by each artist will also be on display.

Enjoy browsing more art on Artalistic’s online gallery

We hope you have enjoyed our selection of must-see 2023 Parisian art exhibitions. If you plan on visiting Paris, you have plenty of superb shows to choose from! In the meantime, feel free to browse Artalistic’s virtual galleries, featuring work from well-established and emerging artists in a wide array of media - painting, photography, sculpture, drawing and limited-edition prints. Thank you for following our blog and see you soon for the latest news from the art world, brought to you by Artalistic!

Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris: there’s still time but the clock is ticking!

Bad news: the six-month Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris is almost over. Good news: you still have about a month to enjoy this must-see event at the beginning of 2023. The show gives you a chance to discover this Mexican painter’s life, work and personal philosophy from a more intimate perspective.

An iconic artist who gained recognition late in life

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is undoubtedly one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20^th century. Her work and life are powerful and full of joy and pain.

A Mexican painter renowned as a purveyor of a singular style of surrealist art, Frida Kahlo was heavily influenced by Mexican history. Her work is permeated by a harmonious blend of nature and folk art. She is well known for her countless self-portraits. In fact, Frida Kahlo painted more self-portraits than Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

The theme of pain is palpable in her work - she suffered enormous amounts of physical discomfort for much of her life and was disabled in a bus accident when she was 18. She also endured much mental turmoil caused by a tumultuous marriage with the famous mural painter Diego Riva. Her work also revolved around the themes of post-colonialism, gender and the cultural identity of indigenous Mexicans. The Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris touches upon these various subjects in a wonderful way.

A symbol of female, political and romantic emancipation

A self-taught artist, Frida Kahlo may not have been fully recognized during her lifetime but she gradually became a symbol of progressivism from the 1990s on. She became an icon associated with many emerging political positions tinged with humanitarian concepts and open viewpoints aimed at cultivating a collective mindset for the greater good.

Frida Kahlo never hid her communist ideologies. She is said to have had an affair with Leon Trotsky, one of the prominent figures of the 1914 Russian Revolution. He was forced to flee his country and take refuge in Mexico where he met Kahlo. Her painting entitled Self-portrait on the Borderline between Mexico and the United States (1932) reflects her anti-Americanism and disdain for imperialism.

The love of her life

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s love was based on the unshaking foundation of their shared love for one another’s work and their similar world views. Much of Kahlo’s work was fueled by the spiritual path she took during her shared life with Rivera, a humanitarian with a big heart.

This famous artist couple has certainly cemented a place for themselves in the history of art. Christine Frérot, PhD in Art History, confirms this in her book entitled, A Melancholic Passion According to Frida Kahlo.

A must-see Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris!

Frida Kahlo did not love France or Paris. She was disappointed by a trip she took to the capital in 1938. She found the city dirty and was dissatisfied by the intellectual microcosm present at the time. She went so far as to call André Breton and the surrealists, "A bunch of coocoo lunatic sons of bitches." Despite her distain for France, one of 2023’s most beautiful exhibitions is being held in Paris. The show’s curators showcased Frida Kahlo’s life and work in a spectacular and never-before-seen way.

The origins of the Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris

Frida Kahlo's house in Mexico – the Casa Azul - had been placed under seal by her husband Diego Rivera (1886-1957) after Kahlo’s death. In 2004 this precious collection was open to the public, revealing a prodigious treasure trove of more than six thousand photographs, three hundred items of clothing, countless documents, letters, photos, jewelry and accessories. 200 objects from this collection are on display in Paris at the Palais Galliera alongside several of Kahlo’s most emblematic paintings.

A sumptuous wardrobe

The Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to admire the Kahlo’s dresses. The highlight of her prodigious wardrobe, the famous traditional Mexican outfits she wore daily, are on display as well as pieces from Guatemala, China, Europe and the United States. Frida Kahlo used her appearance as a way for her to express her identity and political stance.

Practical Guide: Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris

Here is a quick rundown of everything you need to know about the Frida Kahlo exhibition in Paris - a fabulously curated retrospective with rarely seen objects the bring us an intimate and touching look at the artist’s life.

Title

Frida Kahlo: Beyond Appearances

Date and location

- Palais Galliera — 10 Avenue Pierre 1^er de Serbie, 75116 Paris

- September 15, 2022 – March 5, 2023

Hours

- Tuesday to Sunday: 10AM – 6PM (9PM Thursdays)

- Closed: Mondays and national holidays

Entrance Fees

- Full price: €15

- Discounted price: €13 

- Free for people under 18

- Accessible to Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)

We highly recommend reserving tickets in advance. Tickets are available here.

Curators 

- Circe Henestrosa: exhibition curator and designer, Head of the School of Fashion Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore

- Miren Arzalluz: director of Palais Galliera

- Gannit Ankori: Advising Director, PhD, Henry and Lois Foster Director and Chief Curator, Rose Art Museum, USA

Digital art Vs. traditional art: friend or foe?

Digital art is not new

Firmly positioned in center spotlight for the last decade, specifically in regards to the recent boom in popularity of NFT and crypto-art, some may be surprised to learn that digital art has been around for the last century.

The term digital art has evolved over the past few decades. However, its roots are firmly anchored in the 1960s and the advent and progressive rise of computer science and binary code.

Digital art grew slowly over time thanks to artists such as Frieder Nake – a German mathematician, computer scientist and the pioneer of computer art. Video art also helped its rise to fame. For example, many of the French television and radio director Jean-Christophe Averty’s television productions from in the 1960s are considered to be early examples of video art. The term digital art was first employed in the 1980s, distinguishing it from traditional art (painting, drawing, sculpture).

During the 2000s, the explosion of the World Wide Web made digital art more easily accessible, both in terms of its creation and how it was viewed.

A form of art in a class of its own

Compared to the history of traditional art, digital art is still rather new. One might even bring into question its legitimacy as an art form.

When comparing digital Vs. traditional art, the latter is created using physical materials. However, digital art produces pieces that must also be regarded as art despite the fact that they may not be physical objects. This can be illustrated by the record-breaking sums of money that cyber art is being sold for – for example the work by the famous American artist Beeple.

Reproaching digital art for its non-physical nature, as many critics do, would be shortsighted as the purpose of all art is to capture the creator’s message, ideas and emotions and put them on display for others, or themselves, to enjoy. As our means of communication evolves with digital technologies, one might argue that art should evolve to embrace these new materials, using tools such as computers and digitally coded information.

Digital Vs. traditional art: Bridging the gap

Artists have been using a variety of tools, media and technologies in their creative processes since the beginning of art history, giving their imagination free rein to invent new artworks. This idea can also be applied to digital art and was sublimated in Marshall McLuhan’s famous catchphrase: "The medium is the message" (Understanding Media, 1964).

The Canadian philosopher and sociologist McLuhan’s statement refers to his theory that the media one employs is important, and regardless of content, the effect will still be the same. This concept merits consideration in our modern era, which is characterized by constantly evolving information technologies that have allowed digital art to bloom. Why shouldn’t we use binary code as a tool for artistic expression? Especially since many contemporary artists who, until more recently only worked traditionally, have been successfully experimenting with digital art.

Traditional art: modifying and reinventing techniques

Technology has always been closely linked to the artistic process involved in the creation of traditional art: oil paints were used as early as the 7^th century AD, the impressionists’ experimented with depicting variations of light as they began painting from real life by bringing their canvases outside, the invention of the camera allowed us to capture and freeze reality. And, of course, the digital camera is one of the most popular artistic media of the modern age.

The advent of a new artists' era

Today, many artists are considered to be "100% digital," creating innovative artwork in a sector that did not exist a few years ago. The democratization of technology has made their work increasing accessible, and therefore, increasingly easy to earn a living through their art. This is a logical evolution for art to undergo as new generations, like Generation Z, have grown up with access to the internet and portable digital technology from a young age.  

Traditional artists Hockney and Koons are also experimenting with digital art!

The digital art revolution has not only brought these new artists to the forefront, as witnessed by recent artworks by key contemporary artists that are famous for their traditional art. An increasing number of modern artists are integrating digital technology into their work, from 3D printing to virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

For example, the iconic British pop artist David Hockney created a large body of 116 digital paintings capturing the unfolding of spring in Normandy on his iPad. As Hockney notes, “On an iPad you draw a bit differently, but that’s all you do. Drawing is 50,000 years old, isn’t it? I think it comes from very deep within us actually.”

Another telling example is that of the American neo-pop artist Jeff Koons. For several years now, Koons has been using new digital technologies, in particular 3D printing and augmented reality, working in close collaboration with computer scientists and algorithm designers. The gap separating traditional and digital art appears to be closing rapidly!

2022 Art Market: A record-breaking year

Despite a turbulent year full of elements that negatively impacted the economy, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and a global economic recession, the 2022 art market had an exceptionally strong year.

Spring prediction is confirmed

Art sales during the Covid period were not very significant. However, as we exit this era, we are seeing record breaking sales, an increase in auctions and collectors are willing to visit global art fairs and exhibitions despite the continuing pandemic - as was the case for the premiere of Paris+ by Art Basel.

Data from The Art Market's annual report published by Art Basel & UBS last spring predicted that the 2022 art market had returned to, and even exceeded, the level observed before the Coronavirus pandemic. The information gathered mentioned an impressive turnover of 65.1 billion dollars.

The remainder of the year continued this strong upward trend, notably thanks to several sales of work by great masters that brought together recognized collectors and philanthropists. For example, a museum’s worth of masterworks from the co-founder of Microsoft Paul Allen’s personal collection was sold at auction after his recent death. This was the largest sale in auction history topping 1.5 billion dollars.

Art market 2022: more than 50 pieces sold for over $30 million!

More than 50 works of art were sold for over 30 million dollars, breaking the previous record, which was 36 pieces in 2015. Of the 52 works sold, 24 of them exceeded $50 million, cracking the record of 15 pieces sold in this price bracket in 2014. Six of these pieces were sold for over $100 million.

Private collections are on the rise

The frantic race for masterpieces that is currently underway is evidenced by transactions that have never, or rarely, been seen before. For example, Andy Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn from the Ammann Collection sold at Christie's for $195 million, making it the most expensive 20^th century painting sold at auction.

Sotheby's also boasted a colossal sale of René Magritte's Empire of Light, which sold for $79.8 million at an auction in London that sold nearly $300 million worth of art in 24 hours, a significant milestone in the 2022 art market!

What are the forecasts for the year to come?

If the picture painted here appears idyllic, it is nevertheless advisable to temper this vision, or at least to explore it in more depth. To begin with, we must take the predominant influence the sector's heavyweights have on the market into account.

A more detailed inspection of the 2022 art market

As previously explained, the 2022 art market was boosted by colossal sales. The major auction houses shared the biggest slice of the cake and smaller companies had to make do with a few crumbs. Initial estimates suggest that nearly 95% of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art sales were completed by Christie's and Sotheby's, 80% of these sales took place in New York. The United States kept its role as a major player in the art market, ahead of London, Hong Kong and Paris.

The repercussions of over concentration

Logically, the situation is less glorious for smaller, lesser-known auction houses. The astronomical figures observed in the 2022 art market could mask an economic situation that is much more nuanced than it appears. Especially for the majority of individuals who do not have the strategic and financial clout of the sector's leaders.

What about the dematerialization of the market?

The future of NFTs and digital art

NFTs are too new in the grand scheme of things to draw up a comprehensive assessment of digital art. Many view the initial trends in digital art to be disappointing, some specialists hesitate to talk about the recent collapse of NFTs. If this trend continues, it would probably be largely due to the crash observed in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sphere during the summer of 2022.

Are online art sales still on the rise?

On the other hand, the digital art market could once again come out on top, as the latest 2021 Hiscox report indicated. It seems that online spending is here to stay! More wealthy collectors showed a willingness to buy online. Fewer collectors said they preferred to transact in person at a gallery than in 2020 (42%, down from 57%), while even more said they preferred buying online than in 2020 (37%, up from 29%).

A famous contemporary artist known for her polka dots

Polka dots and color

Yayoi Kusama was born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929. She is now one of the most famous modern artists with a prolific body of work and is highly-skilled in various artistic media: painting, sculpture, installations and even writing and singing.

Her work is based on the idea of the only constant thing we know - the self - and exploring its place within the immense universe. In her work, this concept of the self is represented by a polka dot. Kusama stated, “Our earth is one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos. Polka dots are a way to infinity. When we obliterate nature and our bodies with polka dots we become part of the unity of our environment.” She explores this concept through a wide range of techniques, including abstract expressionism, pop art, minimalism and outsider art.

She began using this polka dot motif as a young child, they are omnipresent and have become a hallmark of her work and installations.

The effects of a mental illness

When she was 10 years old, she suffered from hallucinations that plunged her into a room filled with polka dots of all sizes and colors. The only relief she found from this engulfing environment was drawing it. To this day, Yayoi Kusama draws inspiration from this hallucinatory state where color and shape reign.

Yayoi Kusama's famous Pumpkin. A giant sculpture of this pumpkin was one of Japan’s most recognizable works of modern art. It stood at the end of a pier on the “art island” of Naoshima since 1994 but was badly damaged during a recent typhoon.

A career path entirely dedicated to art

As a child, Kusama attended the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts. After the outbreak of the Second World War, she was called upon to work making parachutes for up to twelve hours a day. This grueling schedule did not keep her from continuing to create art.

From the 1950s onwards, she devoted herself to exploring more abstract forms of art that gained recognition in Japanese art circles. The first exhibition she organized in 1952 was a success. However, the traditional hierarchical Japanese society structure seemed to hamper her enjoyment and development as an artist.

For a while, she planned to move to Paris but finally decided to move to America in 1957 after corresponding with another famous female contemporary artist, the American Georgia O'Keeffe - an American modernist who is famous for her abstract art. Years later, Kusama declared: "For art like mine, [Japan] was too small, too servile, too feudal and too scornful of women. My art needed a more unlimited freedom, and a larger world."

A famous contemporary artist recognized late in life

In New York, Yayoi Kusama studied at the Arts Students League. She began creating her now-iconic series "Infinity Net," characterized by a rippling arrangement of dexterously swirling arcs. "Infinity Net" is also the title of her autobiography.

At that time, critics classified her under the Eccentric Abstraction artistic movement, a movement used to explore art as neither depiction nor imprint but as a representation of something else, creating works of art that establish a relationship with the viewer on the artwork’s own terms. These pieces were created to establish a physical relationship with the viewers, who were often invited to interact with the works of art. Kusama had her first installation at the famous Gertrude Stein Gallery in New York.

Yayoi Kusama gained international recognition in the 1990s. Today, she is one of the most famous modern artists and is known for her signature polka dot covered installations.

One of the world's most famous contemporary artist’s major achievements

A prolific modern artist, Yayoi Kusama sometimes worked obsessively, up to 50 hours at a time. Although her ascension to international fame was gradual, she quickly became a central figure in the New York art scene, becoming part of the Pop art milieu and frequenting famous artists like Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg.

Floor Show

Her art combined an avant-garde and non-conformist approach, which she managed to constantly reinvent while maintaining a firm grasp on her signature style. For example, in 1965, her highly-acclaimed installation “Floor Show” featured at Castellane Gallery in New York allowed visitors to immerse themselves in a space filled with large mirrors and polka dot covered helium-inflated balloons.

Venice

In 1966, in response to not being invited to the 33^rd Venice Biennale, Yayoi Kusama littered 1,500 shimmering metal balls on the lawn of the pavilion. The installation was aimed at critiquing art world consumerism as she sold each ball for the equivalent of $2.  

Kusama Art

Today, this famous modern artist is considered an eminent signature in the art world. Her boundless creativity makes it difficult to classify her work, so much so that some critics refer to her art as its own movement - "Kusama Art.”

Yayoi Kusama's colorful patterns are used in many other creative sectors, including fashion (designer handbags and clothing), furniture and even architectural designs.

Artlistic: Online platform for buying and selling art by emerging and famous modern artists

Artalistic is a leading online platform for buying and selling contemporary art; feel free to browse Artalistic’s virtual galleries and explore a wide array of carefully curated pieces by well-established and emerging artists in various media, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. Artalistic’s team of experts is ready to answer any questions you might have about establishing an artist portfolio on our site or finding the perfect piece to purchase - contact us for any inquiries.

The environmental impact of NFTs and digital art: observations and analysis

We recently published several articles on the advent of digital art. This new form of contemporary art has literally exploded in the last ten years, revolutionizing the art market and allowing it to expand into unexplored territories. NFTs and the artists using this media are making headlines with one record breaking sale after another; the craze for this new art form does not seem to be waning.

The flip side of the coin

This relatively new form of art has some positive points: It is more accessible and opens new avenues of creation, especially for younger tech-savvy generations. However, negative criticism is increasing as light is being shed on the truth about the environmental impact of NFTs and digital art.

A disastrous carbon footprint

The widespread popularity of digital art is starting to be outweighed by its carbon footprint, which is high to say the least. Despite the recent craze surrounding digital art, its negative impact on the environment must be taken into account. Every aspect of online activity consumes energy and digital art is no exception; the machines and servers that store blockchain hum away, consuming massive amounts of energy.

For example, the NFT GIF "Space Cat" (depicting a cat in a rocket soaring towards the moon) uses the same amount of energy that an average European citizen uses during two months. The problem is that this example is only one in a million, as reported in an analysis by digital artist Memo Atken, who calculated that a single Ethereum transaction is estimated to have a carbon footprint on average of 35 kWH. To put this into perspective, this is roughly equivalent to an EU resident’s electric power consumption for 4 days.  

How are NFTs and digital art bad for the environment?

By 2025, the digital world’s global carbon emissions will represent 9% of greenhouse gas. The environmental impact of NFTs is not likely to improve the situation.

The problem lies in their high energy consumption and, more precisely, the energy used by the blockchain that allows them to exist. This technology is composed of blocks of binary information that record transactions and exchanges of signals on a network.

Bitcoin and Ethereum networks are the most renowned, and the majority of digital art uses Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is one of the more energy intensive forms of blockchain and its impact on the environment is substantial. This situation is not set in stone and blockchain companies are taking steps to reduce emissions.

Ethereum blockchain and its green revolution

PoW and PoS

Blockchains operate according to two different consensus algorithms that are centralized and do not use intermediaries:

- PoW (Proof of Work): is a mechanism used to regulate the creation of blocks and the state of the blockchain. It forces miners to make trillions of numerical guesses in order to produce a valid block.

- PoS (Proof of Stake): is an alternative consensus mechanism to PoW, developed and used by a few alternative cryptocurrencies. In the Proof-of-Stake model, stakers - the PoS equivalent of miners - lock up funds in a special smart contract. Every time a new block is needed by the network, an algorithm grants a specific staker the opportunity to publish the next block. The algorithm selects the staker via lottery, depending on each staker’s percentage of total staked funds. For example, if a single staker controls 30% of all funds staked on a given network, they have a 30% chance of mining the next block.

PoS is considered to be better for the environment, since there’s no energy-intensive computing.

Ethereum 2.0

As stated above, most digital art transactions use Ethereum blockchain. Until recently, Ethereum was based on the PoW protocol. Vitalik Buterin, the Russian-Canadian computer programmer and founder of Ethereum, recently announced that the company switched to the PoS protocol in September 2022.

Over the past six months, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies have seen rapid price drops. Ethereum’s switch to the PoS consensus mechanism, called “The Merge,” was a success and could ultimately reestablish Ethereum’s positive reputation. This shift should have large and immediate effects on the environmental impact of NFTs and digital art: Ethereum 2.0’s switch to PoS is predicted to consume 99.95% less energy than it did while it used PoW, which is significant.

The future environmental impact of NFTs and digital art

This shift from PoW to PoS has been lauded by cryptocurrency fans and those working in the digital art world. However, the crypto-art industry still faces major challenges in terms of environmental preservation. As the digital world is relatively new in the span of history, a central concern surrounding its ecological impact must be considered and rules and regulations must be created to curb its negative effects.

More than 250 companies and individuals spanning the crypto and finance technology, NGO and energy and climate sectors have joined the Crypto Climate Accord, inspired by the Paris Climate Agreement. The CCA is an initiative for the crypto community focused on decarbonizing the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. This initiative set lofty goals: transitioning all blockchains to renewable energy by 2030, with a net carbon footprint reduced to zero by the year 2040. These goals are praise-worthy, but only the future will tell if they are able to meet them.

Until then, it seems wiser to invest in traditional, non-digital art. Feel free to browse Artalistic’s virtual galleries of paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures and limited-edition prints by well-established and emerging artists.

The best of Paris+ par Art Basel 2022 contemporary art fair

Contemporary art fair: Paris+ par Art Basel

The FIAC 2022 will not be held this year in Paris, however a new international contemporary art fair named Paris+ par Art Basel took place in Paris for the very first time. Art Basel was created in 1970 in Basel, a success from the very first exhibition, the show was then held in various locations around the world, including Miami and Hong Kong. This three-day event, which took place at the Grand Palais Éphémère, proved to be a success, attracting more than 40,000 visitors. This was a temporary location, due to the fact that the Grand Palais is being renovated; work is slated to be finished by 2024. Visitors expressed that they had a very vibrant experience, as they absorbed work from leading galleries from 30 countries and various art related events - conferences, exhibitions, stalls and much more.

A very successful contemporary art fair held in Paris

Art Basel’s organizers had one main goal in mind, to create an event dedicated to creating new “connections between contemporary art and French cultural industries such as fashion, music, design and cinema.” Their mission was clearly accomplished as this inaugural edition of Paris+ par Art Basel reunited 156 galleries from around the world, including France various European countries, Africa, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East. The organizers announced numerous successful sales thanks to the active participation of collectors of standing and various international institutions. This event affirmed Paris’ leading position on the contemporary art scene.

Its success was undoubtedly due in part to the organizers’ capacity to collaborate with Paris’ cultural institutions.

Sales with several zeros!

The artists exhibiting also expressed that they thought the event was successful. For example, Patrick Goddard, a 38-year-old British artist whose captivating models of snails invading common living spaces such as homes and train stations, testified: "Paris is regaining its place as the central hub for contemporary and modern art in Europe.”

Among the most notable sales at Paris+ par Art Basel: a painting by Kehinde Wiley sold for 880,000 euros, a Joan Mitchell for more than 4.5 million euros, a Giacometti for 2.7 million euros, a George Condo for 2.6 million euros and a Christopher Wool for 1.5 million euros.

Paris+ par Art Basel: A major contemporary art fair

Paris+ par Art Basel is destined to become a major event in the contemporary art world and has also organized “Art in the Park,” featuring art installations throughout Paris, as well as other open-air exhibitions. For example, the magnificent piece by the German-Polish artist Alicja Kwade, who presented her largest installation to date - Au cours des Mondes - at Place Vendôme and the remarkable exhibition organized in collaboration with the Musée du Louvre featuring large-scale works in the scenic grounds of the Jardin des Tuileries.

Clément Delépine, director of Paris+ par Art Basel, was delighted: "I believe that this week marks a real turning point for the artistic community in France, a point where Paris’ cultural figures have come together to collectively present the best that the city has to offer to the world. The excitement in the exhibition halls and throughout Paris is a testament to the city's newfound momentum and the spirit of collegiality that made this first edition extraordinarily successful."

Make way for talented emerging artists!

An entire section of Paris+ par Art Basel, entitled Galeries Émergentes, was reserved specifically for emerging contemporary artists.

Art market specialists kept an eye on these successful emerging artists. Paris+ par Art Basel curated a small selection of these young talents that they believe are destined to become major artists in the near future.

For example, the director of the Parisian gallery Sans Titre, Marie Madec, presented the 27-year-old Swiss artist of Malagasy descent, Jessy Razafimandimby, who made a successful sale!

The French President Emmanuel Macron and the French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak, made appearances at the event. Louis Vuitton, one of the eminent partners of Paris+ par Art Basel was particularly pleased with these public appearances.

We wait with bated breath for the next edition of Paris+ par Art Basel contemporary art fair

Paris+ by Art Basel may be finished but you can continue soaking up beautiful contemporary art by browsing Artalistic’s carefully curated virtual galleries. We feature a wide range of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and limited-edition prints by well-established and emerging artists. Stay in-the-know with the latest news from the international art world with Artalistic!

5 of the most famous black and white photographs: Instead of a thousand words

Mushroom Cloud over Nagasaki by Lieutenant Charles Levy, 1945

On August 9, 1945, at precisely 11:02 AM, the U.S. Army dropped the second atomic bomb - codenamed “Fat Man” - on Nagasaki, Japan. Three days prior to this they had deployed the first atomic bomb “Little Boy” on the city of Hiroshima.

This moment was captured on film by U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Charles Levy who was aboard a bomber flying 10 miles above the city of Nagasaki. The photograph perfectly encapsulates the horror of war and the madness of men.

The strange mass rising monumentally in the air was unlike anything ever seen in history. It shrouded the terror that was being experienced on the ground that was littered with burning, lifeless bodies. The Japanese city was completely decimated. This famous black and white photograph marks a moment when humanity fell into madness, valuing victory over victim. Lieutenant Charles Levy describes the moment he captured on film: “We all grabbed our black welder goggles and slipped them on. Even though it was broad daylight, the flash could hurt your eyes. Then the flash came – sharp and brighter than double daylight itself inside our plane – and we ripped the goggles off again. We saw this big plume climbing up, up into the sky. It was purple, red, white, all colors – something like boiling coffee. It looked alive… we were all plenty scared.”

War is Hell by Horst Faas, 1965

Another famous black and white photograph that captures the atrocities of war was taken by the photographer Horst Faas on June 18, 1965 during the Vietnam War. It features Private Larry Wayne Chaffin of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Battalion who was defending the Phouc Vinh airstrip in south Vietnam.

In Roland Barthes essay Camera Lucida, published in 1980, he states that for a photograph to be powerful it must have what he called punctum, which he defined as the sensory, intensely subjective effect of a photograph on the viewer: “The punctum of a photograph is that accident which pricks me (but also bruises me, is poignant to me).” This photo captures this concept of punctum both in the young man’s piercing and sincere gaze and the diametrically opposed slogan ‘War is Hell’ on his helmet. This contrast symbolizes the contradiction between the life promised to a young man who is eager to dream and the political will of leaders who shatter the hopes of an entire generation. 

Upon his return to America, Private Chaffin, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, had great difficulty readjusting to civilian life. He died in 1985 at the age of 39, due to an illness that was linked to his exposure to Agent Orange - an herbicide and toxic weapon used extensively during the Vietnam War.

Gandhi and His Spinning Wheel by Margaret Bourke-White, 1946

This famous black and white photograph by Margaret Bourke-White, depicts Gandhi next to a spinning wheel, an ancient instrument that was used for spinning wool. The traditional Indian spinning wheel is called a chakra. It is the symbol of freedom in India and is also pictured on the national flag.

Bourke-White took this photograph for LIFE magazine. Her notes that accompanied the photograph explained the significance of the spinning wheel: “[Gandhi] spins every day for 1 hr. beginning usually at 4. All members of his ashram must spin. He and his followers encourage everyone to spin. Even M. B-W was encouraged to lay [aside] her camera to spin…When I remarked that both photography and spinning were handicrafts, they told me seriously, ‘The greater of the 2 is spinning.’ Spinning is raised to the heights almost of a religion with Gandhi and his followers. The spinning wheel is sort of an Ikon to them. Spinning is a cure all, and is spoken of in terms of the highest poetry.”

Margaret Bourke-White, a well-traveled photographer, is also well known for her photographs of buildings and the Second World War.

The world of sports and politics converge: One of the most famous black and white photographs

This famous black and white photograph was taken by John Dominis at the Olympic Games in Mexico City on October 17, 1968. It marks one of the earliest moments where the world of sports and politics converged. The picture was taken during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race. The American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos are holding their gloved fists in the air, firmly symbolizing their stance against racism and exclusion, eyes fixed on the ground. This gesture showed the world their alignment with the Black Panther Party’s ideas despite the fact that they were not members of the party.

Elephants in Dust by Nick Brandt, 2014

Nick Brandt is a British photographer who is famous for his portraits of East African wildlife. He is a true adventurer and never uses a zoom lens, as is usually the case in the world of wildlife photography. He gets as close as possible to the scenes he captures, despite risking his own life!

Brandt states: “I want my images to achieve two things in this regard - to be an elegy to a world that is tragically vanishing, to make people see what beauty is disappearing. Also, to try and show that animals are sentient creatures equally as worthy of life as humans.” His photographic process includes using film, scanning his negatives and retouching the images digitally, without adding any elements. The result is a journey through time that majestically restores the beauty of Africa, its fauna, its flora and its landscapes.

Are non-fungible tokens creating a revolution?

Should you invest in NFT art or a physical painting?

Are NFTs (non-fungible tokens) - also known as crypto art - capable of revolutionizing the contemporary art market? This question is being asked more and more frequently in a sector that has until now been subject to traditional standards for buying and selling based on a work of art’s material aspects.

Some pieces of crypto art, like Beeple’s NFTs, attract large numbers of investors, allowing their value to accrue and even be exchanged for millions of dollars. However, NFT art seems to be as profitable as it is risky; some experts say they’re a bubble poised to pop and do not recommend investing in NFT or crypto art.

Over the last two years, the value of NFTs on the digital art market has multiplied by 10. Figures for 2021 revealed that NFTs were generating up to $10 million per day!

What is NFT or crypto art & should you invest in this rapidly expanding market?  

Since their creation in 2014, NFTs have been rapidly gaining notoriety as a popular way to buy and sell crypto art and partake in this relatively new branch of speculative trading.

An NFT is encrypted computer data composed of a certain type of cryptographic token that represents real-world objects. Unlike physical money and cryptocurrencies that have a set value and which are “fungible,” or capable of being traded or exchanged for one another, NFTs have a value that is attached to a unique digital signature that makes it impossible to be exchanged for one another (hence, non-fungible). This quality makes them rare, creates digital scarcity and brings them added-value as a unique object. This is the main argument in favor of NFTs, as traditional digital content is usually exchangeable and infinitely duplicable.

Is investing in NFT or crypto art being used as a postmodern panacea?

As such, an NFT’s value is defined in the same way one would define the value of classical paintings. It seems increasingly difficult to make a fundamental distinction between these two art forms: is a real-world painting more valuable than a non-tangible NFT? Will investing in digital NFT art become the new norm in the next century?

The pros and cons of investing in NFT or crypto art

Yes, it’s the future of art!

NFTs are binary, virtual data stored and identified on a blockchain. This blockchain is a distributed pubic ledger that records transactions and is the process that makes ctyptocurrencies – like Bitcoin and Ethereum – possible.

Just like iconic Impressionist or Pop Art paintings, NFTs are unique and numbered, making them technically just as rare as some of the paintings exhibited in the world's greatest galleries or museums.

These digital artworks are “minted,” instantly endowing them with the power of rarity and guaranteed by a digital certificate of authenticity. It is now possible to sell a piece of digital art as an original.

The benefits of NFT art are also manifold:

- Digital artists find new markets and modes of remuneration

- Digital art adds to the democratization of art

However, this investment method may not be as idyllic as it seems; investing in NFT art is perhaps not as promising as the current craze suggests.

No, this new market is not very reliable!

Quasi inexistant exhibition value 

NFT’s legitimacy as an artform is often devalued due to their lack of exhibition value. A painting is a physical object that can be placed on display for people to admire in a museum or a home. Tokens stored on a computer hard drive or a cell phone can never be enjoyed in such a way.

A uniqueness that’s not so unique

Even though an NFT is unique, it can be split or shared. The thousands of parts it is broken into can be sold to several people. The work of art entitled The Merge is a prime example of this. It was divided into 266,445 digital units that were bought by 28,983 buyers!

A very volatile market

Even though investing in crypto art seems promising and NFT artworks currently hold value, the market remains unreliable. Presently the cryptocurrency market suffered one of its largest collapses. Just as Bitcoin and Ethereum have been in free fall in recent weeks, NFTs have taken a huge blow, following an impressive boom in August 2021. The traditional art market - one of the oldest in the world - is considered to be more stable than the NFT art market. A majority of collectors still prefer physical art over its crypto counterpart.  

A negative impact on the environment

Blockchain’s negative impact on the environmental is also slowing down investors. Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are stored on very energy-intensive infrastructures (multiple graphics cards, large computer servers, cooling systems). Ethereum blockchain has recently proposed a major upgrade that should cut energy consumption, which specialists say will save three quarters of the energy needed for its operation until now.

Keith Haring and his inspiring social street art

Born in Pennsylvania, Keith Haring (1958-1990) was fascinated by art from an early age. He began experimenting in art creating humorous collages using newspapers and sketching.

New York & the avant-garde subculture

At the end of the 1970s, after studying advertising in Pittsburgh, Haring enrolled at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, devoting himself completely to art. Keith Haring quickly became involved in the emerging street art scene and developed an interest in graffiti.

The alternative culture of the 1980's was booming and now-iconic artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat were stepping onto the art scene. Keith Haring immersed himself in the punk clubs and street art scene of New York as he began experimenting with different media to create his art.

Later he became interested in hip-hop culture, absorbing the energy and movement of dancers, DJs and graffiti artists. He worked to improve various artistic techniques and his art matured. Haring began using unconventional places as canvases for his art, painting on street walls, over subway advertisements and warehouse facades. He covered these spaces with his figurative yet simple paintings. This era in his artistic career marked the birth of his now-iconic and universally understood hieroglyphic style.

Artistic approach

Keith Haring was socially conscious and his street art often reflected his position on social issues.  Haring used simple linework to make minimalist representations that were reminiscent of comics and cartoons. His subjects were extremely stylized, colorful and very expressive.

Trouble with the police

Haring was extremely productive, working endlessly on new projects. He was arrested by the police several times for vandalism. Around this time, he joined Club 57, a New York nightclub and hangout for performance and visual artists and musicians. Keith Haring met countless influential artists of his time, including Andy Warhol who became one of his mentors.

A meteoric rise to fame

Haring’s fame seemed to happen overnight, he was commissioned for countless public projects and had exhibitions in major museums, all the while never losing his passion for creating social street art. He created murals all over the world from Rio de Janeiro to Berlin, Melbourne and countless major cities across America. He even painted a 300-meter-long fresco on the Berlin wall.

As an outspoken social rights activist, Keith Haring was not one to shy away from controversy, creating work that touched on subjects such as racism, violence, homophobia, sex, death, the dangers of capitalism, technology and protecting the environment.

Keith Haring’s belief in bringing art to the masses

Keith Haring famously stated, “Art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people.” This is one of the main reasons why he made the world his canvas, creating art in places that were easily accessible to all people. He worked to spread notions of peace, love and equality in a universal visual language. He used his art to touch on themes that he dreamed of changing.

The many themes of Keith Haring’s socially engaged street art

Keith Haring worked continuously during his short but exciting life to create visually impactful art that was charged with meaning. His paintings and sculptures touched on so many themes that it would be impossible to list them all here. However, the following lists a few of his main subjects:  

- Capitalism: Haring was very critical of American consumer culture and the power of money, which he abhorred

- Religion: although he respected an individual’s right to follow a religion, he was opposed to religious control

- Mass media: he feared new technologies and their capacity to take over reality

- Racism: Haring was a firm believer in equality

- Ecology: Haring was also a visionary in this field and feared the negative impact humans have on biodiversity

- Homophobia: Haring was a firm supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community

Sadly, Keith Haring died of AIDS at the young age of 31 in 1990, leaving a lasting legacy of art that would go on to inspire countless artists including Banksy and JR.

Artalistic: A leading platform for buying and selling contemporary art online

If you would like to continue your journey into the world of pop art and social street art, feel free to browse our virtual galleries featuring artworks by well-established and emerging artists.

Artalistic is a highly-acclaimed platform for selling fine art online. We feature a wide range of different media including: paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, limited edition prints and much more. Thank you and see you soon for the latest news from the art world!

Investing in art has become mainstream 

Diversify your portfolio with a significant investment class

Our constantly fluctuating economy is plagued by successive financial crises. Investing in fine art - which is highly uncorrelated to other asset classes - is a sound way to diversify your assets and offset potential losses while generating good returns. A more than credible alternative to traditional investments, the contemporary art sector has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since the turn of the century. The Artprice 100 Index (the world leader in art market information) confirmed these statements with concrete figures, stating that the global art market increased nearly 400% in 20 years.

The Numbers speak for themselves

There were approximately 500,000 art collectors at the end of the Second World War, now there are more than 70 million individuals worldwide that invest in the art market. Here are a few more figures illustrating the vitality of this booming sector:

- Art sales revenue has quadrupled in 20 years, from $3.2 billion in 2000 to $13.3 billion in 2019

- Contemporary art represents approximately 40% of the world market

- The countries most involved in this trend are the United States, China, the United Kingdom and France respectively.

Among the most notable sales on record is Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi that sold for $450 million in 2017. Pieces by contemporary artists such as Jackson Pollock, David Hockney, Mark Rothko and Edward Hopper have also sold for record-breaking sums. Of course, the art market is teaming with investment-worthy artists, purchasing a piece by an emerging artist can also be incredibly fruitful.

Invest in fine art: a rapidly expanding market

Another factor that might make you decide to invest in art is that this market is no longer the domain of eccentric aficionados or connoisseurs of fine art. It is now seen as a serious strategy for diversifying your investment portfolio, as illustrated in the following figures: according to a study published by Artprice in 2018, nearly 80% of sales were for pieces priced under $5,000. This proves that you can begin your art investment journey without breaking the bank. If you invest wisely and diversify the pieces you invest in, you may purchase a piece that will substantially increase in value in a few years! Doing your homework on emerging artists and investing in the right piece can be surprisingly lucrative!

The online art market’s meteoric success

The contemporary art market has taken on another interesting facet - digitalization. Online sales are rapidly increasing and countless virtual galleries have appeared on the web, creating a more accessible way to invest in art. However, we must warn you to check the credibility of these websites. Only a handful of them are recognized as serious platforms that provide you with tailored customer support throughout the purchasing and selling process. Rest assured that Artalistic has been recognized as one of the world’s leading websites for buying and selling fine art. Artalistic’s success has even drawn the attention of major companies like the global media company Forbes, who featured an article interviewing Artalistic’s founder Cynthia Soddu. 

Financial reasons to invest in fine art

Investing in fine art is an excellent, safe way to diversify your assets provided that you follow a predefined strategy or seek the help of experts. We recently published an article that can help you take the first steps into the world of art investment.

This investment class also provides advantageous tax breaks as the pieces of art you invest in are not subjected to yearly taxes. In most countries, your investment can only be taxed at the time of purchase.

Diversify your investment portfolio with Artalistic 

Artalistic is an online art gallery featuring thousands of paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures, providing you with a panoply of pieces to begin your venture into the world of art investment.

We provide you with a safe and secure platform that is managed by seasoned professionals. Our goal is to make your experience seamless and verify the authenticity of each piece that is posted on our site. Our team will accompany you through every step of the process and can even help you select pieces that fit your investment strategy while meeting your aesthetic needs.

Customer support tailored to you

The art market is complex and constantly evolving, that is why we are here to help you understand current trends so that you can achieve optimal asset diversification.

Artalitic’s team is backed by years of experience and a global vision of the art market. Choosing Artalistic means working closely with recognized specialists who will focus on meeting all of your expectations.

Feel free to contact us with any questions; we will answer you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patronage and see you soon for the latest news from the art world!

Art exhibitions you can’t miss in New York this fall

Julie Curtiss: Somnambules | Anton Kern Gallery, New York

September 8 – October 22, 2022

This exhibition marks Julie Curtiss’ third solo exhibition with Anton Kern Gallery, however it is the first to take place in the main exhibition space. The show entitled Somnambules – French for sleepwalkers – is a deeply personal show that deals with the artist’s struggle with being an insomniac. It boldly brings the viewer into a surreal world between sleep and wakefulness. Julie Curtiss is a young emerging artist who was born in Paris, France and who is now living and working in Brooklyn, NY.

Dawn Williams Boyd: The Tip of the Iceberg | Fort Gansevoort, New York

September 21, 2022 – November 19, 2022

Dawn Williams Boyd debuts at Fort Gansevoort with a 100% cotton exhibition of cloth paintings entitled The Tip of the Iceberg. Boyd uses this unique medium to inspect her grandmother’s lineage through striking, emotive imagery: “My maternal grandmother was a cotton tenant for twenty summers near Lake Bistineau in Louisiana. She told me she would often be punished for pricking her fingers and bleeding on the crop. I never knew the fluff was secured inside a brown boll until I saw this strange flowering plant inside a concept shop in SoHo. The white seeps out like a cloud. I wondered how the dark hardened shell birthed these soft peculiar insides.” This must-see New York art exhibit is full of strong contemporary political references mixed with personal recollections.

David LaChapelle: Make Believe | Fotografiska, New York

Opening September 9^th, 2022

David LaChapelle – one of the most influential celebrity photographers of our time – will be exhibiting his first major solo show in North America at Fotografiska in New York. This art exhibition, entitled Make Believe, features over 150 works with a focus on pieces that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The show is a carefully curated mélange of iconic and never-before-seen pieces.

Julia Phillips | High Line Art, New York

September 2022 – August 2023

Echoing Hitchcock’s Rear Window while commenting on social media’s voyeuristic elements, Julia Phillips’ Observer, Observed brings the concept of surveillance to a whole new level. This interactive installation is on public display on the Flyover on the High Line near 26^th Street in New York. Visitors are invited to use the cast bronze binoculars that are fixed to a stand facing neighboring buildings and streets. A camera mounted inside the binoculars then beams a live recording of the viewer’s eyes onto an adjacent LED screen. If you are interested in seeing more of Phillips’ work, several of her new sculptures will be on display at Matthew Marks Gallery September 10 – October 29, 2022.

Christina Quarles: In 24 Days tha Sun’ll Set at 7pm | Hauser & Wirth, New York

September 8 – October 29, 2022

After an extremely successful season of shows at this year’s Venice Biennale and the Biennale de Lyon, Christina Quarles will be holding her first major solo exhibition at Hauser & Worth in New York. This art exhibition, entitled, In 24 Days tha Sun’ll Set at 7pm, features her most recent paintings that draw inspiration from the local culture and landscape of the English countryside. Many of the artworks featured were created during the artist’s 2022 residency at the gallery’s Somerset location.

Buying and selling art online with Artalistic

We hope that are will be able to visit some of the abovementioned art exhibitions in New York. For the time being, feel free to browse our virtual galleries, featuring artwork by well-established and emerging artists and an array of media: paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, limited edition prints and much more.

A safe and secure way to buy or sell art online

Artalistic has enjoyed meteoric success since its inception. Our online gallery is aimed at facilitating transactions between artists, sellers and buyers. We use a safe and secure method to make sure all parties involved are satisfied by holding the artist’s payment until the buyer receives and reviews their purchased piece.

Our expert team will help you buy or sell art online

Our international team of experts will work closely with you through every step of the purchasing or selling process. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions concerning finding the perfect piece, the purchasing process or even how to set up an artist portfolio. We are here to make your experience buying or selling art online a completely seamless process!

A unique path to fame

Jean-René, popularly known as JR, is a world-renowned master of trompe-l'oeil, French for ‘to trick the eye,’ installations. This art technique uses realistic imagery to create an optical illusion. JR has created a very specific public persona for himself, always appearing in public wearing black sunglasses and a stylish fedora hat. This master of contemporary street art was born in Paris in 1983.

From graffiti to massive photographic collages

From an early age JR was fascinated by street art and, more specifically, graffiti. From the beginning of his artistic career JR’s street art has been dominated by multicultural themes, leading many to categorize him as an urban activism.

Starting in 2001, this French artist traveled around Europe armed with his camera. He talked to the people he met, listened to their stories and captured them on film. He developed the images and create large-format prints that he pasted onto walls in the cities he was visiting. This photographic collage process became JR’s signature street art technique. For the past twenty years, he has been covering walls and monuments around the world with his larger-than-life collages.

Since the beginning of the century, JR's street art has been creating waves in the art world. Let’s go on a trip around the world to see some of his most iconic pieces!

Contemporary street artist JR’s most iconic works of art

Some of JR’s most famous street art collages

Inside Out (2011)

In 2011, during his TED talk in Long Beach, California, JR stated, "I wish for you to stand up for what you care about by participating in a global art project and together we’ll turn the world…INSIDE OUT!" JR was awarded the TED Prize to start this art project entitled Inside Out.

The concept of the project was to give people the opportunity to share their portraits and a statement of what they stand for with the world. Anyone could participate in the project and they were challenged to provide photographic portraits that shared untold stories about their community. In the first eight years of the project, more than 400,000 portraits were posted in the streets of over 140 countries. This global project is probably JR’s most famous street art installation. It underscores themes surrounding feminism, racism, climate change, diversity, education and children's rights.

The Standing March (2015)

The Standing March is a collaborative installation project by JR and the American director Darren Aronofsky, who made the renowned film Requiem for a Dream.

The video was projected on the facade of the Assemblée Nationale in Paris during the UN’s COP21 Conference on climate control in 2015.  The video featured 500 people from different cultures, underlining the global need from climate control and JR’s hope that the countries would unite over meaningful pledges during the conference.

A separate film was created after The Standing March.  This looped film, with a soundtrack by the British band Massive Attack, was projected on November 29, 2015 from 8PM – 4 AM on the facade of the Palais Bourbon.

2021: A year of great achievements

The Pyramid of Khafre, the Eiffel Tower & Palazzo Strozzi

Only the street artist JR could think of creating a trompe-l’œil with the Pyramid of Khafre. For this massive installation entitled, Greetings from Giza, a giant arm projects from the sand and seems to hold the decapitated tip of the pyramid floating above the actual monument.

The previous spring, JR created another optical illusion piece in Trocadero square in Paris that gave the impression that the ground surrounding the Eiffel tower was no longer there.

Earlier that year, JR covered the facade of the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy, with a monumental collage called La Ferita (The Wound), that gave the impression that there was a gaping hole in the building.

Key pieces from the 2010s

Peeking at the City, Havana Biennial (April 2019)

This piece was created for the 13^th Havana Biennial in Cuba. This collage covered the outside wall of the Galleria Continua. It was a massive collage of a little boy he had met while he was playing in front of the gallery.

The Louvre Pyramid (March 2019)

In 2016, JR created an optical illusion piece that made it look like IM Pei’s pyramid in front of the Louvre had disappeared. For this second project, he created the illusion that the pyramid was projecting out from a canyon. This piece took the help of 400 volunteers to install, encompassing a massive area surrounding the pyramid in the main courtyard, Cour Napoleon. This collage, entitled The Secret of the Great Pyramid, was made of 2,000 stickers.

Brandebourg Gate, Berlin (2018)

For part of JR's Giants project he created the piece Freedom in Berlin in celebration of the 28^th anniversary of Germany’s reunification. For the occasion, the famous and symbolic Brandenburg Gate was covered with a gigantic photographic installation featuring German people celebrating after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Kikito (2017)

Kikito is an ephemeral piece of street art by JR that was installed on the wall between the United States and Mexico. Created in collaboration with artists from the city of Tecate, it shows a Mexican child looking over the barrier separating the two countries. JR created this piece when Donald Trump announced he was going to construct a permanent wall all along the American – Mexican border.

Rio de Janeiro (2016)

Several of JR’s trompe-l'oeil pieces enjoyed meteoric success during the Olympic Games in Rio. Four massive black and white photographs of sportsmen frozen in motion were placed throughout this city in Brazil.

The Louvre Pyramid (2016)

In the spring of 2016, JR created this now iconic piece that made it seem as though the Louvre pyramid had disappeared.

Millerntor Stadium from the Heiligengeistfeld (2014)

Every year in Hamburg, Germany, the Millerntor Stadium is used for meetings promoting exchanges about social transformation. The FC Sankt Pauli soccer stadium - a soccer club known for its anti-racist and pro-LGBTQ+ stance - organizes a cultural and educational gathering with art and music. A few years ago, JR took part in the event by donating his art for display. You can find information about the event on Millerntor’s official website.

Artists’ villas owned by some of the world’s most famous creators

Claude Monet’s house in Giverny, France

In the spring of 1983, Claude Monet (1840-1926) moved to Giverny, Normandy. Some of his most beautiful paintings drew inspiration from the lush green landscape that surrounded his house. This iconic Impressionist painted his famous Water Lilies at his artist villa. This painting is presently on display at the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. Claude Monet was passionate about plants; with the help of gardeners and landscapers, Monet made the garden of Giverny a place like no other, whose resplendent views takes visitors breath away to this today. The garden is brimming with stunning plants - weeping willows, roses, peonies, and, of course, water lilies! The interior of the house is also worth visiting, especially for the vivid colors and the light that emanates from the kitchen and the dining room. Feel free to take a virtual tour of this artist’s villa.

Gustave Moreau’s house in Paris, France

At the end of his life, the French painter, engraver, draughtsman and sculptor Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) reunited the majority of his paintings at this house located in Paris at 14 rue de La Rochefoucauld in the hopes of creating a museum dedicated to his work. He even decided to give up his studio on the second floor to make a larger viewing room for his gallery. The museum now houses several thousand paintings and drawings as well as fifteen sculptures. The magnificent spiral staircase that leads to the third floor of the house adds to the space’s sumptuous and mysterious aura.

Frida Kahlo’s artist villa in Mexico

If you’re an art lover and planning a visit to Mexico City, a trip to Frida Kahlo’s (1907-1954) house should be at the top of your list of things to do!  Frida’s Blue House, or Casa Azul, is located in the center of Coyoacan at 247 Calle de Londres. Frida lived most of her life in this breathtaking house. The elegant artist villa is painted with bright primary colors and is now a museum dedicated to this famous Mexican surrealist artist. A visit to Frida’s house allows you to delve into one of the most inspiring artists of the 20^th century’s fascinating life story – a rich story filled with other famous figures of the time, including the love of her life, Diego Rivera, and the Russian communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky.

Salvador Dali’s house in Portlligat, Spain

Now our tour brings us to Spain where Salvador Dali’s (1904-1989) house is nestled along the Mediterranean coast. This fisherman's house - now a magnificent museum housing many of Dali’s artworks – served as his primacy space for living, working and socializing. This hidden treasure is like a mad man’s labyrinth tucked away on a hillside. Under the hot Spanish sun, the house overlooking a small beach becomes paradisiac. This artist villa in Cadaqués really gives you a glimpse into Dali’s unique, dreamlike world.

Auguste Rodin’s house in Meudon, France

Auguste Rodin spent the last 20 years of his life in Meudon with his wife Rose Beuret. From 1893 to the end of his life, he lived in the sumptuous Villa des Brillants, where he was also buried.  One of Rodin’s most famous sculptures, The Thinker, is placed at the entrance way to this vast house, almost as though he is watching over it. This artist villa has been transformed into a magnificent museum in homage of the sculptor. Here visitors can explore Rodin’s art and impressive gardens. The Plaster Gallery offers an immersive experience of Rodin’s art, illustrating the various stages of his creative process.

Auguste Renoir’s house in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France

Auguste Renoir suffered from a lung disease and moved to the south of France in 1907, hoping that the dry climate and sun would improve his health. He decided to settle in Cagnes-sur-Mer near Nice at the Domaine des Collettes. He lived there with his wife until his death. This sumptuous Provencal-style residence was transformed into a museum in the 1960s and contains an extensive collection of Renoir’s art. It is surrounded by lush and intricately designed gardens.

Artist residency and exhibition locations

The Villa Médici in Rome, Italy

The Villa Médici in Rome is a cultural landmark. It was built around 1545 on Mount Pincio by Cardinal Giovanni Ricci di Montepulciano. It was designed by the architect Giovanni Lippi and his son Annibale Lippi. In 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte transferred the French Academy to this location. Today, the Villa Médici welcomes artists and researchers in residence to allow them to learn from the art, the restoration of artworks and monuments.

The Villa Lena in Palaia, Tuscany, Italy

The Villa Lena is located in Palaia, Tuscany. Its 19^th century villa was refurbished by the interior decorator Clarisse Demory. Today it serves as a luxury hotel and, much like the Villa Médici, hosts artists from all different creative backgrounds: painters, sculptors, musicians and writers.

The Villa Arson in Nice, France

The Villa Arson located in Nice, France was redesigned by the architect Michel Marot in 1972. Easily recognizable for its bright red façade, this building is an old XVIII century Italian style villa acquired by the rich merchant of Avignon Pierre-Joseph Arson. The Villa Arson is a national art school designed by the Ministry of Culture André Malraux. It is also a national center for contemporary art, an artists’ residence and a multimedia library.

The Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto, Japan

Villa Kujoyama is located in Kyoto, Japan. It was built by the architect Kunio Kato in 1992. It is an artists’ residence for artists from a variety of disciplines and was created in collaboration with the French institute in Japan. It is the only French artists’ residence program in Asia. 

Artalistic Virtual Art Gallery – Buy and sell contemporary art online

One of the leading online art galleries, Artalistic features a wide array of contemporary fine art for sale, including: paintings, drawings, sculptures, limited edition prints and photography. Our virtual galleries are filled with hundreds of artworks by well-established and emerging artists.

An online art gallery for enthusiasts and novices alike

Artalistic Online Art Gallery is a website that facilitates transactions between artists, sellers and buyers in search of contemporary fine art. Over the past few years our community of art devotees has expanded worldwide.

Our team of experts will be with you throughout every step of the purchasing process, from helping you find the perfect piece to fit your needs and budget to finalizing a sale and shipping.

We are ready to answer all of your questions, whether you are a novice in the art world or a seasoned collector.

Artalistic Virtual Gallery’s four main pillars: Quality, transparency, reliability & efficiency

Aralistic is strengthened by a team of specialists from around the art world with a wide range of experience in galleries, auction houses and appraisal firms.

Artalistic online art gallery puts artists and buyers in direct contact. No intermediaries are involved in the buying and selling process.

Each step of the transaction is meticulously followed by our team. We use highly secure online payment methods and only feature certified and authenticated artworks.

In only a few short years, Artalistic has proudly become one of the world’s leading websites for buying and selling contemporary art.

A deep dive into digital fine art and NFTs

What is digital fine art?

Digital art refers to art made using software, computers or other electronic devices. Art produced using digital media – such as videos, 3D modelling, pixel art, installations, animations, digital sculptures and digital paintings – can be classified as digital art.

The Austin Museum of Digital Art defines it as, “art that uses digital technologies in any of three ways: as the product, as the process or as the subject.”

Some digital fine art has been very successful and this media has produced a considerable market due to the large sums of money that pass through it, as is the case with NFTs.

From De Laposky to Beeple

The pioneer of digital art is considered to be the American mathematician Benjamin Francis Laposky, who was the first person to create computer-generated graphic images. 

Digital fine art: art objects in their own right

At first, this new media was met with much criticism and resistance. However, innovation is key to creating provocative, engaging art. The history of art is full of developments in technique and media. Artists have always been inspired by their surroundings and it is only natural, with our highly digitized world, that artists should reach for digital mediums to produce original content.

Despite the ontological dispute over the nature of its non-physical presence, the artist’s creative process and inventive subjectivity is identical to that of traditional artists. Artists like Beeple, whose NFT Everyday: the First Five Thousand Days sold for nearly 70 million dollars, is proof that this new media is being embraced full-force and transforming the way we look at fine art.

A media without limits

Digital art has opened up a vast world of new methods and techniques thanks to the wide array of digital devices and software that can be used to create artworks.

Digital fine art can be classified in three main categories: visual media generated by computers, digital photography and painting as well as digital installations. The latter includes video mapping, an increasingly popular technique, which transforms the interior or exterior surfaces of an object into a surface for video projection.

Different subcategories of digital fine art

Digital photography

Digital photographs can be retouched in post-production to create seamless images by adjusting exposure, colors, removing imperfections and even adding objects. Traditional analogue film can also be scanned and manipulated in programs like Photoshop, leaving some wondering about the fine line that separates traditional photography from its modern iteration.

Digital photo-painting

This technique uses photographs that are manipulated in photoshop or another digital program to make them resemble paintings. These artists usually use Wacom tablets and programs like Corel Painter that allow them to use a wide selection of tools to create brush strokes, textures, layers and even effects that mimic different types of paint.

Digital painting

This is a very common type of digital fine art that uses many different techniques to produce a seemingly exhaustive array of finished products thanks to constantly improving software and computers. The majority of digital paintings are created using computer graphics to render the appearance of three-dimensional or two-dimensional forms. This discipline is not limited to the artistic world, it is also used for marketing and audiovisual communication.

Vector drawing

Vector drawing software is used to produce images in a purely virtual environment. These can take the form of drawings or paintings. This technique uses binary codes to define and create shapes and straight lines using different formulas.

Interdisciplinary art

This technique is also called Integrated Digital Art or Mixed Media. It combines elements from photographs and digital graphics to create a work of art. This combination allows for unique results. Mixed media has been used throughout art history, for example, Edgar Degas combined pastels with charcoal and printmaking inks in his drawings.

Video mapping

This increasingly popular form of digital art is also called spatial augmented reality. Computers are used to project videos or images onto objects whose surfaces have been scanned and mapped so that they can be used as a display surface. Video mapping can be large or small scale – projections can be shown on large buildings or used as a backdrop at a music concert.

Video art

The subcategory of video art is extremely broad, some believe that it deserves a category of its own, independent of digital fine art. Therefore, we will be dedicating an entire blog article to this topic.

Architecture: A world tour of the 10 most beautiful museums

5 must-see European buildings

The Louis Vuitton Foundation | Paris, France

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is a prime example of the architect Franck Gehry’s awe-inspiring curved glass buildings. Located in Paris, in the Bois de Boulogne, this unique building pushes the limits of architectural design. While creating the initial sketches for this architectural jewel Gehry sought to, “Design a magnificent vessel symbolizing the cultural calling of France.” Gehry also stated that, by building the museum walls out of panels of curved glass, he wanted to, “Reflect our constantly changing world, we wanted to create a building that would evolve according to the time and the light in order to give the impression of something ephemeral and continually changing.” This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful museums in the world.

The Guggenheim | Bilbao, Spain

The Guggenheim Museum is a must-see for all contemporary art lovers visiting Spain. The American architect Franck Gehry also designed this extraordinary building. This museum resembles a cubist painting rendered in 3D, its flowing lines culminating at the top of the building. This architectural marvel is famous throughout the world.

The Kunsthaus | Graz, Austria

This building, designed by architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournie, was inaugurated in 2003 to celebrate Graz as the European Capital of Culture. Its designers dubbed it the "Friendly Alien." Its futuristic appearance is reminiscent of a caterpillar with several eyes, a hippo or maybe a human organ. The nozzles located at the top of the building allow light to penetrate the upper galleries, which are also fitted with 925 fluorescent tubes that broadcast messages and images.

The Eye | Amsterdam, Holland

The Eye was inaugurated by Queen Beatrix in 2012. It is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s industrial district along the IJ River. It was designed by the Viennese architectural firm Delugan Meissl. The building’s crystal-clear facade is striking and reflects the passing river. You can enjoy lunch in an ultramodern setting on the beautiful observation deck. The Eye is home to the Dutch Film Museum and the Eye Film Institute.

The Mucem | Marseille, France

The Mucem is a minimalist and very modern building dedicated to Mediterranean cultures. Designed by Rudy Ricciotti, the rectangular building is connected to Fort Saint-Jean by a long footbridge. Made of fiber-reinforced concrete, it has a mesh-like reflective exterior that also lets light gently filter into the museum. Loaded with history, the building’s galleries echo with ancient civilizations and heritage.

The 5 most beautiful museums outside of Europe

The Ordos | China

The Ordos Museum was created by MAD architecture. Its round shape and sandy color help camouflage it with the surrounding desert. Its facade is composed of metal panels that protect it from sandstorms and the cold, dry winter winds. Melding Chinese tradition and a futuristic vision, it is one of the most beautiful museums in the world.

The Zayed National Museum | Abu Dhabi

This magnificent structure was created by the British architects Foster & Partner. They designed it to represent the social and economic transformation of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and to house exhibitions tracing its history and culture. Set to be completed in 2022, this museum made of lightweight steel and glass will be part of a gigantic cultural complex on Saadiyat Island.

The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This museum resembles a flying saucer and allows visitors to admire a building where technique gives significant support to art. Oscar Niemeyer, one of the most famous Brazilian architects, designed and completed this futuristic museum in 1996. A must-see museum if you are visiting Rio de Janeiro.

The Museo Soumaya | Mexico City, Mexico | One of the world’s most beautiful private museums

The Museo Soumaya by Fernando Romero can undoubtedly be added to our list of the most beautiful museums in the world. The building stands out due to its large stature and thousands of metallic hexagons that make up its facade. This architectural marvel is elegant, technically impressive and visually stunning.

The Royal Ontario Museum | Canada

The Royal Ontario Museum was originally housed in a 19^th century building that was expanded in 2007. The new modern wing juts out into the street and almost seems to be hanging over the passing cars. This striking museum was designed by the architect Daniel Libeskind.

A Bigger Splash by David Hockney: Understanding the iconic painting

David Hockney’s painting A Bigger Splash is an acrylic on canvas created in 1967 – at this period in time acrylic was a fairly new, lesser used medium. It is presently on display at the Tate Gallery in London. It stands out from other paintings created in the 1960s due to the white boarder that Hockney painted around the edges of the canvas, suggesting the border of a polaroid photograph.

A pool lover

Probably the most famous painting by David Hockney, A Bigger Splash is not his only painting of a swimming pool. In fact, Hockney loved swimming pools and even used pool equipment catalogs as inspiration for many of his pieces.

David Hockney created a series of famous paintings of swimming pools after he visited Los Angeles entitled: The Little Splash, The Splash and A Bigger Splash. The artist also enjoyed painting landscapes, specifically seascapes and fauna.

The British artist visited California in the early 1960s and fell in love with the bright colors and laid-back lifestyle. His work immediately reflected his new-found love for the crisp and vivid Californian sun, exploring new ways of depicting the world surrounding him. He also purchased a 35mm camera to use photographs as source images for his paintings. His flat blocks of primary colors and rigid depictions of the human figure seem to mirror and imitate a moment captured in time.

A Bigger Splash by David Hockney

The painting depicts a style of modern architecture that is typical in Los Angeles. Two palm trees sever the bright blue sky with child-like enthusiasm. A producer's chair on the deck reminds us where the scene takes place.

The diving board awkwardly cuts into the foreground accentuating the painting’s overwhelming flatness. Then the splash – a moment of softness crescendos with a boom of foam and movement.

Who’s the diver?

No one will ever have the answer to the question that pops into the everyone’s mind the first time they see this painting – Who just dove into the water? It probably doesn't matter. Hockney’ goal was to disturb the perfect moment of solitude present throughout the rest of the scene.

Inventing a world

Unlike the majority of David Hockney's work, this painting does not depict any people. However, much like Edward Hopper, he is able to create a hypnotically enigmatic world through the power of suggestion. The details in the unnoticed corners are what bring this piece to life - the reflection of the neighboring houses in the bay window and the carefully cut grass whisper of human presence despite its lack thereof. 

David Hockney’s A Bigger Splash: A technical masterpiece

David Hockney's A Bigger Splash is deceptively minimalist. In reality he planned out every shape and color to the last detail. The geometry is meticulous, down to a grid-like composition, making the playful splash jarring. Here Hockney plays with the rationalism of geometric art and its stylistic antithesis embodied by expressionism.

The cult documentary A Bigger Splash about David Hockney

If David Hockney’s work interests you, we highly recommend watching the documentary film created by Jack Hazan in 1973. The documentary was named after this iconic painting. In this film, the British filmmaker follows David Hockney while he is in the midst of an artistic and emotional crisis.

Artalistic – One of the world’s leading online art galleries

If you enjoy this style of paintings, feel free to browse the pages of our online art gallery. Artalistic features contemporary art from well-established and emerging artists in a wide array of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, drawing and limited edition prints.

If you are looking for the perfect piece of art to fit your taste and budget or are an artist looking to create an online portfolio, please feel free to contact us and one of team members will get back to you. Thank you and see you soon for the latest news from the art world.

4 must-see summer 2022 exhibitions in Paris

Steve McCurry | Musée Maillol | December 9, 2021 - July 31, 2022

The Musée Maillol presents the most exhaustive retrospective ever devoted to the iconic American photographer Steve McCurry. The show reunites more than 150 large format photographs from McCurry’s travels through Afghanistan, India, Africa, Cuba, Brazil, the United States and Europe. Steve McCurry's world-famous photographs capture humanity with stunning beauty as he freezes his subjects haunting gazes. His piercing portrait of the captivating green-eyed Afghan refugee Sharbat Gula, also known as Afghan Girl, is arguably one of the most iconic photographs in art history.

Pioneers: Artists in the Paris of the Roaring Twenties | Musée du Luxembourg | March 2 – July 10, 2022

The exhibition Pioneers highlights art created by women whose work played a leading role in the development of artistic modernity during the first half of the 20^th century. This exhibition covers several fine art movements from Fauvism to Cubism and Surrealism as well as architecture, design, literature, dance and fashion. This exhibition invites us to rethink the integral role women have played in art history, as they have long been marginalized and discriminated against, both in terms of their training and their access to galleries, collectors and museums.

The Theater of Emotions | Musée Marmottan Monet |April 13 - August 21, 2022

This exhibition brings together approximately eighty works dating from the Middle Ages to present day whose subject matter hinges on the artist’s attempt to represent and capture emotions. The viewer will discover the role of aesthetic treatises dealing with the evocation of emotions through pieces by Dürer, Greuze and La Tour. The exhibition shows the shift that took place in art history, allowed the representation of emotion to transcend physical representation.

Simon Hentaï: The Centenary Exhibition | Louis Vuitton Foundation | May 18 – August 29, 2022

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is celebrating the centenary of Simon Hentaï’s birth (1922-2008) with a magnificent retrospective dedicated to this iconic abstract artist. More than 130 pieces will be on display, many of which have never been exhibited for public viewing. The exhibition will also feature pieces by artists that had an influence on Hentaï’s work, including Jackson Pollock and Henri Matisse.

6 of the most important summer 2022 art exhibitions in Provence

Yves Klein: Infinite Blue | Les Baux-de-Provence | March 4, 2022 - January 2, 2023

This immersive exhibition by Yves Klein, one of the major artists from the 20^th century, brings you on a journey through the infinite blue sky of the Mediterranean. Klein is famous for creating International Klein Blue, a combination of ultramarine pigment and a special binder that allowed him to capture a new spiritual and metaphysical dimension. If you plan on visiting the south of France this summer, we highly recommend making a detour to this exhibition.

The Mona Lisa: An Immersive Exhibition | Palais de la Bourse, Marseille | March 10 - August 21, 2022

This exhibition about the Mona Lisa is a collaboration between the Palais de la Bourse in Marseille and the Louvre in Paris. The exhibition allows visitors to rediscover Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece by using an interactive digital device that guides them through six thematic spaces. This unique sensory experience is definitely worth the trip.

Monet / Rothko | Musée des Impressionismes, Giverny | March 18 – July 3, 2022

The Musée des Impressionismes in Giverny is celebrating its grand reopening with a wonderful and astonishing exhibition linking the works of the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet and Mark Rothko - an eminent Abstract Expressionist painter. This show brings to light striking and unexpected convergences between these two artists’ work.

Picasso: The Effervescence of Shapes | Cité du Vin, Bordeaux | April 15 - August 28, 2022

The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux attempts to answer this unusual, but nevertheless relevant question: What role did wine and alcohol have in Pablo Picasso’s work? The answer can be found in this exhibition that reunites 80 pieces on loan from the Picasso museums in Paris and Barcelona.

Raoul Dufy: A Passion for Color | Hôtel de Caumont, Aix-en-Provence | May 5 - September 18, 2022

This exhibition featuring works by the painter Raoul Dufy is being held in the sumptuous architectural setting of the Hôtel de Caumont. The show will feature watercolors, paintings, drawings and ceramics. This undisputed master of color was initially influenced by the Impressionists Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin. His later work was influenced by the strong colors and bold lines of Henri Matisse and the Fauves.

Fernand Léger | Musée Soulages, Rodez | June 11 - November 6, 2022

The Soulages museum is an architectural work of art itself. This solo exhibition features work by Fernand Léger, whose motto was: "Seize life with the body." This is a great opportunity to discover the work of this cubist painter whose artistic vision was inspired by Braque and Picasso. The pieces on display are on loan from the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Fernand Léger National Museum in Biot.

Buy fine art online with Artalistic

Summer 2022 offers countless fabulous art exhibitions and we hope that this list has piqued your interest. If you are interested in buying fine art online feel free to browse our website which features contemporary art well-established and emerging artists working in a wide range of media, including painting, photography, drawing and sculpture.

A leading platform for buying fine art online

Artalistic is a virtual gallery that was launched a few years ago and has since propelled itself to the top of the online art world.

Our passionate and highly-experienced team can help you find the perfect piece to fit your taste and budget or help you create an online portfolio of your art. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

One of the 20^th century’s most monumental art movements

Abstract art, or nonobjective art, can be created using all different artistic mediums, painting, sculpture or printmaking and is not concentrated on representing or reproducing the visible world. This movement began in the early 20^th century and some argue that it has its origins in the 19^th century.

A revolution against classicism

This modern aesthetic vision was marked by the liberation of the subject, color and forms. Reproducing reality was abandoned and replaced by a search for ideal shapes and involved researching into color theory.

This international movement marked a break from traditional art, in which the artist strove to reproduce subjects and nature. Abstract art sets itself apart in that it brings the viewer outside of the real world, relying on the interplay of shapes and colors to express the unseen in a symbolic fashion.

The great masters of Abstract art

Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) is considered to be the first true Abstract artist, followed by Kupka, Delaunay, Malevitch, Mondrian, Picasso, Paul Klee and Jackson Pollock. These artists introduced new themes and techniques, including:

- Graphism

- Minimalism

- Symbolism

- Expressionism

- Realism

- Mixed media

Buying abstract art

How to properly assess a painting

The first step in assessing art is to learn about art history and become familiar with different techniques. This will help you define the elements that spark joy in you and the ones you dislike.

Take the time to observe a piece of art and pay attention to the feelings it provokes in you. You may warm up to a piece over time or it could give you an immediate feeling.

Sharpen your eye!

With a little practice, you will gradually be able to analyze the composition, the use of colors, and textures. You will begin asking yourself technical questions, for example, about the use of materials, the conditions in which the piece was produced and even start taking into account situations taking place in the artist's life when they created it.

In the end, this process will become second nature to you and will help you asses a painting.

How to select the perfect piece of abstract art for sale?

Another tip: trust your intuition and your first impression. If a painting brings you joy or a unique connection it is a good sign that should not be overlooked.

If you’ve checked all those boxes, you should consider purchasing it. However, keep in mind where you will display the piece in your home: Will it blend well with your existing décor? Does it fit in the space you imagine it in? Will it be easy to install?

Feel free to ask a specialist for advice based on your aesthetic preferences. They might introduce you to artists you have never heard of.

Where to find abstract art for sale & should you buy art online?

Trade shows and fairs

Attending annual trade fairs and exhibitions is a fabulous way to find a large array of abstract art for sale. The paintings at these events are sold by professional intermediaries or directly by the artists.

It is important to note that you should not overlook emerging artists or those who have not yet made a name for themselves. If you have a good eye, you might select a piece that will be worth a lot of money in the future once the artist gains recognition.

Galleries and auctions

Art galleries are another great option to consider. However, it may be difficult to find one close to where you live. Galleries often have less pieces on display so your choices may be more limited.

Another way to purchase abstract art is at an auction. Although this microcosm may scare off novices who are not used to this kind of place, attending an auction can allow you to gain experience and increase your knowledge. If you are interested in attending an auction, feel free to read our in-depth article dedicated to the subject.

Finding & buying abstract art for sale online

One of the best ways to find a large panoply of abstract art for sale is online. Be careful when buying art online: make sure that the website is reliable and that the company is reputable. Artalistic is now one of the leading virtual galleries, we offer our international clientele an impressive array of tailor-made services, including:

- A vast selection of thousands of works of art by well-established and emerging artists

- An experienced of team of passionate individuals that will give you expert advice, whether you are an artist or a buyer

- A secure payment system to bring you piece of mind and transparency during transactions

- All works of art are accompanied by certificates of authentication indicating their origin

Illustration: Edward Hopper, Self-Portrait, 1925.

Introduction: about the artist

Career path

Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was born in New York. His artistic journey began as an illustrator, he quickly became interested in painting and associated with the leading figures of the Ashcan School, a realist movement of artist’s determined to bring art into closer touch with everyday life.

Hopper traveled to Europe on several occasions and particularly enjoyed Paris. He became fascinated with Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet and Picasso. Hopper was drawn to their impressionist techniques and depiction and attention to light within their compositions.

A unique style

His illustrations earned him a steady income. However, his paintings made a mark on the art world from the moment they were first put on public display.  

Six of his paintings were shown at the International Watercolor Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in 1923. His artistic vision was an instant success, leaving much of the interpretation up to the viewer due to his characters’ minimalist and enigmatic poses.

Painting, film, light and storytelling

Hopper was a master at transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. He concentrated on depicting urban scenes and occasionally experimented with landscapes.

Hopper painted from real life, creating stark yet intimate interpretations of American life. At the surface, Hopper’s paintings appear to be calm and silent, a perfect reflection of the artist himself, as the art historian Lloyd Goodrich once stated, “Hopper had no small talk, he was famous for his monumental silences; but like the spaces in his pictures, they were not empty."

Edward Hopper’s paintings & his legacy

Although not necessarily the most prolific artist of his time in terms of technique, Edward Hopper created countless famous paintings that opened a door into the disillusioned melancholic atmosphere that reigned during the postmodern era.

His work was simplistic and concentrated on basic forms and light. His characters were often lost in thought gazing off into the distance beyond the edges of the canvas, leaving the viewer wondering what would happen to the characters in the next moment. Hopper’s paintings continue to inspire artists to this day, including the photographer Gregory Crewdson and iconic film maker Alfred Hitchcock.

5 famous Edward Hopper paintings

1. Nighthawks (1942)

Nighthawks is considered to be Edward Hopper's most famous painting. Its enigmatic aura pierces through and beyond the canvas with an overwhelming feeling of disconnection and voyeurism. The couple is reminiscent of the characters played by Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not. In 1997, Wim Wenders used this scene for a sequence in his film The End of Violence. The troubling and almost disturbing atmosphere present in this painting is highlighted by the aggressive artificial light and the feeling that the characters are trapped like flies within a bar that has no visible exit door.

2. Portrait of Orleans (1950)

This Edward Hopper painting of the intersection of Route 6 and Main Street in Orleans, Massachusetts looks like it could be any rural town in 1950s America. Hopper captures the banality of everyday life while highlighting a singular eerie moment in an empty, deserted city.

3. Gas (1940)

The painting Gas is similar to the Portrait of Orleans in its eerie approach to the banal. Hopper depicts the loneliness and isolation of contemporary man, an allegory of the alienation of Western life in the mid-20^th century. The gas station chosen for this painting is said to be located in Cape Cod Massachusetts, a place where Hopper spent nearly every summer from 1930 until his death. The scene is given an extra element of the surreal with the bright light coming in from the right side of the canvas despite the fact that it is taking place at either dusk or dawn.

4. Second Story Sunlight (1960)

Hopper described this painting in the Record Book, a book where he described each of his paintings in minute detail with the help of his wife Jo Nivison, who was also a widely celebrated artist at the time. According to Hopper, this painting was "An attempt to paint sunlight as white with almost no yellow pigment in the white…any psychological idea will have to be supplied by the viewer."  He used a mixture of white lead, oil paints and turpentine to reproduce “the morning light on white building facades.” Hopper’s wife Jo posed for both women in the picture – the older woman reading a newspaper and the younger one sunning herself on the porch railing.

5. House by the Railroad (1925)

The last famous painting by Edward Hopper on our list reflects Hopper’s love of the American landscape. The piece depicts a drab Victorian house with railroad tracks in the foreground that act as a barrier, keeping the viewer from seeing the grounds surrounding the house while adding Hopper’s signature mysterious element. Alfred Hitchcock used this painting as a model for the mansion inhabited by Norman Bates in his 1960s masterpiece Psycho.

Buy or sell contemporary fine art online with Artalistic

We hope that you have enjoyed our carefully curated list of Edward Hopper’s most famous paintings. Feel free to browse our selection of online galleries featuring a wide range of work by well-established and emerging artists specializing in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and printmaking.

Artalistic is considered to be one of the leading vitual galleries specializing in buying and selling fine art online. Our team of experts is ready to help you whether you are an artist looking to post a portfolio or an art lover seeking advice on finding the perfect piece to meet your budget and style.

Feel free to contact us and we will answer you as soon as possible. Thank you and see you soon for the latest news from the art world!

The 5 most expensive NFT artworks

What are non-fungible tokens?

In a recent article, we discussed NFTs, Blockchain technology and how some analysts predict that they could eventually revolutionize the contemporary art market.

NFTs are digital objects that can be created using various digital media, including: videos, artwork, articles, images, music or even a meme. They are digital assets that exist completely in the digital universe, meaning that NFT art cannot be touched, but you can own it.

However, unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are not interchangeable or fungible: they cannot be exchanged for other digital assets and their value depends on their originality, their rarity and the price of cryptocurrencies.

NFTs have unique identification codes that you purchase and pay for online with cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.

To date, more than 3 billion NFT products have been sold for a total of nearly $30 billion. Some of which have sold for record breaking sums.

The 10 most expensive NFT artworks sold to date

1. Beeple - Everyday: the first five thousand days - 69 million dollars

The piece Everyday: the first five thousand days by Beeple is the world's most expensive NFT artwork. Beeple’s real name is Mike Winkelmann. This 40-year-old American used a collection of images assembled over 5,000 consecutive days to create this NFT art. Authenticated and protected by a Blockchain, this piece was auctioned for an incredible sum of more than 69 million dollars during a sale at Christie's. It was purchased by an Indian millionaire named Vignesh Sundaresan.

2. CryptoPunk 7523: 11.8 million dollars

CryptoPunk 7523 is the most expensive NFT artwork from the collection of CryptoPunks by Matt Hall and John Watkinson. This digitally-inventive duo created a dozen virtual artworks. This CryptoPunk stands out from the other Punks in the collection because it is wearing a surgical mask, a distinctive sign of the current Covid-19 era. This NFT artwork was purchased for 11.8 billion dollars by the Israeli entrepreneur Shalom Meckenzie.

3. CryptoPunk 7804: 7.56 million dollars

The CryptoPunk 7804 is the second piece in this collection by the aforementioned duo. This CryptoPunk was sold at auction for $7.56 million. It was purchased by the CEO of the famous design software company Figma, Dylan Field.

4. CryptoPunk 3100: 7.51 million dollars

This recently created CryptoPunk features a figure wearing a headband. This digital piece set record prices as one of the most expensive NFT artworks in the world; it sold for $7.51 million in March 2021.

5. Beeple – Crossroad: 6.6 million dollars

Beeple strikes again with his 10-second video clip entitled Crossroad. The video features the body a possibly deceased Donald Trump graffitied with negative messages. This hotly political, topical and reactionary piece was created for the last elections held in the United States in 2020 and sold for $ 6.6 million.

6. Beeple - Ocean Front: 6 million dollars

Beeple’s piece Ocean Front aims to speak to the climate change challenge the world is currently facing. This NFT was sold at auction on the Nifty Gateway for 6 million dollars. It was purchased by Justin Sun, founder and director of Tron Foundation. Beeple announced its sale on his Twitter handle, noting his commitment to donate the proceeds to charity to fight global warming.

7. World wide web source code: 5.43 million dollars

This Changes Everything is a reworked copy of the source code from Tim Berners-Le's website. Berners-Le invented the World Wide Web in the early 1990s. This NFT artwork sold for 5.43 million dollars.

8. CryptoPunk 7252: 5.3 million dollars

CryptoPunk 7252, a token from Hall and Watkinson's 9 alien CryptoPunks collection, also makes it onto this top 10 list.

9. XCopy - A Coin for the Free Man: 5.3 million dollars

XCopy is a rather nebulous London artist whose work is identifiable due to its somewhat chaotic, destructive aesthetic, that may remind you of the screen that pops up when your computer has a virus. XCopy is currently one of the most famous digital creators, his NFTs are being sold for millions of dollars.

10. Edward Snowden - Stay free: 5.27 million dollars

The last piece of digital art to make it onto our list of the most expensive NFT artworks in the world is the piece Stay Free created by the American computer scientist and whistleblower Edward Snowden. It is a self-portrait made from pages of a US appeals court decision that ruled that the mass surveillance program Snowden exposed had violated US law.

Sell art online with Artalistic

There you have it, Artalistic’s list of the most expensive NFT artworks in the world compiled at the beginning of 2022. Artalistic does not feature NFT artworks on its online galleries. However, feel free to browse our other carefully curated collections, featuring a wide range of media, including: painting, sculpture, photography and drawing.

Whether you are new to investing in art, an artist looking to build a portfolio, an art dealer or seasoned collector, feel free to reach out to our team of experts with any questions you might have or to get help finding the perfect piece to fit your budget and personal taste.

Painting: the most famous portraits in art history

1. Leonardo da Vinci - Mona Lisa, 1503-1506: the most famous portrait in painting

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian inventor, scientist, writer and a talented and influential artist. Painted between 1503 and 1506, the Mona Lisa is a masterpiece that represents a woman with a landscape behind her that shows an excellent example of atmospheric perspective, as the background slowly diminishes into fog, giving depth and dimension to the painting. The woman is gazing at the viewer, smiling in a mysterious way. Her true identity has long been an enigma.

In 2005, German researchers discovered the Codex Manesse, the single most comprehensive source of Middle High German Minnesang poetry, that gives us the very first clue as to who the woman might be. She is identified as Lisa del Giocondo, a noble woman from Florence. The portrait would have been ordered at the request of her husband who was a merchant.

The painting was famously stolen in 1911. It was found and is now part of the permanent collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris. However, there are countless reproductions of the Mona Lisa in museums around the world.

2. Johannes Vermeer – The Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665

The Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer created his most famous work of art - The Girl with a Pearl Earring - in 1665. The identity of the young woman depicted in the painting remains a mystery. Many art historians believe that she is the painter's eldest daughter, Maria Vermeer. During his life Vermeer created 36 paintings, many of which were genre paintings, depicting scenes of daily life.

The composition of this oil on canvas is striking due to the way Vermeer captured the subject’s noble, crystal-clear gaze. Unlike many of his paintings the woman is not concentrating on a daily chore, the space she is in is dark, captivating the viewer’s eye. This intimate setting, paired with her enigmatic gaze and exotic turban lead some art historian’s to compare this famous painted portrait to the Mona Lisa.

3. Gustav Klimt – Portrait of Adèle Bloch-Bauer I, 1907

The Kiss and the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I are undoubtedly the most famous paintings by the Austrian Symbolist Gustav Klimt. This famous portrait was painted in 1907. It was part of the collection at the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere in Vienna for several years. It was finally returned to the Bloch-Bauer family in 2006, the family sold the piece a few months later for 135 million dollars.

This famous portrait depicts Adele Bloch-Bauer, a wealthy woman from Vienna. Its subtle and beautiful composition showcases the refined and intricate ornamental techniques used during the German Art Nouveau mouvement. It should be noted that Klimt was a member of the Vienna Secession, a group of artists that broke away from the traditional painting techniques used at the time.

This oil on canvas was unique due to Klimt’s signature style that was relied heavily on gold leaf to create an effect that resembled Byzantine mosaics.

4. Pablo Picasso - Portrait of Gertrude Stein, 1905-1906

Pablo Picasso began painting this famous Portrait of Gertrude Stein in 1905 and completed it in 1906.

Gertrude Stein was an influential figure during the artistic avant-garde movement that took place at the beginning of the 20th century. Stein was a writer and art collector that was also associated with the modernist movement, as she introduced several influential artists and writers, including the F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway and the artists Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

This painting captures this independent woman’s self-confidence. Stein was a self-made woman and was one of Picasso’s most important financial supporters at the beginning of his career.

This piece was created during the artist's pink period and can be seen as an homage to Gertrude Stein. Stein stated in her book entitled Picasso,  "I was and still am satisfied with my portrait. To me it represents me, and it is the only reproduction of me that I think still fits me. »

5. Grant Wood - American Gothic, 1930

American Gothic is one of the most famous portraits painted by Grant Wood and many believe it to be one of the most famous pieces of modern American art.

Wood created this painting in 1930. The farmer and the woman depicted are believed to be the artist's younger sister, Nan Wood Graham and his dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby.

Wood wanted the scene to be of a father and daughter, however the painting’s mysterious nature leaves the pair’s relationship open to interpretation: « Technique does not constitute art. Nor is it a vague, fuzzy romantic quality known as ‘beauty,’ remote from the realities of everyday life. It is the depth and intensity of an artist’s experience that are the first importance in art.»

Buy and sell contemporary art online with Artalistic

There you have it, Artalistic’s selection of the most famous painted portraits in art history. Of course, history is full of other masterpieces in portraiture. You may even discover one one our website by a contemporary emerging artist that will accrue value!

Artalistic is a virtual gallery that specializes in buying and selling art online. Our catalog features thousands of pieces of contemporary art, including a wide range of media, from painting, sculpture and photography to drawing and even signed limited edition prints. Our collection features pieces by both well-established and emerging artists.

Artalistic is one of the leading websites for buying and selling contemporary art online. Feel free to contact us, whether you are an amateur or highly experienced art collector or an artist looking to put together a portfolio of art for sale. Our team of passionate experts are ready to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect piece to fit your budget and personal taste. See you soon for the latest news from the art world!

Abstract painting according to Mark Rothko

From Europe to America

Rothko was the youngest of a Latvian family of four children who emigrated to the United States in 1913. He attended Yale University and the Parsons New School for Design in New York. His first attempts in the art world were figurative and influenced by expressionism.

Mark Rothko embarked on a phase of experimental art and joined a circle of painters that emerged during the 1940s that was later called the New York School.

A renaissance in painting

Mark Rothko was part of a group of avant-garde American painters who wished to break away from the realist approach of the 1930s. Their goal was to invent a new and fresh way of painting with a pioneering and innovative spirit after the Great Depression and the Second World War.

Curating an elite group of artists

Peggy Guggenheim opened the gallery Art of this Century in New York in 1942. The gallery showcased works by established European artists with an emphasis on Surrealism and began attracting the attention of a new generation of artists, critics and art dealers searching for innovative work.

The gallery was divided into four distinct spaces dedicated to different painting techniques:  the Abstract Gallery, the Surrealist Gallery, the Kinetic Gallery, and the Daylight Gallery.

Mark Rothko’s distinctive paintings were featured in the Abstract Gallery and his work became widely-recognized by 1949. He was fascinated by Henri Matisse's painting The Red Studio, a piece that had recently become part of the MoMA’s permanent collection. The painting’s use of rectangles and bold use of the color red captivated and inspired him with its vibrant, expressive and fresh way of depicting the world through its flat composition.

The master of abstract expressionism

Mark Rothko was also influenced by the German painter Hans Hofmann and his post-impressionist and cubist theories. He was most drawn to Hofmann’s signature works created during the 1950s and 1960s, in which bold color planes emerge from and recede into energetic surfaces of intersecting and overlapping shapes. Hoffman referred to the pieces that incorporated these expanding and contracting forces Push & Pull.

Mark Rothko's painting techniques radically shifted after discovering Hoffman’s Push & Pull paintings. From that moment on, Rothko focused on creating large scale canvases with rectangular planes of colors that seem to float off of their backgrounds, experimenting with different color combinations and proportion to enhance this optical illusion. By the 1960s Mark Rothko’s paintings were already considered revolutionary and stood apart from other Abstract Expressionist pieces created by his contemporaries.

Color Field Painting

The Abstract Expressionist movement can be separated into two categories:

- Action painting: the artist taps into their emotions and enters a flow state, using broad gestures to drip paint across a canvas. Jackson Pollock is the most famous of the drip painters.

- Color Field Painting: work characterized by expansive areas of a more or less flat single color.

Mark Rothko’s paintings created during the 1950s and 1960s are categorized as Color Field Paintings. Rothko used painting to transport him to the limits of creation, as if on a spiritual quest that aimed to transcend the materialistic world and bring him into a dreamlike state.