Art trends in 2022

This year has been one for the books – 13 Affordable Art Fairs in nine different countries! We love watching thousands of happy art lovers perusing the aisles and finding something they love.

As 2022 comes to a close, our Fair Directors look back on the art trends they spotted over the last year. From metallic surfaces and vibrant pop art to expressive sculptural works and digital art – it’s a diverse and eclectic mix!

Blythe Bolton – Fair Director, Amsterdam and Brussels

It intrigues me to see how many artists expertly incorporated metallic surfaces into their works this year. From the painstakingly paper sculpted universes of Anne Feat Gaiss to the copper backdrops of Maxim Probst’s otherworldly male nudes. Metallic works are best enjoyed in real life. The way they shimmer and play with light is hard to fully appreciate through a phone or computer screen.

I was also fascinated by artists working with unusual materials. From fishing nets and COVID tests to recycled computer components and cardboard. Many of these artists are using found objects or waste materials and giving a second life to items that would normally end up in the bin. The resulting artworks are both beautiful and make a statement on how we might live more sustainably.

Alan Koh – Fair Director, Singapore

We noticed a number of expressive and colourful paintings that were very popular, such as Joaquin Valdez’s ‘Blue Room’ and Camilo Celis’ ‘Messi’.

Pop art and sculptural works also appealed to buyers, such as the bear popsicle sculptures by Yu Uchida. Abstracts are still a firm favourite such as Kris Ancog’s ‘Vulnerability 24’.

Carl Wilhelm Hirsch – Fair Director, Stockholm

It’s great to see the trend of sculptures making their way into people’s homes grow even further. The past two editions of the fair have seen an exponential growth in the medium and it is fascinating to see it is not just local artists, but very different expressions and origins being bought. 

Hugo Barclay – Fair Director, UK

Despite the timing of our Prime Minster resigning mid-way through the last London edition of the Affordable Art Fair, we saw growth in art sales.

There is no hiding that the UK continues to weather a political and economic uncertainty, my one observation is people are buying hope.

Art defies politics. People seem to be seeking out artworks that speak of stability, that shows us there can be light even in darker, wintery British days.

Will Ramsay, CEO and Founder

In terms of art trends, I think digital art will continue to increase as a medium used by artists. I very much hope that art buyers will begin to appreciate that digital art (be it video or still images) can fit into a domestic setting just as well as more traditional media.

Which of these art trends appeal to you? We’re looking forward to seeing what’s hot in 2023. Make sure you mark our upcoming fair dates in your calendar!