Art Glossary

Abstract art uses form, shape, line, and color to create a visual experience without attempting to represent external reality. The composition exists independently of the world's visual references, (...) read more

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Characterized by large, abstract canvases, the movement emphasized spontaneous, expressive (...) read more

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

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

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

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

Action Painting is a style of painting where the physical act of creating art—such as gestural brushstrokes, splashing or dripping paint, or moving and dancing while applying paint—is considered (...) read more

Viennese Actionism was a short-lived but intense art movement in the 20th century, emerging as part of the broader action art efforts of the 1960s. Known for its violent and provocative performances, (...) read more

Activist Art is a form of art created to address social and political issues. It often involves public engagement and works closely with communities to raise awareness or inspire change. While it can (...) read more

The Aesthetic Movement emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the beauty and sensual qualities of art over practical or moral considerations. It promoted the idea of creating art for its own (...) read more

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

American Abstract Artists (AAA) is an organization founded in New York City in 1936 to promote abstract art and its appreciation in the United States. At a time when abstract art faced strong (...) read more

Animation is the process of displaying a sequence of static images in rapid succession to create the illusion of movement. Each image, or frame, is slightly altered from the previous one, (...) read more

Anti-Art refers to artwork that challenges traditional definitions of art. The term is often attributed to artist Marcel Duchamp, who pioneered the use of readymades—everyday objects presented as (...) read more

Appropriation in art involves using pre-existing images or objects with little or no modification. This technique has played a significant role across various art forms, including visual arts, music, (...) read more

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

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

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

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

Art Brut, a French term meaning Raw Art, was coined by Jean Dubuffet to describe art created outside the conventional fine arts tradition. Dubuffet used the term to refer to works made by self-taught (...) read more

Art Fabrication is a process used in the production of technically challenging or large-scale artworks. It occurs when a designer or artist is unable to fully realize their concept or design on their (...) read more

Art Informel is a French term referring to the gestural and improvisational techniques common in abstract painting during the 1940s and 50s. It encompasses various styles that dominated these (...) read more

Art Intervention refers to art created with the intention of interacting with an existing situation, structure, artwork, audience, or institution. This form of art gained popularity in the 1960s as (...) read more

Arte Nucleare was the name of an artist group founded in Milan in 1951. The group aimed to create art that responded to the dangers and technologies of the nuclear age. Their works often utilized (...) read more