Art Glossary

Recto and verso are terms used to describe the right and left pages of an open book, or the front and back of a sheet of paper. In both cases, recto refers to the right-hand page or the front of the (...) read more

Relief printing is a printmaking process where the design to be printed is etched or cut into a surface, leaving only the raised areas to transfer ink. The non-printing areas are removed, so only the (...) read more

A replica is a copy of an artwork that is so precisely made that it is nearly indistinguishable from the original. Artists may create replicas of their own work, or replicas can be produced for (...) read more

Resin can be derived from both natural sources, such as pine sap, and synthetic processes. Natural resin comes from tree sap, while synthetic resin is a type of dense, easily molded plastic. Resin is (...) read more

Romania's contemporary art scene is a thrilling blend of historical narratives and fresh perspectives. Pioneering artists such as Adrian Ghenie and Mircea Cantor are carving out innovative artistic (...) read more

Sand consists of loose grains of material primarily made up of minerals like quartz, mica, and feldspar, as well as small fragments of rocks. Sand paintings are created by pouring colored sand into (...) read more

Screen printing is a technique where ink is transferred through a mesh onto a substrate, with areas blocked by a stencil to prevent ink from passing through. This method, also known as serigraphy or (...) read more

A sculpture is a three-dimension object made using any one of the basic sculpting processes. These include carving, casting, constructing or modeling. Carving materials may be bone, ivory, stone or (...) read more

Serbia's vibrant contemporary art scene is a nexus of past and future, where history intertwines with fresh creativity. Artists like Marina Abramovi? and Ivana Baši? generate conversation, pushing (...) read more

Serigraph is a printmaking process that uses silk screen techniques to create an image. The image is digitally separated into individual colors, each of which is assigned to a separate silk screen. (...) read more

Silkscreen is a printmaking method that uses a screen made of silk or other mesh fabric. The screen is treated with a substance that blocks ink in certain areas, allowing ink to pass through only in (...) read more

South Africa's contemporary art scene is a dynamic blend of heritage and innovation. Renowned artists like William Kentridge and Mary Sibande challenge perceptions, merging global trends with local (...) read more

Spain's contemporary art scene is a vibrant amalgamation of tradition and innovation. Distinguished museums like the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao showcase (...) read more

Stone is a hard, natural material found in the ground and used for various artistic purposes, such as carving statues, creating jewelry, and assembling mosaics. Artists and rock collectors often seek (...) read more

Sweden's contemporary art scene is a progressive fusion of traditional aesthetics and cutting-edge creativity. Acclaimed artists like Nathalie Djurberg and Jonas Dahlberg push boundaries with their (...) read more

Switzerland consistently underscores its position as a central axis in the global contemporary art realm. The country is home to prestigious museums such as the Kunsthaus Zürich and the Fondation (...) read more

Tapestry is a woven form of textile. It is generally heavy, and the completed work has a decorative pattern, design or realistic depiction of a portrait or real life activities. Tapestries were hung (...) read more

Tapestry is a heavy, handwoven textile featuring intricate designs or images woven directly into the fabric. Created by skilled weavers using materials like wool, linen, cotton, silk, and sometimes (...) read more

Tempera is a paint traditionally made by mixing colored pigments with egg yolk. It dries quickly and is highly durable, with some examples dating back to 100 AD still in existence. Modern tempera (...) read more

Textile refers to a flexible material made by weaving, felting, crocheting, knitting, or knotting long strands of natural or synthetic yarn or thread. Textile artists often create their own materials (...) read more

A triennial is a large-scale art exhibition that takes place every three years. These exhibitions often feature the latest artistic developments, works, and emerging artists on an international (...) read more

A triptych is an artwork divided into three sections or panels, often hinged together, allowing it to be displayed open or folded shut. It is a type of polyptych, a term for multi-panel artworks. (...) read more

Ukraine's contemporary art scene reflects a captivating blend of rich heritage and forward-thinking dynamism. Artists such as Pavlo Makov and Anatoly Kryvolap are creating bold, innovative works that (...) read more

Immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of the United Kingdom's contemporary art landscape. Steeped in history yet invigorated by cutting-edge experimentation, it is home to notable institutions (...) read more