Modern Wall Art and Decor: A Contemporary Twist on Tradition

Since prehistoric times, mankind has created and admired artwork. Early cave dwellers drew artistic figures in lieu of an alphabet. By painting figures on the wall of a cave, prehistoric man could tell stories about their everyday existence. These drawings were actually the first attempts at story telling and the documentation of the existence and history of a people.

As human societies became more sophisticated, so did its art. From Egyptian hieroglyphs to Greco-Roman architecture, painting and sculpture, art has always served two functions: Art is an expression of beauty, emotion and nature and it is a primary medium in the documentation and narration of historical figures and events. These functions were highly developed through the opulent paintings and frescos of the Renaissance. Art has always been a reflection of the times and human condition in which it is created.

The interest in creating and collecting art has always been with us. People are drawn to paintings and sculpture that captures their interpretation of perfection. Exquisite and elegant pieces of art can be found in every style and medium, from the serenity of a traditional still life in oils to the underlying tone of revolution in a cubist interpretation painted in acrylics.

Modern art was born out of many revolutions in thought, style and interpretation. The birth of modern art came from many sources and influences, including folk art, futurism, expressionism and impressionism. Genres such as color field painting, Dadaism, minimalism, op art, photorealism, avant garde, and pop art are all modern expressions of human emotion and social conditions.

Abstract wall art focuses on the thoughts and unconsciousness of the artist, rather than an expression of physical realism. Once ridiculed, it has become more understood and appreciated in recent times. As interior decorating has moved to a more contemporary, minimalist style, abstract wall art has gained in popularity and prevalence.

While it is an obvious choice in a contemporary decorating scheme, more and more people are being drawn to an eclectic mix of styles and they find that abstract wall art adds a perfect counterpoint of the bold and unexpected. You will find people adding new age furniture and accessories in a traditional setting and then use a bold splash of color in a piece of abstract wall art to create a strong yet simple focal point. The lack of a realistic depiction in abstract wall art lends to its ability to blend and adapt to other styles. When using abstract wall art in this way, besides color, what you are searching for is the feel or vibe that you get from a piece of abstract wall art. Modern metal wall sculpture is used in a similar fashion and it creates the added dimension of depth and texture to a wall. Metal art is a perfect complement to any contemporary design scheme and it can add a dramatic contrast within a more traditional interior.

You can shop for metal wall sculpture and abstract wall art in galleries and art exhibits. But retail sources also carry pieces at reasonable prices. Don’t overlook art auctions and browse the Internet as another source for modern abstract wall art. As with any piece of art, search for pieces that strike a chord within your soul.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Paintings" courtesy of adotjdotsmith.