Art Glossary

Definitions of Art Forms, Mediums, and Movements

Varia, Country, Art Form, Medium
Image View
Acrylic on canvas

Acrylic on canvas is a technique where acrylic paint is applied to a canvas surface using tools like brushes and palette knives. Acrylic paint is a synthetic medium made from liquid plastic, which (...) read more

Image © Olena Hromova/Shutterstock
Acrylic on paper

Acrylic on paper is a technique that involves using acrylic paints on various paper types and textures. Artists often choose watercolor paper with smooth or rough surfaces to apply acrylics using (...) read more

Image © LightField Studios/Shutterstock
Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made from pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It is water-soluble when wet but becomes water-resistant once dry. Acrylic paints offer unique (...) read more

Image © Martins Vanags/Shutterstock
Acrylic sculpture

Acrylic sculpture refers to both a process and the resulting object. The artist begins by creating a sculpture from clay, plaster, or epoxy, which is then used to make a flexible mold. Melted acrylic (...) read more

Artwork by Alberto Biasi
Airbrush

An airbrush is a device that sprays various media, including paint and ink, using compressed air. Artists use airbrushes to create a smooth, even application of color, often achieving effects that (...) read more

Image © Ronald Rampsch/Shutterstock
Aquagravure

Aquagravure is a technique that combines multiple processes. It involves compressing wet paper pulp in a carved wood mold until the water drains off. The compressed paper is then painted, and ink is (...) read more

Artwork by Bram Bogart
Aquatint

Intaglio is a printmaking technique where the artist creates marks on a metal plate that hold ink or dye. The inked plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the ink to the sheet. This process (...) read more

Artwork by Antony Gormley
Archival Print

An archival print refers to a fine art reproduction of museum quality, created using the highest quality materials and methods. These prints are produced on the finest papers and with inks (...) read more

Artwork by Donald Sultan
Argentina

Contemporary Art in Argentina is a vibrant fusion of traditional and modern influences, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit. From Buenos Aires, the heart of Argentina's (...) read more

Artwork Copyright © Julio Le Parc
Artist Proof

An artist proof traditionally refers to a print impression taken during the printing process to evaluate the current state of the artwork as the artist works on the plate. These proofs often show (...) read more

Assemblage

Assemblage is an artistic process involving the combination of three-dimensional objects to create a work of art. The term, which originates from the French word for assembly, often involves the use (...) read more

Artwork by Anthony Caro
Attribute

Attribute can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an object, symbol, or animal commonly associated with a specific person, often used in art to identify figures, such as a (...) read more

Australia

Contemporary Art in Australia is a dynamic blend of traditional and innovative practices, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage and vibrant spirit. From Sydney, the epicenter of (...) read more

Artwork Copyright © DabsMyla
Austria

Contemporary art in Austria is a vibrant and dynamic field, with a rich history and a thriving present. The country is home to world-class museums like the Albertina and the Mumok in Vienna, which (...) read more

Artwork Copyright © Arnulf Rainer
Authenticity

Authenticity refers to the qualities that define an original artwork as genuine, created by the artist under the original circumstances. A reproduction lacks authenticity because it was not made by (...) read more

Image © Lewis Keegan / Unsplash
Belgium

Belgium's contemporary art scene is a dynamic hub, marked by innovative expressions and globally resonant ideas. Renowned institutions such as M HKA and Wiels serve as important platforms for (...) read more

Artwork Copyright © Pierre Alechinsky
Biennial

A Biennial is an art exhibition held every two years, typically on a large scale with international participants. The first and most famous example is the Venice Biennale, established in 1895 and (...) read more

Image © Rui Alves / Unsplash
Body Print

A body print is an art technique where the artist uses their body as a printing plate. This can be done by smearing grease, margarine, or oil on the skin, hair, and clothes, then pressing the body (...) read more

Brazil

Brazil's contemporary art scene is a vibrant amalgam of cultural expressions, reflecting a rich, diverse heritage. Esteemed institutions like São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and Museum of Contemporary (...) read more

Artwork Copyright © Vik Muniz
Bricolage

Bricolage is the creation or construction of a piece of art using materials that are readily available to the artist. The term is French and roughly translates to do-it-yourself. This approach became (...) read more

Image © cate_89/Shutterstock
Bronze

Bronze is a metal alloy made primarily of copper and tin, with a typical modern composition of 88% copper and 12% tin. Over time, bronze develops a patina, a surface color that often turns deep green (...) read more

Image © yongyut rukkachatsuwa/Shutterstock
Bulgaria

Bulgaria's contemporary art scene brims with diverse artistic expressions, reflecting its rich historical tapestry. Prestigious institutions like Sofia City Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary (...) read more

Artwork Copyright © Javacheff Christo
C-Print

A C-type print, also known as a chromogenic print, is a photographic print made from a color negative or slide. The print is created on chromogenic paper, which contains three emulsion layers, each (...) read more

Artwork by Vanessa Beecroft
Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a visual art closely related to writing, involving the creation of decorative lettering or handwriting using a brush or pen. Contemporary calligraphy is the art of giving form to (...) read more

Image © Zhenia Perutska/Shutterstock
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Est. 2005 — twenty years of collecting, online.