Why Does Art Tend To Trend ?

Art trends are driven by a combination of cultural, economic, social, and technological factors. Here are the main elements that contribute to art becoming trendy:

1. Cultural and Social Movements:

• Reflection of the Times: Art often reflects the cultural and social concerns of the moment. Artists create works in response to political events, social issues, or cultural shifts, which resonate with audiences. For example, during times of political upheaval, art that addresses themes like social justice, climate change, or identity politics can become highly relevant and trendy.
• Public Sentiment and Awareness: As societies become more conscious of certain issues (e.g., feminism, racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights), art that embodies these concerns can become popular. This happened with feminist art in the 1970s or activist art during periods of civil unrest.

2. Influence of Art Institutions and Galleries:

• Museum Exhibitions: Major museums and galleries play a significant role in setting trends. When a renowned institution like the MoMA or Tate Modern showcases a particular artist or movement, it often sparks wider interest. For example, the rise in popularity of minimalism or street art can be partly attributed to high-profile exhibitions and retrospectives.
• Gallery Representation: Artists represented by influential galleries often become trendy, as galleries can promote their works through exhibitions, art fairs, and publications. David Zwirner, Gagosian, and Hauser & Wirth are examples of galleries that have the power to bring attention to certain artists, thereby shaping trends.

3. Media and Art Criticism:

• Art Critiques and Reviews: Positive coverage in prestigious art journals and magazines like Artforum, Frieze, or Hyperallergic can elevate an artist’s profile and create buzz around their work. Critics have a major influence on shaping public opinion and highlighting emerging trends.
• Online Platforms and Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have democratized the art world, allowing artists to gain visibility without the backing of galleries. Art that is highly shareable and visually striking, such as bold colors, engaging installations, or interactive works, often trends on social media. Hashtags, influencers, and viral moments can push an artist or art style into the mainstream.

4. Art Fairs and Biennales:

• International Art Fairs: Events like Art Basel, Frieze, and the Venice Biennale are global showcases for contemporary art, attracting collectors, curators, critics, and artists from around the world. These fairs often introduce emerging artists or new art movements, and the pieces that get buzz at these events can become the next big trend.
• Curatorial Influence: The curators of these fairs and biennales have considerable influence on what art gets attention. If a curator includes an artist or a particular theme in a prominent section of a fair, it can trigger a trend.

5. Economic and Market Forces:

• Auction Sales: High auction prices at houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s can create trends in the art market. When an artist’s work sells for record-breaking amounts, it signals that the artist or style is in demand, and collectors and galleries may jump on the trend.
• Art as an Investment: Some collectors view art as an asset, and when a particular genre or artist is seen as a good investment, it can create a surge in demand. For example, contemporary African art has gained traction in recent years partly due to its growing market value.
• Economic Trends: Broader economic conditions also influence art trends. In times of economic growth, more speculative and high-priced art (such as conceptual or contemporary art) might be in vogue, while economic downturns might see a focus on classic, established artists who are seen as safe investments.

6. Technological Innovation:

• Digital Art and NFTs: The rise of digital art and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is one of the biggest recent art trends. NFTs became a global sensation in 2021, with digital artists like Beeple selling works for millions. Blockchain technology has allowed artists to sell and certify digital artworks, opening new markets and reshaping the art world.
• Immersive Art Experiences: Advances in technology have also made immersive art installations and VR/AR art trendy. These interactive and sensory experiences resonate with younger audiences and are popular for their shareability on social media.

7. Art Collectors and Celebrities:

• Celebrity Endorsement: Celebrities who invest in or promote certain artists or styles can drive trends. For example, rapper Jay-Z has collected works by artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley, bringing wider attention to these artists. Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio, and other public figures with art collections can influence what’s trendy in the art world.
• Prominent Collectors: High-profile collectors, like the Rubell family or Eli Broad, also have the power to set trends. Their choices can inspire other collectors, galleries, and curators to pay attention to certain artists, movements, or styles.

8. Globalization and Cross-Cultural Influences:

• Cultural Exchange: As the art world becomes more globalized, cross-cultural influences are shaping trends. Contemporary artists from regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America are gaining more attention in the Western art world. Global biennales and fairs are featuring more artists from non-Western regions, influencing international trends.
• Diaspora and Identity Art: Art dealing with themes of migration, diaspora, and identity has become increasingly popular as global audiences engage with issues around borders, heritage, and personal identity.

9. Collective Movements or Schools of Art:

• Emerging Art Movements: Sometimes, trends emerge from groups of artists who are connected by a common aesthetic or philosophy. For instance, movements like Pop Art in the 1960s or Street Art in the early 2000s gained momentum because of the collective energy of artists who shared similar visions.
• Grassroots Movements: In addition to gallery-driven trends, there are also grassroots movements where artists experiment with materials and mediums. This can be seen with the rise of installation art, found-object sculpture, or post-internet art.

10. Art Education and Academia:

• Influence of Art Schools: The curriculum and artistic philosophy promoted by prestigious art schools (like the Royal College of Art or the School of the Art Institute of Chicago) can shape trends. Graduates from these institutions often set the tone for contemporary art, and their success can influence what galleries and collectors consider important.
• Art Theorists and Scholars: Academic discussions around new art theories or critiques can also generate trends. If a scholar or critic popularizes a new way of interpreting art (e.g., postmodernism or feminist art theory), artists working within that framework might see a rise in attention and value.