This week, we explore a recent trend that’s not directly related to art market sales. When looking at gallery exhibits and solo shows, I’ve noticed that art galleries and collectors give more recognition to artists who abstract the human form in their work. In other words, they illustrate subjects that read as human, but with unrealistic bodies and/or faces. Meaning unnaturally smooth skin, simplified faces, abnormal limbs, etc. Our brains are able to recognize the human elements, even though theRead more
Posts filed in: Creative Inspiration
6 Design Ideas for the Cut & Sew T-Shirt
When it comes to displaying your art on apparel, the Cut & Sew T-Shirt might just be your most versatile canvas. From the bottom hem to the collar, you can cover every inch with your own art. Think far outside the traditional chest print while designing your t-shirts. If you’re curious about how the printing process works, it’s all in the name “Cut & Sew.” Our manufacturing partner first cuts and prints each piece of your shirt separately, then sewsRead more
Art Trends: The Father of Photography Returns
As with every trend, interest fluctuates over time. No trend remains in the dusty volumes of art history books. Lately, the art world has rekindled its interest in photography in the same way it did when Vivian Maier’s photographs were found. For some unknown reason, photography brings in less money in the market than paintings. Perhaps it’s because there’s a persistent debate on whether photography is on the same level of art forms like painting and sculpture. However, in theRead more
Get Your Incredible Art Featured on Threadless!
We at Threadless want to introduce your art to millions of folks around the world. Not just because it gives us the warm fuzzies in our tum-tums (it totally does), but because it helps you—an independent artist—succeed. That’s the sole reason why Threadless exists. All of the visuals you see on our homepage, social media, blog, and email newsletters feature original designs made by our diverse community. We use our platforms to put your art in front of people whoRead more
Art Trends: The Surge of Immersive Art Experiences
Last time, we discussed Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Warrior potentially becoming the most expensive Western work of art sold at auction in Asia. In March, that potential became a reality after the painting sold for approximately $41.8 million. This week, however, we’re shifting our focus from the art market to innovative trends in art institutions. Let’s talk about immersive art experiences! Interestingly, immersive exhibits aren’t new. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror installations have been popular since debuting in the ‘60s. You may haveRead more
You Can Help Protect the Environment with Your Art
Why should we care about the environment? The answer is simple. It provides us and all living species with the natural resources we need for survival, good health, and quality of life. It’s our duty to protect the environment so it may continue providing for future generations to come. But what can you do as an artist to raise awareness for environmental issues and make an impact in the world? One option to consider is Threadless Causes. This Artist ShopsRead more
Art Trends: Basquiat’s Rise to Global Notoriety
The last Art Trends post covered the work of 15th century Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli. Now, we’re exploring more contemporary art as we dive into one of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s paintings. The late Basquiat is a well-known artist typically associated with Pop artist Andy Warhol. However, despite his close connection with Warhol, Basquiat himself was not a Pop artist. In fact, he was a Neo-Expressionist. Why are we talking about Basquiat in an Art Trends post in 2021? Well, on MarchRead more
Art Trends: Botticelli’s $92.2 Million Dollar Painting
For our next installment of Art Trends, we’re taking it back to the 15th century. Yes, thus far I’ve mostly referenced contemporary art, but now it’s time to switch things up! In the art market, trends don’t always involve contemporary work. Sometimes old documents resurface or new studies emerge on the “masters,” which result in their paintings selling for high prices at auctions. An art canonical “master”can also trend in the market when paintings previously stowed away in private collectionsRead more
World Building: Queer Black Artists and the Portrayal of Desire (Warning: NSFW Images)
CAUTION: This post on queer Black artists features art depicting nudity and sexually explicit acts, as well as photography with partial nudity. In honor of Black History Month, I want to focus on a trend within a specific group of artists, rather than the art market. It is important to note how Black artists, especially queer Black artists, have created their own spaces and modes of representation in the art world. Their contribution to the development of contemporary art isRead more
Art Trends: Surrealism and the Work of Leonora Carrington
Who comes to mind when we think about Surrealism? Salvador Dalí? Andre Bréton? René Magritte? Or maybe Max Ernst? These are the most common names one associates with the movement. They are the Surrealists we frequently see in museums, contemporary references, and art history books. What about the artists we don’t see? In other words, what about women? It took many years of art history courses for me to learn about women’s presence in art before the late 1940s. ItRead more
2020 Year in Review: The Resilience and Growth of Our Artist Community
2020 was a gauntlet. From a global pandemic to natural disasters, the year’s onslaught of events had a tremendous impact on the whole world. But doom and gloom weren’t the prevailing themes of the year. Instead, they were perseverance and togetherness in isolation. We’re incredibly proud of the entire Threadless community for not only showing resilience, but also coming together to serve those in need during critical times. This could not have been possible without YOU. Your captivating art wasRead more
New Product Update: Add Ultra Premium Masks to Your Artist Shop!
The holidays are upon us, yet the global pandemic rages on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommend that everyone wears a cloth face covering while out in public to protect themselves and their neighbors. In other words, everyone must get more comfortable wearing face masks. We want to help you and your customers accomplish this goal. Add our recently launched Ultra Premium Face Mask to your Artist Shop today! This new addition to the Threadless catalogRead more