Brazilian-born and Miami-made, Pop artist Romero Britto uses vibrant colours, playful themes and abstract compositions to create a style The New York Times says exudes ‘warmth, optimism and love’.
ABSTRACT
If you want to add colour to your home, look no further than the abstract art trend. This ever- popular genre, defined as a ‘visual language of shape, form, colour and line’, was made famous by artists including Jackson Pollock, Wassily Kandinsky, Joan Miró and Mark Rothko. Today, it influences everything from architecture to TikTok trends, with the vibrant colours and harlequin diamond-print of #Clowncore accruing over 200 million views. A regular at the world’s most prestigious galleries and auction houses, abstract art is a trend that refuses to go out of style. The world’s most- auctioned artist, KAWS, mixes abstraction with urban art, whilst the Abstract Expressionist Joan Mitchell is the highest-selling female artist. Abstract art also lends itself well to Pantone’s colour of the year, ‘Very Peri’. According to the brand, this violet-hued blue ‘displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.’ Mix with contrasting tones like pink and red for maximum impact!
Collected by celebrities including Sir Elton John, Sting and Boy George, the neon art of Illuminati Neon pays homage to the punk rock genre. The works are hand-finished at his studio in Shepherd’s Bush, London.
AFFIRMATION
We all need to hear a kind word sometimes, and affirmation art is one of the best ways to remind yourself of your self-worth and uniqueness every day. Positive quotes, or even just mood-boosting words like ‘love’, ‘hope’, ‘bright’ and ‘fun’, can make a huge difference to how you feel whilst expressing your personality or hopes and dreams for the future. The trend coincides with the rising popularity of journalling. While nothing new – Frida Kahlo, Lewis Carroll, Isaac Newton and Abraham Lincoln all kept a journal – the mindful act of recording our personal feelings and insights has now started to focus on the concept of self-affirmation. A can-do statement – for instance Nike’s famous ‘Just Do It’ slogan – can be surprisingly motivating. A study published in the Oxford University Press
journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience showed that practising self-affirmation – for example ‘I will pass my exam’ – activates the reward centres in the brain, making you feel happy and positive. Other studies have shown that affirmations can help to alleviate stress, improve sleep, and even adopt a healthier diet. When incorporating the affirmation art trend in your home, the key is to remain authentic to yourself: what message will help you to challenge negative thoughts, or boost your self-esteem? Pastel shades are fantastic for promoting a sense of calm, while you can have fun mixing quotes in different frames, colours and styles to create a statement gallery wall. You could also consider current typography trends, including big, bold headlines and stylised handwriting.
The playful and imaginative nature of abstract art makes it great for children’s bedrooms. Exuding infectious energy, it can also make a statement in the social hubs of a house, including the kitchen and living room. Focus on colour accents and geometric shapes, or layer textures by experimenting with light-reflecting elements such as metallic finishes and mirrors. A colourful rug or wall mural will also elevate your interior design.
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